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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Unused Dalian trains finally operate after 10 years

Unused Dalian trains finally operate after 10 years

Published Jul 16, 2025 10:49 am
After 10 years of being idle, three China-made trains finally became operational on Wednesday, July 16.
One of the unused Dalian trains finally hit the MRT-3 tracks on July 16, 2025. (Santi San Juan)
One of the unused Dalian trains finally hit the MRT-3 tracks on July 16, 2025. (Santi San Juan)
President Marcos announced the start of the commercial operation of three Dalian trains which were among the trains purchased in 2014 from the Chinese firm CCRC Dalian Co.
Its full operation started on Wednesday morning during the launch of the 50-percent fare discount for senior citizens and persons with disabilities (PWDs) in all train lines in Metro Manila—MRT-3, LRT-1, and LRT-2.
"Nakabili tayo ng 48 na karwahe para sa tren. Mula ng 2014, hindi pa ‘to – nakatengga lang ito, hindi po nagamit (We were able to purchase 48 train coaches. Since 2014, they have just been sitting unused—they were never put to use)," Marcos said.
"Kaya ang ginawa natin ay binalikan natin itong mga ito at tiniyak natin na kung anuman ang kailangang gawin para magamit ang Dalian train na ito ay gawin na natin (So what we did was revisit these trains and made sure that whatever needed to be done to make the Dalian trains operational, we would do it)," Marcos added.
"Ngayon lang na in-service itong Dalian, first day. First time na masasakyan ito mula noong binili. Mula noong binili hindi pa nagamit ito. Kaya nakakatuwa naman. Hindi naman nasayang ang ating pondo (Today is the first day the Dalian train is in service. This is the first time it will be used since it was purchased. It had never been used until now. So it’s nice to see that—our funds didn’t go to waste)," Marcos announced.
The Dalian trains were purchased by the government in 2014.
However, when they were inspected, it showed that the trains could not be operated or used.
The trains remained unused due to compatibility issues with the MRT-3 rail line.
CCRC Dalian Co. has since modified and adjusted the trains to address compatibility issues at no cost to the Philippine government, with a technical evaluation and audit conducted by the German firm TUV Rheinland.  
Prior to deployment, the trains underwent safety checks and compliance procedures carried out by Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation — MRT-3’s current maintenance provider — to ensure safety and proper utilization.
Once fully deployed, the 48 Dalian trains — each capable of carrying up to 1,200 passengers — are expected to significantly decongest MRT-3, which currently serves an average of 380,000 passengers daily.  
The new trains will reduce train intervals at the MRT-3 from 4 minutes to 2.5 minutes.
On Wednesday, the President ushered senior citizens into the new train from Santolan-Annapolis Station.

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