Defense of the Republic of the Philippines

Miscellaneous and non-defense topics => Infrastructure and Nautical Highways => Topic started by: Dutch on November 01, 2017, 10:04:50 PM

Title: PNR South Long-Haul Project (a.k.a. PNR Bicol)
Post by: Dutch on November 01, 2017, 10:04:50 PM
See also:

Philippine National Railways (http://defenseph.net/drp/index.php?topic=3870.0)
NSRP South Line – Commuter Line (http://defenseph.net/drp/index.php?topic=3932.0)

Station     Most recent photo
     
Long-Haul (South)     
     
Lucena City     
Gumaca (http://defenseph.net/drp/index.php?topic=3939.0)     
Hondagua (https://defenseph.net/drp/index.php?topic=4104.0)
Aloneros (http://defenseph.net/drp/index.php?topic=5939.0)
Tagkawayan (http://defenseph.net/drp/index.php?topic=4105.0)     
     
Long-Haul extension     
     
Sorsogon     
Matnog     
     
Station     Most recent photo
     
Bicol Commuter (https://defenseph.net/drp/index.php?topic=5830.0)

See FB extension here (https://www.facebook.com/groups/rpdefense/permalink/1844602255625613/)
     
     
Sipocot station (http://defenseph.net/drp/index.php?topic=3918.0)     July 13, 2017
Libmanan station (http://defenseph.net/drp/index.php?topic=3917.0)     January 2011
Pamplona station (http://defenseph.net/drp/index.php?topic=3930.0)      
Naga station (http://defenseph.net/drp/index.php?topic=3914.0)     July 13, 2017
Pili station (http://defenseph.net/drp/index.php?topic=3929.0)      
Iriga station (http://defenseph.net/drp/index.php?topic=3916.0)     Circa 2016
Polangui station (http://defenseph.net/drp/index.php?topic=3926.0)      
Ligao station (http://defenseph.net/drp/index.php?topic=3925.0)      
Travesia station (http://defenseph.net/drp/index.php?topic=3924.0)      
Daraga station (http://defenseph.net/drp/index.php?topic=3923.0)      
Legazpi station (http://defenseph.net/drp/index.php?topic=3919.0)     January 3, 2017


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Route Map

(http://defenseph.net/bootcamp/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Final_Map2.jpg)
PNR Southern Luzon route (Image from the website of the Philippine National Railways)


Long-Haul & Long-Haul Extension

https://ppp.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/NSRP_PIM_FINAL.pdf

(http://defenseph.net/bootcamp/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/rail-1.jpg)



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P175-B development aid from China to revive PNR’s Bicol Express | Inquirer.net (http://business.inquirer.net/239005/pnr-bicol-express-reconstruction-china-loan) - 21 October 2017
Quote
By: Juan Escandor Jr.

NAGA CITY — Using the P175-billion overseas development aid to be borrowed from China, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) will revive the operation of the Philippine National Railway’s Bicol Express with reconstruction of a new railway system from Manila to Bicol, Undersecretary for Rails Cesar Chavez said.

“It is not a rehabilitation,” Chavez said at the Bicol Express Modernization Forum held here on Friday. “It will be a reconstruction. Everything will be new. New railways. New train wagons. New stations. New modalities.”

Chavez said China and the Philippines is set to sign the loan agreement of P175 billion payable in 20 years at 2 percent interest per annum on Nov. 16 and 17 at the time of the 31st Asean Summit and Related Meeting in Manila.

He said the revived Bicol Express would take six hours to reach Bicol from Manila with a design speed of 120 kph and operational speed of 80 kph.

With a timetable from 2018-2022, he said the reconstruction of the new railway system would be undertaken through Chinese general consultancy services while the determination of the firms to undertake the actual construction was still under negotiations.

He said there would be nine new train stations from Paco in Manila to Matnog town in Sorsogon, stretching 683 km of newly constructed railways following international standards.

He enumerated the nine train stations to be constructed as Paco, FTI, Los Bańos, Lucena City, Gumaca, Pili/Naga, Legazpi/Camalig, Sorsogon City and Matnog.

Chavez said China wpi;d bring in and transfer technology and operational expertise to Filipino engineers and operators while utilizing Chinese consultants and contractors. Filipino engineers would handle the maintenance and operation, he said.

< Edited >

Chavez said P45 billion of the project cost would be spent for the resettlement of affected families living within the trunk line while some P9 billion would be spent for land acquisition for the new alignment of the railways.

He said the civil works would cost P102.72 billion; station development and depot, P1.4 billion; electrical and mechanical system, P4.08 billion; rolling stock (trains), P11.60 billion; machinery and equipment, P1.37 billion; and pre-operating expenses, P400 million.

< Edited >
Title: Re: PNR’s Bicol Express
Post by: adroth on September 11, 2018, 12:42:30 PM
How does such an important service stay offline for so long?

Quote
From: https://www.seat61.com/Philippines.htm

In late 2011, Philippine National Railways resumed daily long-distance passenger trains between Manila and Naga City, previously discontinued some years previously due to typhoon damage.  The Bicol Express train is a comfortable and safe way to travel between Manila and Naga, overnight with comfortable air-conditioned sleepers bought second-hand from Japanese Railways.  From 16 March 2012, the Mayon Limited (now Isarog Limited) trains were added, and train service extended beyond Naga to Ligao, not far short of Legazpi.  It's hoped to extend trains all the way to Legazpi by mid to late 2012.  PNR also operate metro trains around Manila.

Current situation:  Train service 'temporarily' cancelled...

After hurricane damage, these trains were suspended in late 2012 and are still suspended in 2018.  It's not clear when or if train service will be reinstated in fact it may never run again in its current narrow-gauge form.
Title: Re: PNR’s Bicol Express
Post by: adroth on September 13, 2018, 05:03:47 AM
Why rail service to Bicol stopped.

Quote
Bicol Express revival hinges on safety issues
Lawrence Agcaoili (The Philippine Star) - December 29, 2013 - 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines - The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) said the revival of the Bicol Express service would hinge on the findings of the CPCS Transcom Ltd. of Canada if it is safe to revive the operations of the 422-kilometer railway.

Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya said the train service from Metro Manila to Legazpi. Albay would not be revived unless the safety of the commuting public is assured.

“I for one, if I would only look at the economic side of the project would have given it a go signal. However, I am mindful of safety so I have given specific instructions not to run the service unless someone could certify that it is safe,” Abaya stressed.

He pointed out that the agency is awaiting the results of the study of the Canadian firm on the train service operated by the state-run Philippine National Railways (PNR) from Calamba in Laguna to Legazpi City.

“I am answerable to our people and anything that happens to the passengers of PNR is something that my conscience would carry. So I have requested the Canadians to likewise look and comment on areas that we should work on and to certify that the Bicol Express is safe,” he added.


