The PNR is looking into the viability of repurposing its current alignment to the south of Luzon for freight use, for the meantime that the government has yet to secure a financier for the revival of the Bicol Express, also called the PNR South Long Haul.
Transportation Undersecretary Jeremy Regino told The STAR that the PNR is transferring trains to its existing lines in Southern Tagalog and Bicol Region.
To recall, the PNR has stopped its commuter services in Metro Manila to make way for the civil works of the P873.62 billion North-South Commuter Railway. To maximize rail assets, the PNR is bringing locomotives to the southern segment.
One of the PNR’s plans is to operate cargo trains between Calamba, Laguna and Legazpi in Albay by 2025. In particular, the government looks to build a dry port in Calamba where containers can be carried in and out of the freight trains.
The PNR may require a maximum of P5 billion to develop the project based on initial estimates and Regino prays that legislators will give it a chance by allocating a budget for it.
This story is from the July 15, 2024 edition of The Philippine Star.
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This story is from the July 15, 2024 edition of The Philippine Star.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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