By Philippine News Agency
MANILA -- The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Friday deployed for test runs another set of trains purchased from Chinese firm CRRC Dalian for the Metro Rail Transit Line-3 (MRT-3).
Third Dalian train set hit the tracks of Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) earlier today, 23 January 2019, for its 150 hours validation testing. (DOTr MRT-3 / FACEBOOK)
The Dalian trains will also undergo test runs Monday next week from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. to complete the necessary 150 hours of validation runs, the DOTr said in its advisory.
The trains have completed the 1,000-kilometer test run after it was deployed to the MRT-3 from January 23 to February 1.
After the trains completed the tests, the Philippine National Railways (PNR) will evaluate if they can be utilized for the regular operations of the railway system.
The MRT-3 has deployed the first Dalian train set from October 27 to November 21 last year, while another was deployed from Dec. 11 to 23, 2018. Each set consists of three train cars.
These first two train sets are being eyed for permanent deployment to the MRT-3 system this month following the completion of the test runs, DOTr Undersecretary for Railways Timothy John Batan.
A total of 48 Dalian light rail vehicles were delivered to the country in 2016 but were not deployed to the MRT line due to compatibility issues. CRRC Dalian eventually agreed to absorb the costs for the adjustments of the trains.