Since the revival of its operation in June of 2011, the Bicol Express line service caters to some 2,000 to 3,000 passengers weekly. The highest ridership recorded during peak travel seasons such as Holy Week, All Saints’ and All Souls’ Day, and Christmas season.

However, the operation of Bicol Express has been stalled following a derailment incident in Sariaya, Quezon October 2012 that injured nine passengers. The flashfloods caused by typhoons damaged the rail tracks as well as the rail bridge.

Abaya suspended the train service and ordered a full investigation on the derailment of Bicol Express Train 611. The train was carrying 120 passengers when the derailment occurred.

Earlier, lawmakers from Region 5 or the Bicol Region vowed to appropriate P20 billion to fund the long overdue rehabilitation of the Bicol Express train service.

Engr. Joseph Allan Dilay, general manager of PNR, said the company needs at least P18 billion to upgrade the railway, reconstruct the bridges, and rehabilitate the Bicol Express tracks as well as the locomotive and rolling stock.

But the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) only approved a subsidy of P344 million for the agency under the 2014 budget, enough only to fund the maintenance of the existing PNR facilities running in Metro Manila.

Dilay clarified that the P20-billion allocation does not include the proposed P2.6-billion double tracking of the 36.3-kilometer Alabang to Los Baños railway section and the P22.6-billion 135-kilometer Sorsogon railway extension line.

The PNR currently operates the Metro South Commuter (MSC) line that runs daily from Tutuban to Sta. Rosa in Laguna, as well as the Bicol Commuter that caters to passengers between Naga and Sipocot.

The Bicol Express provides commuters an alternative mode of transportation that is very competitive in price and comfort with provincial buses.



Read more at https://www.philstar.com/business/2013/12/29/1272906/bicol-express-revival-hinges-safety-issues#IMH71DvCeoe1uipv.99


=====


Quote
PNR eyeing resumption of Bicol trips by December
Katerina Francisco
@kaifrancisco
Published 3:42 PM, May 27, 2015
Updated 11:25 PM, May 27, 2015

< Edited >

The train service, which runs from Tutuban in Manila to Legaspi City in Albay, stopped operations in 2012 after one of its trains derailed in Sariaya, Quezon, injuring 9 passengers.

At the House of Representatives, PNR consultant Antonio Soriano told the transportation committee that a technical team is expected to finish its assessment of the 478-kilometer train line next month.

A test run conducted last year showed that there were a number of bridges along the route that needed to be repaired, Soriano said.

"We discovered about 3 to 4 bridges that had structural issues. We are concerned that if we do the regular run to Bicol, there might be an accident," Soriano said.

< Edited >
Title: Re: PNR’s Bicol Express
Post by: adroth on September 14, 2018, 01:43:43 AM
http://build.gov.ph/SFTFiles/Documents/BBB%20Presentation%20for%20ICEP%202017_May%203%202017.pdf

(http://defenseph.net/bootcamp/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/1-20.jpg)
Title: Re: PNR’s Bicol Express
Post by: adroth on September 16, 2018, 08:34:58 AM
P175-B ‘total transformation’ of PNR Manila-Legazpi to start 2019
By Jorge Hallare  August 18, 2018, 6:16 pm

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1045256

LEGAZPI CITY -- The construction for the “total transformation” of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) service from Manila to Legazpi is scheduled to start next year, a PNR top official has said.

PNR General Manager Junn Magno, in an interview on Thursday in Manila, said the project is not just a rehabilitation nor modernization but transformation with PHP 175.32-billion budget.

"The transformation program is under the ‘Build, Build, Build’ program of the Duterte's administration and is expected to finish within span of seven years, nowadays the government is under the process of hiring consultants for the project called ‘South Long haul’," Magno said.

He said many informal settlers will be affected by the project because not one but two PNR tracks would be constructed to allow the two-way route from Manila to Legazpi and vice versa.

The problem of relocating hundreds of informal settlers lies in the hand of the National Housing Authority especially in the Bicol Area.

"All the old railway and travesa will be totally removed and replaced with new one to match with the new PNR coaches. The new PNR coaches will run at the speed of 120 km per hour and the travel time from Legazpi City to Manila will be only six hours." he added.

Under the project, the PNR railway will be secured by fence just like the MRT.

For the intersections and highway crossings, the railway will be elevated like the skyway. (PNA)
Title: Re: PNR’s Bicol Express
Post by: adroth on September 17, 2018, 12:20:49 PM
Japan, China to help build PH railways
Philippine Daily Inquirer / 06:40 AM November 09, 2017

CLARK FREEPORT — Japan will take the lead in completing a railway connecting Manila to Clark, while the Chinese state firm Sinomach (China National Machinery Industry Corp.) will concentrate on building a railway from Manila to Legazpi City, the Department of Transportation  said here on Wednesday.

Japan’s official development assistance will fund the construction of the P105-billion Philippine National Railways (PNR) Phase 1 project from Tutuban at Divisoria in Manila to the City of Malolos in Bulacan province, and the P211-billion PNR Phase 2 project connecting Malolos to Clark, said Timothy John Batan, transportation assistant secretary for railways.

“The projects will be constructed by Japan. It will still go through the process of bidding but only among Japanese contractors,” Batan said.

Sinomach, he said, would instead build the PNR line from Manila to Legazpi City in Albay province.

< Edited >

Read more: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/944049/japan-china-to-help-build-ph-railways#ixzz5RKTfuX1I
Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook
Title: Re: PNR’s Bicol Express
Post by: adroth on September 22, 2018, 12:35:16 PM
Department of Transportation - Philippines
September 18 at 8:14 PM

https://www.facebook.com/DOTrPH/posts/1206945646111236

Representatives from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), Philippine National Railways (PNR) Management Committee, and China EXIM Bank conduct a site visit in preparation for the intended signing of the Loan Agreement in November for the first component of the 650-kilometer PNR Bicol Project.

The PNR Bicol Project aims to connect Metro Manila to Legaspi in under 5 hours, with further connections running to Batangas and Matnog, Sorsogon.


(http://defenseph.net/bootcamp/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/1-28.jpg)

(http://defenseph.net/bootcamp/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/2-21.jpg)

(http://defenseph.net/bootcamp/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/3-18.jpg)
Title: Re: PNR’s Bicol Express
Post by: adroth on September 27, 2018, 09:26:52 AM
China vows to finish PNR South project before 2022
Bicol Standard
Tuesday, March 20, 2018

http://www.bicolstandard.com/2018/03/china-vows-to-finish-pnr-south-project.html?m=1

By Jelly Musico

MANILA – China has promised to finish the Philippine National Railway (PNR)’s south railway rehabilitation and restoration project before President Rodrigo Duterte’s term ends in 2022, Malacanang said on Monday.

< Edited >

The 683-kilometer South Line will have nine train stations in Paco, FTI, Los Banos, Lucena City, Gumaca, Pili/Naga, Legazpi/Camalig, Sorsogon City and Matnog.

