Manila Welcomes New Trains After Years of Delays on MRT-3 Line

Manila has launched new trains on MRT-3 after eight years of delays, marking a major step in the city’s efforts to modernize its public transportation network. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The dispute began when 12 four-car Class 3100 trains, delivered by CRRC Dalian in 2017, were found incompatible with the existing system. These trains, purchased for $63.3 million, remained idle for years at the North Avenue depot.

The issue sparked political tension as the Senate, led by Senator Raffy Tulfo, suggested returning the trains for a refund. However, officials chose to resolve the matter through technical modifications instead of canceling the deal.

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Manila Officials Approve Train Modifications

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced the rollout of three trains, each with three coaches, on July 16. He assured the public that work will continue until all units operate on the line.

CRRC Dalian agreed to fix compatibility problems at no cost to the government. TÜV Rheinland conducted a technical audit, while Sumitomo Corporation handled safety checks to ensure the trains met compliance standards before entering service.

How Manila MRT-3 Benefits from New Trains?

Each train accommodates up to 1,200 passengers, boosting capacity on a route serving 380,000 commuters daily. The upgrade will also reduce train intervals from four minutes to two and a half, easing congestion during peak hours.

The launch of these trains represents a vital improvement in Manila’s urban transit, addressing long-standing capacity issues and setting the stage for a more efficient transportation system.

Source: www.railjournal.com

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