3rd set of Dalian trains to hit MRT-3 tracks soon

MANILA — Another set of trains purchased from Chinese firm, CCRC Dalian, is set to be deployed to the rail line of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3), according to the Department of Transportation (DOTr).

“(The) commissioning of the third train set is ongoing. This will be deployed to the mainline for validation testing by February,” DOTr communications director, Godess Hope Libiran, said in a text message to reporters Monday.

The train set will be undergoing a 1,000 kilometer-test run for 150 hours before these are deployed during peak hours of the MRT-3’s operations.

Once the validation testing is concluded, the Philippine National Railways (PNR) will evaluate if the train set can be utilized for the regular operations of the railway system.

“If PNR endorses that the train set be allowed to run regularly at the MRT-3 mainline, MRT-3 will sign an acceptance document,” according to Libiran.

The MRT-3 has deployed its first train set, which consists of three cars from Oct. 27 to Nov. 21 last year, while another was deployed from December 11 to 23, 2018.

A total of 48 Dalian light rail vehicles were delivered to the country in 2016 but were not deployed to the MRT line due to compatibility issues.

Supplier CCRC Dalian eventually agreed to absorb the costs for the adjustments of the trains.

This development comes as the MRT management starts the rehabilitation of the railway system and its facilities this month.

The upgrade of the MRT-3 will take about 43 months, with the first 26 months focused on the rehabilitation of the entire system.

The 16-kilometer MRT rail line from North Avenue in Quezon City to Taft Avenue in Pasay City currently accommodates an average of 300,000 passengers per day.