< Edited >
Title: Re: PNR’s Bicol Express
Post by: adroth on September 30, 2018, 12:19:20 AM
Making sense of PNR
Wicked Winks
Melvin S. del Puerto

https://www.facebook.com/philippinerailways/photos/a.193033804058243/730513723643579/?type=1&theater

< Edited >

Philippine National Railways (PNR), the same rail track gauge, better known as the “Cape Gauge” has since been maintained (track gauge is a measurement or spacing between rails). This gauge, measuring 3’ 6”is obsolete. Very few countries, among them Mozambique, Sudan, Sierra Leone in Southern and Central Africa, and parts of Australia and New Zealand still make use of it, but mostly for freight.

Although Japan still has this obsolete gauge in some of its limited provincial routes, it is now being upgraded to “Standard Gauge,” which measures 4’ 81/2” to accommodate high speed trains. All other railroads in the world, including the North Americas, Russia, Europe, and China had long converted their rails to Standard Gauge, not only for stability at high speed, but for universal design interchangeability.

< Edited >

 As an example, all LRT and MRT rail tracks use Standard Gauge while the PNR Commuter Train still runs on the old Cape Gauge. Apparently, their trains are incompatible in their respective rails besides their technical differences; the former runs on electricity and the latter is self-propelled diesel locomotive.

< Edited >

The Southern rail tracks, composed of beat-up and decrepit rails, sleepers, ballast and sub-ballast shoulders, and track foundation can no longer sustain a relatively normal train speed of 100kph (the fastest test run on the short refurbished rail tracks in 2009 reached a speed of 100kph, but just for a few minutes). Until lately, the 300 km Manila to Naga run takes 12 hrs, but on rainy days where the rail foundation becomes softer, the train crawls for 14 hrs, or at an average speed of 21kph!

The whole Bicol Express rail tracks and bridges need to be reconstructed and refurbished, not just portions of them after decades of neglect to conform to the required safety specs for a respectable speed, otherwise, we are back to square one, where derailments and 21kph speed are the norms instead of exceptions.

But, even if the Bicol Express route is restored back to the early 70s condition when Naga to Manila took less than 7 hrs, where will the PNR get train replacements when its current obsolete Cape Gauge train inventories finally breakdown and become irreparable as all of them are reconditioned and refurbished 20-25-yr-old Japanese surpluses (PNR relies exclusively on Japanese train dole outs, the only country which still has repairable stocks of this train type which ran once in their provincial routes) and their remaining vestige 45-yr-old GE locomotives are decommissioned for lack of spare parts? These trains cannot run forever. When the national government finally coughs off billions of pesos for rehab to bring the tracks to A-1 condition, very few trains will ply the route, if none at all by the time the work is completed.

What is the best option then?

Obviously, the most sensible thing to do is to convert the present rail tracks to Standard Gauge. By doing so, PNR can avail of abundant supply of new and used trains from many countries where the same gauge trains are built and operated, and not be restricted and solely dependent on Japan’s dwindling Cape Gauge train left-overs.

< Edited >
Title: Re: PNR’s Bicol Express
Post by: adroth on September 30, 2018, 10:27:18 PM
From: https://ppp.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/NSRP_PIM_FINAL.pdf

< Edited >

IV. NSRP South Line - Long Haul Line

The NSRP South Line Long Haul Railway (“Long Haul Line”) will operate along the same tracks as the Commuter Line and go on to follow the existing PNR Line from Calamba to Legazpi City in the Bicol Region. The Long Haul Line will be expanded by the Long Haul Line Extension (i.e., an extension line of 117km from Legazpi to Matnog)and the Long Haul Line Branch (i.e., a branch line of 58km from Calamba to Batangas (i.e., the Long Haul Line Expansion).

The PNR line to Legazpi City runs a total of 478 km from Manila, including the 56km segment used for the Commuter Line to Calamba. From Calamba to Legazpi, the line is single-tracked and, similar to the Commuter Line, is narrow gauge (1,067 mm).Overall, the condition of the existing PNR line from Calamba to Legazpi is in fair condition largely on account of good construction, relatively light axle loads and very little accumulated traffic. Most rail defects and damage is due to poor maintenance of joints. Bridges are in widely varying states largely due to lack of maintenance, old
age and inadequate protection from natural elements.

There are 397 observed road crossings between Alabang and Legazpi. Of these, 214 are authorized and 183 are unauthorized. Only 31 of the authorized crossings are officially manned by PNR and none of the unauthorized is manned. Unauthorized crossings are ones that have been established without the formal consent of PNR and are often in areas of high encroachment.

As of January 2014, only the existing PNR line between Naga and Sipocot in the Bicol region (35 km) remains operational. This transports approximately 1,300 passengers per day with an average load factor of 50% for the year 2014. The objective of the rehabilitation of the Long Haul Line is to restore existing track structure, including rehabilitation of bridges, to safely accommodate the required rail operations.

< Edited >


(http://defenseph.net/bootcamp/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/nsrp.png)
Title: Re: PNR’s Bicol Express
Post by: adroth on October 29, 2018, 12:45:39 PM
China to finance P743B in PH infra projects
At least 2 loan agreements to be signed when Xi visits Manila in November
By: Ben O. de Vera - Reporter / @bendeveraINQ
Philippine Daily Inquirer / 05:16 AM October 29, 2018

to be financed by Chinese loans and grants are moving toward implementation ahead of the forthcoming visit of President Xi Jinping in November even as China has yet to provide the Philippine government with a shortlist of contractors for some projects, National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) documents showed.

< Edited >

Government sources said at least three loan agreements would be signed on the sidelines of Xi’s visit to Manila, of which financing for two projects were ready for signing—the P175.3-billion North-South Railway Project (NSRP)-South Line (Long Haul) as well as the P12.2-billion New Centennial Water Source-Kaliwa Dam Project.

< Edited >

Read more: https://business.inquirer.net/259719/china-to-finance-p743b-in-ph-infra-projects#ixzz5VIAYVCqT
Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook
Title: Re: PNR’s Bicol Express
Post by: adroth on November 01, 2018, 02:33:58 AM
Subic-Clark rail awaits contractor nominees from Beijing
ABS-CBN News
Posted at Oct 31 2018 12:24 PM

https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/10/31/18/subic-clark-rail-awaits-contractor-nominees-from-beijing

< Edited >

Batan said the commercial and loan agreement for the PNR Long Haul or PNR Bicol is set to be signed during Xi's visit.

Transportation Sec. Arthur Tugade said China needs to nominate 3 contractors for projects that it will fund.

"May proseso ho iyan pag Chinese funded. Ang gusto nila mga involve sa proyekto na mga Chinese," Tugade told reporters.

(There's a process for Chinese-funded projects. They want their fellow Chinese to be involved.)

