Faster trains for new Bicol Express

NAGA CITY – R175 billion will be allocated for the new Bicol Express under the Philippine National Railways (PNR) reconstruction program.

The revival of the Manila-to-Bicol train line was agreed upon by the Philippine and Chinese governments through an Official Development Assistance (ODA) after the Duterte administration abolished all the Public-Private Partnership financing programs for infrastructure initiated by the previous administration.

Department of Transportation Secretary Cesar Chavez said the deal, to be signed by the Philippine and Chinese heads of the state during the ASEAN summit this November, signals the reconstruction of the railway line from Manila to Matnog, Sorsogon.

Chavez said the new trains will travel at speeds of 80 to 100 kilometers per hour, cutting travel time to just six hours.

The existing 32 PNR stations will be reduced to six.

Chavez said the new trains are powered by locomotive diesel engines and based on a European model.

The rails will be replaced by an international gauge standard.

Chavez said the four-phased reconstruction is expected to be completed in three years.

The first thing the government needs to do is resettle the almost 1,000 squatter families living along the railroad track and in other PNR properties.

About R54 billion is being allocated for the relocation and clearing operations.

During the Bicol Express forum in Naga City recently, Chavez explained to Bicolano leaders the Duterte administration’s bold plan to upgrade the railway system in Southern Luzon.

The forum was attended by Vice President Leni Robredo, Camarines Sur 3rd district Representative Gabby Bordado, Naga City Mayor John Bongat and National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Undersecretary Mercideta Sorbilla.