The state-owned Philippine National Railways unveiled Wednesday two sets of brand new diesel multiple unit trains bought from Indonesian firm PT. Industri Kereta Api (Persero) “PT INKA” for P485.31 million.
Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, who led the unveiling rites at Manila’s South harbor, said the train units, each with three coaches, would be fully operational by Dec. 16.
“When we assumed [office in] the administration of President [Rodrigo] Duterte, there were only 17 routes. As we speak today, there are already 36 operating routes, and that is performance indeed,” said Tugade.
“By January next year, we are expecting to have a total of 40 operating coaches,” he added, referring to the expected arrival of the second batch of INKA DMU train, 4 sets with 4 coaches each.
The first two trains will ply the Malabon and FTI route.
Each coach can accommodate 250 passengers per trip.
PNR general manager Junn Magno said the safeguards were in place to ensure that the trains would be reliable.
Despite the new purchases, PNR said it was not inclined to seek a fare hike, according to Magno.
Also present in the event was Indonesian Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Sinyo Harry Sarundajang, who pledged support for the Philippines’ infrastructure thrust.
“It is my honor to witness the first delivery of train sets this morning… other Indonesian state-owned corporations look forward to supporting the ‘Build Build Build’ project of President Duterte to strengthen the Philippine economy,” he said.
The total allocation for the procurement of the new PNR trains is P3.5 billion from the 2018 General Appropriations Act.