< Edited >
Title: Re: PNR’s Bicol Express
Post by: adroth on November 06, 2018, 04:05:49 PM
P175-B South Railway project to start Q2 2019
posted November 04, 2018 at 08:40 pm by
Manila Standard

http://www.manilastandard.net/lgu/luzon/279681/p175-b-south-railway-project-to-start-q2-2019.html?fbclid=IwAR2PZmKE42-azgAyAwDt0420mSUsqcSA_xCM0MyZwA_fBFQ4IFe9tze-IcI

LEGAZPI CITY—Construction of the P175-billion Philippine National Railways South Railways project, a 639-kilometer standard gauge railway line from Manila to Matnog, Sorsogon, and a component of the PNR Luzon System program, will finally push through next year.

< Edited >

The PNR South Railway segment cuts Manila-Legazpi travel down to less than five hours. It runs from Manila to Matnog in Sorsogon with nine major stations—Manila, Los Bańos, Batangas City, Lucena, Gumaca, Naga City, Legazpi City, Sorsogon City, and Matnog.

< Edited >

Originally proposed years ago by Salceda, the PNR South Railways project now forms part of the massive “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program of the Duterte administration. Relocation of affected families for ‘right of way,’ and procurement of project management consultant services which cost about P14.8 billion, are presently on-going.

< Edited >

The PNR Luzon System includes the following component sections: PNR North 1 (Manila - Malolos) worth P10. 3 billion; PNR North 2 (Malolos-Clark), P211.4 billion; PNR South Railway Commuter (Manila-Los Bańos), P124 billion; and the PNR South Railways Long-haul (Manila-Sorsogon), P175 billion.

< Edited >
Title: Re: PNR’s Bicol Express
Post by: adroth on November 07, 2018, 02:36:54 PM
Philippines, China set to sign P175 billion railway loan deal
Pia Lee-Brago (The Philippine Star) - November 6, 2018 - 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping are set to sign this month the P175-billion Philippine National Railways (PNR) South Railways project, a 639-kilometer standard gauge railway line between Manila and Bicol.

< Edited >

Read more at https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/11/06/1866260/philippines-china-set-sign-p175-billion-railway-loan-deal?fbclid=IwAR3taI8x2QfXgQPZVGDNAXy8c9Rhawzqbs9fFhS1mWUO7gemlOX6ZQIi9Pg#9f8DsEfYrfUrzRs3.99
Title: Re: PNR’s Bicol Express
Post by: adroth on November 24, 2018, 12:08:37 PM
LIST: Philippines, China sign 29 deals in Xi Jinping visit
Dharel Placido, ABS-CBN News
Posted at Nov 20 2018 09:20 PM | Updated as of Nov 21 2018 04:15 PM

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/11/20/18/list-philippines-china-sign-29-deals-in-xi-jinping-visit

< Edited >

Below is the full list of the deals:

< Edited >

Contract for the project management consultancy of the Philippine National South Longhaul Project North-South Railway Project;

< Edited >
Title: Re: PNR’s Bicol Express
Post by: adroth on November 25, 2018, 05:53:52 PM
https://www.facebook.com/DOTrPH/posts/1244574482348352?__tn__=K-R

PHL, China ink deal for Project Management Consultancy of PNR Bicol; exchange witnessed by President Duterte and President Xi

MAKATI CITY – The Philippines and China entered a contract for the Project Management Consultancy (PMC) of the 639-kilometer Philippine National Railways (PNR) South Long-Haul Project (a.k.a. PNR Bicol) on Saturday, 17 November 2018, at the Chinese Embassy Economic and Commercial Section at South Forbes Park in Makati City.

The contract was exchanged between Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade and China Railway Design Corporation (CRDC) Chairman of the Board Liu Weiqun yesterday, 20 November 2018, at Malacańang Palace, and was witnessed by Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and Chinese President Xi Jinping.

Secretary Tugade and Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan signed on behalf of the Philippine government, and CRDC Chairman of the Board Liu Weiqun for the CRDC and Guangzhou Wanan Construction Supervision Co., Ltd. (WACC) Consortium of the People’s Republic of China.

The contract signing was witnessed by Economic and Commercial Counselor of the Chinese Embassy to the Philippines Jin Yuan, DOTr Undersecretary for Finance Garry De Guzman, Undersecretary for Legal Affairs Reinier Yebra, Undersecretary for Planning Ruben Reinoso, PNR General Manager Junn Magno, and CRDC Director Yang Xudong.

The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board previously approved the financing of the PNR Bicol Project through Official Development Assistance (ODA) from the Government of China.

The PNR Bicol Project is one of the flagship projects of the Duterte Administration under the “Build, Build, Build” Program. Upon completion, the PNR Bicol Project will connect Metro Manila, Region IV-A (Calabarzon), and Region V (Bicol), reducing travel time from Manila to Legazpi City from 13 hours to under 6 hours.

“The contract marks a milestone for the PNR South Long-Haul Project. Hereby, I commit that the CRDC and WACC Consortium will fully dedicate to the project, allocate the best resources, and do our best to perform the PMC services according to the contract stipulations and the requirements of the DOTr and PNR. We will contribute to make this important government-to-government cooperation project a high-quality elaborated project,” Chairman Weiqun said.

As with other ODA-financed projects, the DOTr engaged a PMC (also called a General Consultant) to provide consultancy services on technical and commercial matters concerning a project. Being a China ODA-financed contract, the selection of the PMC was based on a list of qualified and experienced bidders, as endorsed by the Chinese government.

For the PNR Bicol Project, the CRDC-WACC Consortium will conduct all pre-construction surveys (topographic, geotechnical, hydrological, parcellary, environmental, etc.), preparation of designs for bidding, preparation of bidding documents, bidding assistance, construction supervision, and defects liability period (warranty) supervision.

“I am very happy with our partnership with the Chinese Consortium, as this is our first contract with China for our railways sector. I am hoping that we continue this arrangement for more projects, including our Clark to Subic Railway project that I am hoping to be signed before the end of the year,” Secretary Tugade said.

“We will continue to improve our nation’s railways to better provide the riding public mobility and connectivity, and with the support of the Chinese government, we move closer to delivering President Duterte's promise of a more comfortable life for every Filipino,” Undersecretary Batan added.
Title: Re: PNR’s Bicol Express
Post by: adroth on June 12, 2019, 12:39:15 PM
Gov’t to award Bicol rail project in 4th quarter
By: Miguel R. Camus - @inquirerdotnet Philippine Daily Inquirer / 05:04 AM May 29, 2019

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) plans to award the construction packages for a long-haul railway line that will link Metro Manila to Bicol province south of Luzon by the fourth quarter of this year.

Timothy John Batan, transportation undersecretary for railways, said the 639-kilometer railway line to be funded by the Chinese government was on track for actual procurement in the coming weeks.

