MRT-3 signalling system for upgrading by yearend

MANILA, Philippines — An upgraded signaling and communications system of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) is set to be in place by yearend as part of the ongoing rehabilitation works of the rail system.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) said the installation of fiber optic cables, which would replace the existing old copper wires used for MRT-3’s signaling system, is now nearly 80 percent complete.

The agency said 20 reels of fiber optic cables are being installed for MRT-3, which is eyed for completion by Dec. 31.

A railway signalling system is needed to maintain a safe distance between trains while running on the mainline, according to the DOTr.

The DOTr has vowed to fix and restore the MRT-3 to its original and high-grade design state by the third quarter of 2021.

The agency has re-engaged the services of Sumitomo-Mitsubishi Heavy Industries which is the original designer, builder, and maintenance provider of MRT-3 during its first 12 years of operations.

Under the MRT-3 rehabilitation project, Sumitomo-MHI will undertake the overhaul of all 72 light rail vehicles, replace all mainline tracks, rehabilitate power and overhead catenary systems, upgrade the signaling system, communications and CCTV systems, and repair all of escalators and elevators.

Rail replacement works for the MRT-3 was also targeted to commence this month during non-operating hours and is expected to be completed by February 2021.

The rail replacement works are seen as a vital aspect in the comprehensive rehabilitation being undertaken to restore the MRT-3 into high-grade design condition

New sets of the 120 new air-conditiong units purchased for P167 million are also being placed in the trains to make travel more comfortable for passengers.

The MRT-3 rehabilitation project, which commended early this year, will last for 43 months, with rehabilitation works slated for completion within the first 26 months.