PNR launches Manila-Laguna trip of Indonesia-built trains

The Philippine National Railways (PNR) on Thursday launched three new Indonesia-built Diesel Hydraulic Locomotives (DHL) that would serve its metro commuter line from the Tutuban Station in Manila to Los Baños in Laguna.

The trains, manufactured by PT Industri Kereta Api (PT-INKA), have 15-passenger coaches, doubling the line's daily passenger capacity to 140,000 from the previous 48,000 to 60,000.

During the inaugural run of the trains, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade, PNR General Manager Junn Magno, other government officials, and guest officials from the Republic of Indonesia Embassy in Manila and PT INKA rode a train from the PNR Dela Rosa Station to PNR Tutuban Station for a test run.

PNR Assistant General Manager Ces Lauta said the new DHLs are considered as high-capacity trains with a maximum passenger capacity of 1,330 and have a water wading capacity of 18 inches.

“The DHLs also includes a maximum design speed of 120 kph and with high clearance for flood tracks. Its main engine has 2200 horsepower (1700KW), and it is equipped with Power Management System for fuel optimization. It also has a monitoring system with diagnostic and recorder function," Lauta said.

The new passenger coaches consist of a five-car formation, with the middle coach having a conductor’s room that controls door operation, CCTV monitoring, light switches, and a public announcement system.

The trains are equipped with a 36,000 kcal/hour air conditioning unit in each coach — suitable for tropical countries like the Philippines.

The new trains also have two driver cabins each — one at both ends — and are equipped with 7,000 kcal/h cooling capacity at each cabin.

It also features interior access to the engine room of the train, a first for the PNR fleet.

Tugade, during the inauguration, assured the passengers of safe, convenient, and comfortable travels, and commended the PNR for the development of the rail service.

“For you to have an improved rail movement, you must have the facility and the rails. You must have the trains and the coaches, and you must have the people. The three are being done by Junn Magno and the PNR,” Tugade said.

On Tuesday, the Light Rail Transit Line 1 also unveiled the first set of 4th generation trains meant for its Cavite Extention project.