The Philippine National Railways (PNR) has introduced two new diesel multiple unit (DMU) trains from Indonesia’s PT INKA, costing PHP485.31 million. Each three-coach train can carry 750 passengers per trip and will operate on the Malabon and FTI routes starting in December 2024. Also, PNR has expanded its operational routes from 17 to 36 under the Duterte administration. Additional train sets are expected in January 2020, boosting passenger capacity by 16,000 daily without increasing fares.
The train procurement is part of the government’s PHP3.5 billion allocation for rail improvements under the 2018 budget. Other key projects include the Bicol railway, set for partial operations in 2021, the Malolos terminal, expected by 2022, and the Manila subway, which will commence construction work soon.