Partially operational

The train line, formally known as the Philippine National Railways (PNR) South Long-Haul Project, will cost around P175 billion, making it one of the biggest under the administration’s “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure program.

Batan said the bidding terms of reference were currently being prepared by China Railway Design Corp., the project management consultant. The National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) board previously approved the financing of the PNR Bicol Project through official development assistance (ODA) from the government of China.

< Edited >

The DOTr earlier announced that the PNR to Bicol line would be partially operational before President Duterte steps down in 2022.

< Edited >

Read more: https://business.inquirer.net/271516/govt-to-award-bicol-rail-project-in-4th-quarter#ixzz5qbbGQQEJ
Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook
Title: Re: PNR’s Bicol Express
Post by: adroth on August 15, 2019, 08:51:09 AM
PH, China to sign management consultancy loan for Manila-Bicol railway
By: Ben O. de Vera - Reporter / @bendeveraINQ Inquirer Business / 03:06 PM August 13, 2019

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine and Chinese governments will sign the loan agreement covering project management consultancy for the railway project that will run between Manila and Bicol during President Rodrigo Duterte’s visit to China later this month, the Department of Finance (DOF) said.

As for the initial phase of the Mindanao Railway Project in Davao Region, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia said last week that “it’s scheduled for [financing by] China, as of now.”

< Edited >

Read more: https://business.inquirer.net/276714/ph-china-to-sign-management-consultancy-loan-for-manila-bicol-railway#ixzz5wcuI3GLS
Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook
Title: Re: PNR’s Bicol Express
Post by: adroth on August 31, 2019, 05:47:11 AM
PH, China to sign ₱14-B loan for Bicol railway during Duterte-Xi meet
By Melissa Luz Lopez, CNN Philippines

Published Aug 28, 2019 6:27:23 PM

https://cnnphilippines.com/business/2019/8/28/Bicol-railway-loan-signing-Duterte-Xi-meeting-.html

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, August 28) — The Philippines will sign another loan deal with China, this time to fund the construction of a railway line to the Bicol Region, a Transportation official said.

The Philippine and Chinese governments will sign a ₱14-billion credit line for the Philippine National Railways (PNR) South Haul project that would link Manila to Bicol, Transportation Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan told CNN Philippines. This fulfills the project management consultancy component.

< Edited >

Spanning 639 kilometers, the PNR South Haul line is one of the projects identified for Chinese funding. Once operational, travel time from Manila to Legazpi City will be reduced to six hours from 13 hours. The entire project costs ₱175 billion.

Last week, Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia said the Philippines may also ink a loan deal for the ₱82.9-billion Mindanao railway project during the bilateral meetings scheduled in Beijing.

< Edited >
Title: Re: PNR’s Bicol Express
Post by: adroth on September 28, 2019, 08:16:31 AM
Main Line South (MLS) railway is now open up to Iriga City

https://www.facebook.com/DOTrPH/posts/1465913326881132

The Philippine National Railways (PNR) just concluded an inspection trip through Tutuban, Manila; San Pablo, Laguna; Lucena City, Quezon Province; and Sipocot, Naga City and Iriga City in Camarines Sur.

The Main Line South (MLS) is now open up to Iriga City and ready to receive the transfer of rolling stock material between Manila and Bicol.

The PNR inspection team comprised of combined elements from PNR Operations Engineering, Rolling Stock Management and Planning left Manila on 20 September and returned on 23 September 2019.

The inspection trip coincided with the traditional Peńafrancia express special trip dispatched by PNR since 1939 to coincide with the feast day of Our Lady of Peńafrancia.

The Naga-Tutuban inspection run clocked in 12 hours and 44 minutes, 3 hours faster than the usual Naga-Manila rail trip duration.

The inspection was made in preparation for the reopening of the Sipocot-Naga-Legazpi commuter service. PNR completed in workshop rehabilitation the 60-year-old Kiha KH59 “Kogane” train for the event.

[Photo Courtesy: PNR Planning Engineer Kim Naniong]

====

(http://defenseph.net/bootcamp/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/1-36.jpg)

(http://defenseph.net/bootcamp/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/2-15.jpg)

(http://defenseph.net/bootcamp/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/3-7.jpg)

(http://defenseph.net/bootcamp/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/4-6.jpg)

(http://defenseph.net/bootcamp/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/6-4.jpg)

(http://defenseph.net/bootcamp/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/7-4.jpg)
Title: Re: PNR’s Bicol Express
Post by: adroth on October 25, 2019, 03:56:16 PM
https://www.facebook.com/pnrofficialpage/photos/a.247872075258165/2772943349417679/?type=3&theater

(http://defenseph.net/bootcamp/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/2-25.jpg)


====

Photo of first run of the Calamba train c/o Philippine Railway Historical Society (PRHS)

https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=521410288697013&set=pcb.10156250537207041&type=3&theater&ifg=1

(http://defenseph.net/bootcamp/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/72866443_521410292030346_2310641853482926080_o.jpg)
Title: Re: PNR’s Bicol Express
Post by: adroth on November 10, 2019, 11:31:48 PM
PNR rushes to acquire new trains, restore Manila-Naga rail line
By Lorenz S. Marasigan - November 6, 2019

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2019/11/06/pnr-rushes-to-acquire-new-trains-restore-manila-naga-rail-line/

The Philippine National Railways (PNR) is acquiring three additional fast long-haul locomotives to ply the Manila-Naga route for P1 billion, receiving two bids from foreign train manufacturers.

Junn B. Magno, general manager of the state-owned railway operator, said CRRC Corp. Ltd. of China and PT Industri Kereta Api (PT Inka) of Indonesia have submitted bids for the supply of three long-haul trains. Both companies are owned by their governments.

< Edited >

Magno noted that his group will first start replacing the rails and build new ones for the service to be available before 2022. Construction works for the new rails are set for 2020. Once completed, the service will cut travel time from Manila to Naga to three hours.

< Edited >
Title: Re: PNR’s Bicol Express
Post by: adroth on November 23, 2019, 03:01:46 AM
South rail to start in Q2—Salceda
posted November 21, 2019 at 08:25 pm
by Manila Standard Business

http://manilastandard.net/mobile/article/310650

Phase 1 of the P175-billion Philippine National Railways South Long Haul project from Calamba City, Laguna to Legazpi City, Albay will start construction in the second quarter of 2020.

Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda, who has been pushing for the project for many years, said the bidding for the 408-kilometer PNR segment was completed November this year and would be awarded to the winning contractor in April 2020.

The PNR Long Haul stretch consists of a 639-kilometer standard gauge railroad tracks from Manila to Sorsogon, a component of the PNR Luzon System program.

< Edited >

The PNR South Railway segment will cut the Manila-Legazpi travel to less than five hours. It runs from Manila to Matnog in Sorsogon with nine major stations―Manila, Los Bańos, Batangas City, Lucena, Gumaca, Naga City, Legazpi City, Sorsogon City and Matnog.

