Overhaul of MRT-3 trains to be completed by 2023
THE overhaul of Metro Rail Transit Line 3’s (MRT-3) light rail vehicles (LRVs) is expected to be completed by early next year, an official said.
The Department of Transportation (DoTr) said the general overhaul of the MRT-3 train cars is part of the comprehensive rehabilitation of the rail line along EDSA. It aims to restore the MRT-3 to its high-grade design condition.
The number of revamped LRVs rose to 43 this month, with two LRVs deployed on Feb. 9. At present, 29 more train cars are scheduled for overhaul by the MRT-3 maintenance provider.
Work on the remaining 29 train cars will be completed by “April 2023,” MRT-3 Director for Operations Michael J. Capati told BusinessWorld in a phone message last week.
MRT-3 service providers Sumitomo Corp., Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Engineering, Ltd., and TES Philippines, Inc. have been contracted to overhaul all 72 LRVs.
They were also tasked to replace mainline tracks, rehabilitate power and overhead catenary systems, upgrade signaling, communications and CCTV systems, and repair all escalators and elevators.
The government imposed a 30% cap on rail passenger capacity during the strictest phases of the community quarantine. It was raised to 70% starting Nov. 4, 2021.
The MRT-3 rehabilitation project has reduced travel time from the North Avenue Station to the Taft Avenue Station to 45 minutes from the previous one hour and 15 minutes, the department noted. — Arjay L. Balinbin
