MRT plans rapid replacement of worn-out rails

After getting new maintenance service providers for the Metro Rail Transit (MRT) 3, the government is scheduling next the replacement of worn out rails of the aging mass transport system.

Rail replacement is expected to start soon with the recent delivery of 7,296 linear meters of brand new steel rails for the MRT 3. To recall, the MRT 3 had to use its stabling rails to replace critical portions of the tracks due to depleted stocks of rails.

The stabling rails, which serve as parking for trains at the MRT 3 depot, were used to replace 348 meters of rails between Magallanes and Taft Avenue Stations and another 126 meters between the Santolan and Ortigas Stations. The MRT 3 is 16.9 kilometers long but the actual length of the tracks is 16.6 kilometers.

It is not immediately clear when the rail replacement works will commence but the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) said it will “more likely be conducted during nonoperating hours in order to avoid any disruptions to the rail line’s services.”

Over the weekend, a group of six maintenance contractors began rendering services to the MRT 3, replacing the the joint venture of Autre Porte Technique (APT) Global, Inc. and Global Epcom Services, Inc. (Global APT), which maintained the MRT 3 since September 2013.

“The turnover had been smooth so far,” MRT 3 general manager Roman Buenafe said.