< Edited >
Title: Re: PNR’s Bicol Express
Post by: adroth on December 03, 2019, 08:57:07 AM
PNR ‘premium’ train now reaches Los Banos
Kristine Sabillo, ABS-CBN News
Posted at Dec 02 2019 06:59 PM

https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/12/02/19/pnr-premium-train-now-reaches-los-banos

The Philippine National Railways (PNR) has started extending its operations to Los Banos, Laguna using a “premium train” previously donated by Japan.

PNR spokesperson Joseline Geronimo told ABS-CBN News that they did a trial run last week but decided not to publicize the start of the actual operations since the train they are using can only accommodate 83 passengers.

The train leaves Los Banos around 5:07 a.m. and reaches Tutuban at around 8:14 a.m., according to the posted train schedule. Its next run is in the afternoon, leaving Tutuban station at 4:46 p.m. and arriving in Los Banos at 7:37 p.m.

< Edited >

(http://defenseph.net/bootcamp/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/1-2.jpg)
Title: Re: PNR’s Bicol Express
Post by: adroth on December 06, 2019, 03:13:08 PM
See time index 1:07. PNR service from Naga to Legaspi to be re-opened in the first quarter of 2020

BHTVBicol
Nov 27, 2019

https://youtu.be/0VDm7KOqgPM

(http://defenseph.net/bootcamp/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/cargo.jpg)


(http://defenseph.net/bootcamp/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Final_Map2.jpg)

See time index 2:41. New construction to start on Gumaca to shorten travel time.

BHTVBicol
Nov 27, 2019

https://youtu.be/0VDm7KOqgPM

(http://defenseph.net/bootcamp/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/cargo.jpg)
Title: Re: PNR’s Bicol Express
Post by: adroth on December 06, 2019, 11:58:34 PM
https://www.rappler.com/newsbreak/fact-check/243130-pnr-bicol-express-reopened-september

< Edited >

The Bicol Express, a passenger train service that plies the Manila-Bicol route, remains suspended as of October 2019. The PNR has not made any official statement announcing the resumption of operations for the route.

In a text message to Rappler, PNR General Manager Junn Magno said, “Bicol Express is still under study if we can operate it while South Long Haul is under construction.”

PNR, according to Magno, is targeting to launch its partial operations by 2021.

South Long Haul Railway is one of the 6 new railway projects under the Build, Build, Build program.

At present, only the Bicol commuter train for the Naga City-Sipocot route in Camarines Sur is available to the public.

The Bicol Express was suspended to rebuild its old line, according to Magno. They also aim to improve the travel speed from 40 to 60 kilometers per hour (kph) to 160 kph. He expects that, after rehabilitation, travel time will be shortened for the Manila-Naga trip by 3 hours and Manila-Legazpi by 4 hours (READ: Train of thought).

< Edited >
Title: Re: PNR’s Bicol Express
Post by: adroth on December 11, 2019, 09:13:37 AM
< Edited >

The Philippines is also hoping to tap Chinese loans for a 581-km railway line from Metro Manila to Bicol province.

The train line, formally known as the Philippine National Railways (PNR) South Long-Haul Project, will cost about P175 billion, making it one of the largest under the administration’s “Build Build Build” infrastructure program.

< Edited >

Read more: https://business.inquirer.net/284981/dotr-seeks-to-start-massive-mindanao-railway-plan-in-early-20#ixzz67kzFZFrn
Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook
Title: Re: PNR’s Bicol Express
Post by: adroth on December 18, 2019, 01:59:30 PM
https://www.facebook.com/groups/120989042040/permalink/10156386096132041/

TODAY
18 December 2019

PNR will make another chapter in its history as it signs the contract for the procurement of trains standard gauge Diesel Multiple Unit with CRRC Zhuzhou Locomotive Co. Ltd. It is another first for PNR to procure the long haul trains from the Government coffer.

PNR has always been known for its long haul service the Penafrancia Express and the Bicol Express but it uses the donated passenger coaches from Japan to serve Manila to Legazpi service. It used to cover 479 kilometers service from Manila to Bicol. The last operation was in 2014. It stopped operation because of right of way challenges, and lack of trains.

The new train sets will also be used for the long haul service from Calamba to Naga initially and eventually to Legazpi City in Region 5. The project consist of 3 train sets of 3 car formation and which was bidded out publicly on 23 October 2019. The contract duration is 22 months from notice to proceed. The contract price is Php 921,000,000. The train will be in standard gauge or 1435mm with maximum speed of 120 km/h. There would be 3 types of accommodation, business class, first class and second class accommodations. It has 36 seats for business class, 52 seats for first class and 80 seats for second class for a total of 168 passenger seat capacity.

The contract signing today is part of the transformation strategy of PNR through increasing its coverage, capacity and reliability. It is also part of the transformation from narrow gauge to standard gauge.

The event will be participated by the DOTR Secretary Arthur Tugade, DOTR Officials, PNR Board, PNR Management Team and Officials of CRRC ZELC. The event will be done at Pandanggo Hall of Manila Hotel.


(http://defenseph.net/bootcamp/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/1-31.jpg)

(http://defenseph.net/bootcamp/wp-content/uploads/2019/12/3-10.jpg)
Title: Re: PNR’s Bicol Express
Post by: adroth on January 04, 2020, 02:09:04 PM
3 major China-PH projects  starting
Published January 4, 2020, 12:30 AM

https://news.mb.com.ph/2020/01/04/3-major-china-ph-projects-starting/

Three  major  China-Philippines  projects  took off in the closing months  of 2019 – the start of the Reed Bank  joint  gas and oil development west of Palawan,  President  Duterte’s directive to proceed  with the P12.2-billion  Kaliwa Dam project  in Rizal and Quezon, and the roll-off of the P175-billion 650-kilometer South Rail Long Haul project  in Bicol.

These  are  three  of the projects  funded  by grants and loans from China.  These grants  totaled  $398 million in 2019,  with $400 million more expected  in  2022. These  are  on  top of  $500 million in soft loans granted for 2020 and planned in succeeding  years.

