Six Indonesian railcars to boost PNR service

December 16, 2019

The Department of Transportation said Monday six new Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) railcars  from Indonesia will increase the capacity of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) to 73,500 passengers per day from the current 60,000 passengers. 

The six DMU train cars, manufactured by the Indonesian firm PT-INKA, form two train sets of three railcars each expected to add 18 to 20 more trips per day on its assigned routes from Tutuban (Manila) to FTI (Taguig City) and from Malabon to FTI.

The PNR's metro line runs from Tutuban in Manila to Los Baños in Laguna.

Each of the new railcars can carry 250 passengers. A total of 750 passengers can be accommodated in the three railcars per trip.

"This is the manifestation of all our hard work and the start of the transformation of Philippine railways. And this is the reflection of the leadership this country have today, starting with the President, with our [Transportation] Secretary and the people behind this success,” said Junn Magno, PNR general manager. 

Magno said the arrival of the two train sets was ahead of the original schedule of February 2020.

DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade commended the PNR for working on  improving operations and services.

He said through the efforts of PNR, the number of operating stations have increased to 37 from only 14 when he assumed office in 2016.

"Today, we are gathered here not only to take a ride on the train, but also to celebrate the transformation that is coming up and coming in, in so far as the PNR is concerned. Today, let's celebrate the transformation," Tugade said.

Last year, the DOTr, through the PNR, signed a deal with PT INKA for the purchase of new railcars and locomotives. This is the first batch out of the 37 railcars and three locomotives to be delivered to the country.

The remaining railcars will be delivered by batches in 2020. DMS