PNR: Naga-Legazpi route seen to reopen on Christmas Day

The Philippine National Railways (PNR) on Wednesday said the route from Naga to Legazpi in the Bicol region is expected to be reopened on Christmas Day, December 25 if rehabilitation is completed.

“Kung matapos po namin ang mga tulay na kinukumpuni namin hopefully by Christmas, December 25 na maging maiden trip po natin ang Naga papuntang Legazpi,” PNR general manager Jeremy Regino said on Bangon Pilipinas Ngayon briefing.

(If we finish the repair of the bridges, hopefully we will have the maiden trip of Naga to Legazpi on Christmas, December 25.)

“Habang inaayos natin ang mga tulay, unti-unti nating binubuksan ang mga linya. Diretsong linya po mula Lucena hanggang Bicol at ang Naga naman hanggang Legazpi, unti-unti nating binubuksan ito,” he added.

(While we are fixing these bridges, we are gradually opening these lines. The one line from Lucena to Bicol and Naga to Legazpi, we are gradually opening it.)

The rails for Lucena to Naga trips are still under repair, the PNR official added.

Earlier, Transportation Assistant Secretary for Railways Jorjette Aquino said among the upcoming rail projects is the South Long Haul project, which will span from Calamba, Laguna to Daraga, Albay.

Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista recently said the Philippines is withdrawing its plan to seek Chinese loan financing for PNR's South Long Haul and Subic-Clark Railway projects.

“‘Yun ang hinahanapan namin ng funding (These are what we’re seeking funding for),” the Transportation chief said.—LDF, GMA Integrated News