< Edited >
 
Aside from  Reed Bank, Kaliwa Dam, and  South Rail,  other new projects under “Package  2” are due to start,  including the Mindanao Railway,  the Davao Expressway, and the Iloilo-Guimaras-Negros bridge.  This may  yet be  the biggest year  in Philippine-Chinese economic relations.
Title: Re: PNR South Long-Haul Project (a.k.a. PNR Bicol)
Post by: adroth on March 08, 2020, 03:22:36 PM
The following document was shared in the Philippine Railway Historical Society by Andrew Pan

https://www.facebook.com/groups/120989042040/?multi_permalinks=10156594382937041&notif_id=1583636185781422&notif_t=group_highlights

http://publiccontent.sinpro.cz/PublicFiles/2018/08/31/PB18-237-8%20PNR%20South%20Long%20Haul%20Project.101316736.pdf

Quote
Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation

Invitation to Bid for PNR South Long Haul Project

1. The Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation, pursuant to the applicable executive agreements between the Government of the Philippines and the Government of the People’s Republic of China (GPH-GPRC Executive Agreements) intends to apply the sum of PhP14,393,505,005.08 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Project Management Consultancy of the Philippine National Railways South Long Haul Project (North South Railway Project). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

2. The Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation now invites bids for Project Management Consultant (PMC) for PNR South Long Haul Project. Completion of the Works is required within approximately seven (7) years. Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

3. Bidding will be conducted through Limited Competitive Bidding procedures using non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act.”, as modified by GPH-GPRC Executive Agreements.

4. Bidders shortlisted by the Government of the People’s Republic of China may obtain further information from the Bids and Awards Committee VIII of the Procurement Service and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 A.M.
to 6:00 P.M.

5. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by short listed bidders on August 8, 2018 from the address below upon payment of an applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the
amount of PhP75,000.00

< Edited >

Background

1.1. The PNR South Long Haul (SLH) Project

The South Long Haul involves the frontend studies and surveys, statutory submissions, tender, construction, testing & commissioningdesign and construction of an estimated 639 kilometer railway in four major segments. Segment A is from Manila to Naga, Camarines Sur; Segment B is from Naga to Legazpi, Albay; Segment C is from Legazpi to Matong, Sorsogon. Segment D is from Calamba, Laguna to Batangas Port, Batangas. It will maximize the use of the existing PNR right-of-way (“ROW”). However, to achieve higher levels of service, new ROW may be acquired.

< Edited >

1.3.2 Infrastructure

The rail infrastructure will include the construction of at-grade, elevated, and underground sections. The South Long Haul will initially be non-electrified and mainly single-tracked with turnouts and passing tracks at key points. The track gauge will be standard gauge (1,435 mm).

Between Manila and Los Bańos, it will be alongside the PNR South Commuter (see below for one possible configuration)

< Edited >

1.3.5 Depot

There will be several depots for the South Long Haul. Sites in Los Banos, Naga, and Legazpi have been identified as possible depot locations. Other depot sites may be identified as necessary for the ultimate size of the fleet.

< Edited >

===

https://www.dof.gov.ph/loan_agreement/10-project-management-consultancy-of-the-pnr-south-long-haul-project/

(http://defenseph.net/bootcamp/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/south_long_haul.jpg)
Title: Re: PNR South Long-Haul Project (a.k.a. PNR Bicol)
Post by: adroth on April 26, 2020, 01:12:10 AM
Administrator's note: Companion thread on the FB extension available here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/rpdefense/permalink/2886561144763047/


=====


PNR puts train on trial run for COVID-19 cargo transport
By: Mar S. Arguelles, Michael Jaucian - @inquirerdotnetInquirer Southern Luzon / 03:36 PM April 23, 2020

LEGAZPI CITY—A diesel-powered train of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) arrived in Naga City on Thursday (April 23) on a trial run that could pave the way for the railway to deliver medical cargo needed to fight COVID-19 and eventually the resumption of the Manila-Naga route.

The diesel multiple unit (DMU) train also carried sets of personal protective equipment (PPE) for the PNR’s skeletal workforce in its Manila, Lucena City, Hondagua and Naga divisions, according to Ces Lauta, PNR assistant general manager.

The train carried 845 sets of PPE also to PNR skeletal workforces in its stations in the provinces of Quezon and Camarines Sur.

The test run, Lauta said, would determine the capability of the DMU train in carrying cargo for workers of the Department of Health and members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police who are on the front line of the battle against COVID-19.


< Edited >

Read more: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1263601/pnr-puts-train-on-trial-run-for-covid-19-cargo-transport#ixzz6KbonvXio
Follow us: @inquirerdotnet on Twitter | inquirerdotnet on Facebook
Title: Re: PNR South Long-Haul Project (a.k.a. PNR Bicol)
Post by: adroth on February 02, 2021, 07:56:17 AM
The following document was shared in the Philippine Railway Historical Society by Andrew Pan

https://www.facebook.com/groups/120989042040/?multi_permalinks=10156594382937041&notif_id=1583636185781422&notif_t=group_highlights

https://www.dotr.gov.ph/component/k2/item/859-pnr-south-long-haul-project.html

Quote
Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation

Invitation to Bid for PNR South Long Haul Project

1. The Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation, pursuant to the applicable executive agreements between the Government of the Philippines and the Government of the People’s Republic of China (GPH-GPRC Executive Agreements) intends to apply the sum of PhP14,393,505,005.08 being the Approved Budget for the Contract (ABC) to payments under the contract for the Project Management Consultancy of the Philippine National Railways South Long Haul Project (North South Railway Project). Bids received in excess of the ABC shall be automatically rejected at bid opening.

2. The Republic of the Philippines Department of Transportation now invites bids for Project Management Consultant (PMC) for PNR South Long Haul Project. Completion of the Works is required within approximately seven (7) years. Bidders should have completed a contract similar to the Project. The description of an eligible bidder is contained in the Bidding Documents, particularly, in Section II. Instructions to Bidders.

3. Bidding will be conducted through Limited Competitive Bidding procedures using non-discretionary “pass/fail” criterion as specified in the 2016 Revised Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) of Republic Act 9184 (RA 9184), otherwise known as the “Government Procurement Reform Act.”, as modified by GPH-GPRC Executive Agreements.

4. Bidders shortlisted by the Government of the People’s Republic of China may obtain further information from the Bids and Awards Committee VIII of the Procurement Service and inspect the Bidding Documents at the address given below from 8:00 A.M.
to 6:00 P.M.

5. A complete set of Bidding Documents may be acquired by short listed bidders on August 8, 2018 from the address below upon payment of an applicable fee for the Bidding Documents, pursuant to the latest guidelines issued by the GPPB, in the
amount of PhP75,000.00

< Edited >

Background

1.1. The PNR South Long Haul (SLH) Project

The South Long Haul involves the frontend studies and surveys, statutory submissions, tender, construction, testing & commissioningdesign and construction of an estimated 639 kilometer railway in four major segments. Segment A is from Manila to Naga, Camarines Sur; Segment B is from Naga to Legazpi, Albay; Segment C is from Legazpi to Matong, Sorsogon. Segment D is from Calamba, Laguna to Batangas Port, Batangas. It will maximize the use of the existing PNR right-of-way (“ROW”). However, to achieve higher levels of service, new ROW may be acquired.

< Edited >

1.3.2 Infrastructure

The rail infrastructure will include the construction of at-grade, elevated, and underground sections. The South Long Haul will initially be non-electrified and mainly single-tracked with turnouts and passing tracks at key points. The track gauge will be standard gauge (1,435 mm).

