Japan uses the same gauge as the existing
PNR Bicol express for its own railways, which it calls the "Kyoki" (狭軌) gauge. This format was first used in South Africa in the Cape Colony, which also lent itself to yet another name: "Cape gauge". (
Ref)
It's worth noting that Japanese reportedly initially opted for the Kyoki / Cape gauge as a cost saving measure. By the 1920s, military considerations also reinforced the use of this gauge is it would reportedly make it more difficult for invaders to use Japanese tracks as these were narrower than those used in -- for example -- the United States which was viewed as a threat during that period.
In the 60s, Japan eventually started switching over to the much wider 1,372 mm gauge for high-speed rail applications.
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From the Project Information Memorandum of the "North-South Railway Project - South Line"
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.
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