PNR tests Main Line South (Manila to Bicol Railway)

The Philippine National Railways (PNR) just concluded an inspection trip through Tutuban, Manila; San Pablo, Laguna; Lucena City, Quezon Province; and Sipocot, Naga City and Iriga City in Camarines Sur.

The Main Line South (MLS) is now open up to Iriga City and ready to receive the transfer of rolling stock material between Manila and Bicol.

The PNR inspection team comprised of combined elements from PNR Operations Engineering, Rolling Stock Management and Planning left Manila on 20 September and returned on 23 September 2019.

The inspection trip coincided with the traditional Peñafrancia express special trip dispatched by PNR since 1939 to coincide with the feast day of Our Lady of Peñafrancia.

The Naga-Tutuban inspection run clocked in 12 hours and 44 minutes, 3 hours faster than the usual Naga-Manila rail trip duration.

The inspection was made in preparation for the reopening of the Sipocot-Naga-Legazpi commuter service. PNR completed in workshop rehabilitation the 60-year-old Kiha KH59 “Kogane” train for the event.

Source: DOTr