Between Manila and Los Bańos, it will be alongside the PNR South Commuter (see below for one possible configuration)

< Edited >

1.3.5 Depot

There will be several depots for the South Long Haul. Sites in Los Banos, Naga, and Legazpi have been identified as possible depot locations. Other depot sites may be identified as necessary for the ultimate size of the fleet.

< Edited >

===

https://www.dof.gov.ph/loan_agreement/10-project-management-consultancy-of-the-pnr-south-long-haul-project/

(http://defenseph.net/bootcamp/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/south_long_haul.jpg)
Title: Re: PNR South Long-Haul Project (a.k.a. PNR Bicol)
Post by: adroth on February 02, 2021, 07:58:14 AM
Joey Sarte Salceda
January 26, 2021

https://www.facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=10160265319891756&id=652921755

PNR South Long Haul Update

The PNR, DOTR, and GPPB-TSO already concluded the line-by-line review of the Bidding Documents and will be submitted to GPPB (Board) for approval within January 2021 to be immediately bid out by Februrary 2021.

The  relocation and expropriation activities  for the Priority Section (San Pablo to Pagbilao including the Depot) will start after finishing the Parcellary Plan  also this February 2021.

The geospatial survey, for the identification of lot owners, and the aerial survey for the the alignment design for Lucena to Legazpi was already concluded last December 2020 despite the travel restrictions during the community quarantine.

For the relocation, the PNR-DOTR, with the assistant of the NHA, is continuously conducting coordination meetings with the LGU for the presentation of the project and availability of relocation sites within their jurisdiction to expedite the relocation.

- from PNR GM Junn Magno po Cong
Title: Re: PNR South Long-Haul Project (a.k.a. PNR Bicol)
Post by: adroth on February 21, 2021, 05:34:30 PM
https://www.facebook.com/jose.salceda.92/posts/10160351719336756

(http://www.mindanaorailwaywatchers.net/images/images/pnr/bicol/21feb21/1.jpg)

(http://www.mindanaorailwaywatchers.net/images/images/pnr/bicol/21feb21/2.jpg)

(http://www.mindanaorailwaywatchers.net/images/images/pnr/bicol/21feb21/3.jpg)

(http://www.mindanaorailwaywatchers.net/images/images/pnr/bicol/21feb21/4.jpg)

(http://www.mindanaorailwaywatchers.net/images/images/pnr/bicol/21feb21/5.jpg)

(http://www.mindanaorailwaywatchers.net/images/images/pnr/bicol/21feb21/6.jpg)

(http://www.mindanaorailwaywatchers.net/images/images/pnr/bicol/21feb21/7.jpg)

(http://www.mindanaorailwaywatchers.net/images/images/pnr/bicol/21feb21/8.jpg)
Title: Re: PNR South Long-Haul Project (a.k.a. PNR Bicol)
Post by: adroth on May 14, 2021, 01:26:17 PM
https://www.facebook.com/DOTrPH/posts/2019303151542144

After the project briefing for PNR Bicol, officers of Department of Transportation (DOTr), headed by Secretary Arthur P. Tugade, to inspect its alignment, specifically the future site of Legazpi Station and Depot.

According to Secretary Tugade, PNR Bicol is considered one of the flagship infrastructure projects of the government.
′′ We are really pushing for this project because here is what we call a combination of rail and international airport ", said Secretary Tugade.

Secretary Tugade also asked our Bicolano countrymen to unite, cooperate, and trust that the government can implement this project.
′′ Give us trust and prayer so that, along with our actions, our desire to finish the project before the end of our President's term will be realized," Secretary Tugade said.

PNR Bicol has a total length of 560 km, from Sucat, Parańaque to Matnog, Sorsogon, with a route from Calamba, Laguna to Batangas.
It consists of 35 stations, eight ( 8 ) trainsets, with a speed of 120-160 kph for regular trains, and 80-100 kph for freight trains or cargo trains.

Target to start Partial Operations of San Pablo-Candelaria-Lucena-Pagbilao segment in 1 Q-2 Q at 2022, while in 3 Q of the year 2025 the full operations of the rail line.

It's time to finish this, it's estimated that it will only take six (6) hours for passengers to Bicol from Manila using regular trains, while four and a half (4.5) hours will be the journey using express train . The time our fellow citizens save on their trip they can use time to spend longer with their family and loved ones.

This project will also help in giving jobs to our Bicolano countrymen. Time for construction to start, it is estimated at 20,000 workers required for this. 10,000 more employees will be needed time to start the operation of PNR Bicol.
Title: Re: PNR South Long-Haul Project (a.k.a. PNR Bicol)
Post by: adroth on May 14, 2021, 01:27:44 PM
https://www.facebook.com/DOTrPH/posts/2019041371568322

Noong 2018, pumirma ng kontrata ang Department of Transportation (DOTr), sa pamumuno ni Secretary Arthur P. Tugade, para sa Project Management Consultant ng PNR Bicol. Natapos na po ang basic detailed design para sa Civil Works Contract Package 1 (Banlic, Laguna to Daraga Albay).

Target ng DOTr at Philippine National Railways (PNR) na ma-publish ngayong buwan at ma award ng 3rd Quarter ngayong taon ang Civil Works Contract Package 1.

Ongoing na rin 'ho ang on-site activities tulad ng Land Parcellary Survey, at preparation ng Environmental Impact Assessment ng proyekto

Target na matapos ang Partial Operations Segment ng San Pablo, Candelaria, Lucena, Pagbilao sa 1Q-2Q ng 2022. Para naman po sa ibang parte ng alignment kasama na po ang alignment dito sa Bicol, target po natin maging operational ang tren ng 3Q 2025.

Oras na matapos ito, nasa anim (6) na oras na lang ang biyahe papuntang Bicol galing sa Manila kung kayo po ay sasakay sa regular trains, at apat at kalahating (4.5) na oras naman kung kayo ay sasakay sa express train. Kung dati'y nangangawit na ang likuran ng mga pasahero sa halos labing-dalawang oras na byahe, ngayon ay mas maginhawa na ang pag-commute.

Ayon kay Secretary Tugade, malaking tulong para sa mga Bicolano ang proyekto sa airport at railways, dahil ang halos isang araw na gugugulin ng mga biyahero sa daan ay magagamit nilang oras upang makasama ang kanilang pamilya at mahal sa buhay.
Makakatulong din ho ang proyektong ito sa pagbibigay ng trabaho sa ating mga kababayang Bicolano. Oras na magsimula ang konstruksyon, tinatayang nasa 20,000 ang kakailanganing trabahador para dito. 10,000 naman na karagdagang empleyado ang kakailanganin oras na magsimula na ang operation ng PNR Bicol.

This project is expected to further promote tourism, trade, and overall economic growth in the Bicol Region.