PNR calls for bids to refurbish coaches
The government has given bidders until next week to firm up their proposals for the 750-million contract to refurbish the rolling stock of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) and supply its capital spare parts.
In a bid bulletin, Transportation Undersecretary Jose Perpetuo Lotilla said submission and opening of bids has been deferred to September 18 instead of September 15. The original deadline was set last August 21.
The project covers the refurbishment of PNR’s diesel multiple units (DMUs) with approved budget of 378.9 million, refurbishment of diesel electric locomotives (DELs) worth 150 million, and the supply and delivery of capital spare parts for the DMUs worth 221.1 million.
According to the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), the refurbishment of DMUs entails the restoration and repair of nine DMUs within 24 months upon issuance of the notice to proceed (NTP).
Meanwhile, the refurbishment of DELs entails the overhauling and upgrading of three DELs within two years from the date of the NTP. Finally, the supply and delivery of various capital spare parts for the DMUs should be completed within nine moths upon the issuance of the NTP.
The 750-million project is part of the several capacity expansion and rehabilitation projects for the PNR worth a total of 2.2 billion.
Aside from the 2.2-B budgetary allocation for the PNR’s rehabilitation under the 2015 national budget, the PNR is spending 246.9 million for the rehabilitation works along its tracks; 215 million for the repair of existing bridges; and 85 million to restore or renovate station buildings as well as to improve passenger shelters and station platforms.
The PNR operates the Metro South Commuter Line (MSL) from Tutuban in Manila to Alabang in Muntinlupa. It used to ferry between 70,000 to 120,000 passengers daily all the way to Calamba in Laguna until a derailment accident last April.
The PNR also operates interprovincial trips between Manila to Naga until a Bicol Express train derailed in Sariaya, Quezon in October, 2012. PNR’s famed Bicol Express is currently out of operation.