SUMMARY
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MANILA, Philippines – Thousands of passengers of the Metro Manila’s most congested elevated railway are promised better ventilation and less technical glitches, after the transportation department awarded some of its Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT3) improvement projects.
The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) said in a statement on Tuesday, January 19 that it is expecting new industrial fans, UPS batteries, and traction motors within the first half of 2016.
DOTC has awarded Innovalite Electrical Enterprise the P2.10-million ($44,048.70) contract to supply new industrial fans for greater air flow and ventilation at station areas, such as the platforms and concourses.
The fans will be installed within 90 calendar days from issuance of the Notice to Proceed (NTP).
DOTC said it has also awarded Ad Lib-YongJi Joint Venture the P79.86-million ($1.67-million) contract for new traction motors that will replace depleted rotational spares.
These motors should be delivered within 300 calendar days from issuance of NTP.
DOTC said the MRT3 will also acquire a new multi-purpose road-rail vehicle that will be used for the maintenance of the overhead catenary system.
The Joint Venture of Kempal Construction and Supply Corporation and Maquinaria del Eo, the winning bidder for the P46.39-million ($973,085.46) contract, will deliver the maintenance equipment within 330 calendar days from issuance of NTP.
LRVs, signaling, escalators
The second of the 48 new light rail vehicles (LRVs) has been assembled and is undergoing various static and dynamic testing to ensure the reliability of parts, DOTC said. (READ: Abaya: Poe got a ‘bum steer,’ Busan group takes over MRT3 maintenance)
Batteries that provide uninterrupted power supply to the signaling system, among other electrical components, will be supplied by Lead Core Technology System, Incorporated.
Under the P14.02-million ($294,002.81) contract, 180 units for each station and the depot will be delivered by March 2016.
The refurbishment of 12 Schindler-brand escalators is expected to be completed within January, with most units already open for public use.
“This can provide some relief to commuters, especially senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women,” DOTC said.
These are all part of the P9.7-billion ($203.41-million) worth of MRT3 Rehabilitation and Capacity Expension projects the department is currently implementing.
The complete overhaul of MRT3 is expected to be done within the term of President Benigno Aquino III, which includes the procurement of additional coaches, train general overhauling, ancillary system upgrades, platform edge doors, signaling system upgrades, rail steel replacement, communications system upgrades, traction motor replacement, and the improvement of the overhead catenary system.
Other projects include security fences and noise barriers, consulting services, upgrades to conveyance facilities, a footbridge for the North Avenue Station, weather protection cladding, Internet connections, passenger information systems, and passenger hand straps.
MRT3 has deteriorated in the past years owing to those old engines of decay and mismanagement.
The railway system has been operating above its average daily capacity of 350,000, causing long lines, disembarkment on the elevated tracks, and sudden stops due to technical glitches. (READ: #AnimatED: Problema sa MRT? Rebolusyon ang solusyon!)
A major accident happened in August 2014 that hurt at least 38 passengers.
Since then, the government has been taking baby steps in awarding MRT3 improvement deals. – Rappler.com
$1=P47.77
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