PNR unveils 2 new trains

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine National Railways (PNR) continues to modernize and ramp up its fleet with the addition of two new train sets from Indonesia.

The PNR recently unveiled two new train sets consisting of four rail cars each set.

The additional trains form part of the 2018 train procurement and PNR’s refleeting strategy which aims to boost the country’s railway capacity and frequency of trips.

The 8100 series of diesel multiple unit rail cars is targeted to ply the Tutuban to Alabang route once deployed for operation and is expected to serve 1,000 passengers per trip.

The new train sets, however, will have to undergo first a 150-hour validation and static test before being deployed for commercial operations.

Last December, the PNR also received two brand new train sets which are part of the 37 rail cars and three locomotives ordered from PT Inka of Indonesia.

One train set from Japan consisting of three coaches which can accommodate 81 passengers was also included in the main line last December. 

Aside from expanding and modernizing its fleet, the PNR last year also extended its rail services farther to the south with the addition of new stations.

The PNR line starting from Tutuban, Manila has added five new flag stop stations past the Calamba station. The new stations are Pansol, Masili, Los Baños, College, and the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).