13 Dalian train sets for MRT3 to be operational in 2022 —DOTr exec

Thirteen more sets of Dalian trains in the Philippines are expected to be used for MRT3 operations in 2022, an official of the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Friday.

During the Senate budget hearing on the proposed P143-billion budget of the DOTr for 2021, Transportation Undersecretary Timothy John Batan said that to date, only nine Dalian coaches or equivalent to three train sets are operational but the target is to put in place 48 Dalian train coaches in MRT3.

"Yung balanse na 39, for commissioning and testing pa po siya at kasama po sa commissioning and testing na 'yan 'yung pagpapatakbo ng 1000 kilometers," Batan said.

He explained that the 1000-kilometer test run has been put on hold because of the track replacement which was completed in September and other rail system rehabilitation works that had to be prioritized.

"Yung rehabilitation completion po ng MRT3 is July 2021 so doon po, pag natapos na 'yung kailangan ayusin, mag-uumpisa na po 'yung 1000-kilometer na commissioning run," Batan said.

The test run would take about six to 12 months, according to the transportation official.

"So we are looking at 2022 bago ma-utilize 'yung remaining 13 trains?" Senator Grace Poe asked.

Batan responded in the affirmative.

The Dalian trains were purchased in 2014 and delivered in 2016 but have been idle for years due to incompatibility issues with the MRT3 system.

The first Dalian train started to service MRT3 passengers in October 2019.—LDF, GMA News