DOTC to receive new steel rails for MRT-3 by June

MANILA  — The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) on Thursday said that brand new steel rails for the Metro Rail Transit (MRT)-3 are to be acquired by the agency in June this year.

To recall, these brand new steel rails for the MRT-3 were only recently-procured by the DOTC. A total of 7,296 linear meters’ worth of rails will be received.

DOTC said that these will be used for further rail replacement works later this year to better assure the railway’s safety and reliability.

As the agency awaits the arrival of the new rails, DOTC Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya meanwhile sought for the public’s patience and understanding as replacement work for rails are already being carried out this weekend.

Replacement work during the weekends is part of the agency’s commitment to enhance safety and minimize glitches at the MRT-3.

This will involve 150 meters’ worth of stabling rails from the depot to replace the more critical portions of the mainline between Taft Avenue and Magallanes.

Operations at the MRT-3 will close early at 9 pm this Saturday (Feb 28) and open late 12 nn on Sunday (March 1) to give way to rail replacement works.

Abaya also reassured the public that the agency will continue to fulfill its promise to improve and rehabilitate the MRT-3 system.

The timetable on completion of replacement works has yet to be announced.