The two new Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) trains supplied by Indonesian rolling stock manufacturer PT Industri Kereta Api (INKA) will be deployed upon the resumption of the PNR’s operations, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said in a statement Tuesday.
The new train sets, the department said, arrived at the Port of Manila on March 28.
“DMU trains have additional security features such as obstacle door detectors to prevent passengers from getting caught in between doors and a tropicalized air-conditioning system designed to ideally function in the country’s climate. The trains also have polycarbonate glass windows which are stronger against damages, especially in the wake of stone-throwing incidents along the PNR line,” it said.
In February, two other train sets were delivered from Indonesia. The DoTr said the trains have been serving passengers since their arrival.
“This latest addition of train sets forms part of the PNR’s 2018 train procurement that aims to transform and improve the services of the country’s rail network. Each train set has a capacity of 1,000 passengers per trip, and will serve the PNR’s Metro Line from Tutuban to Alabang,” the department said.
The PNR has added five more stations after Calamba City. The new stations are Pansol, Masili, Los Baños, College in Los Baños, and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI). A new set of trains from Japan was also added.
“The PNR purchased a total of 37 railcars expected to be delivered in the country by batches,” the DoTr said.
“Once all procured new train sets are operational, the PNR targets to serve a total of 140,000 passengers per day — at least double the current capacity of 48,000 to 60,000 passengers daily,” it added. — Arjay L. Balinbin
