Railroad Infrastructures and Transportation - Compiled Threads [Archive] - Page 29

wheel of steel

September 18th, 2008, 02:55 AM

RP eyes huge spending for infra program
09/17/2008 | 07:45 PM
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MANILA, Philippines - The government is looking to invest trillions of pesos for infrastructure projects in a bid to perk up the economy amid global uncertainties.

Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ralph Recto on Wednesday said that under the updated 2008 to 2010 Comprehensive and Integrated Infrastructure Program (CIIP), the government is seeking P2 trillion from this year to 2010 to finance these projects.

He noted that for the first half of the year, the Philippine economy posted a 4.6-percent expansion, a far cry from its above 7-percent improvement in the same period in 2007, at a time when public construction also slowed.

"What if public construction posted the same growth as in 2007, at 43.4 percent? Our GDP growth in the first half of 2008 would have been 6.9 percent. Our GDP growth targets are achievable so long as our infrastructure programs deliver," he said.

The government’s official economic target for this year is a growth between 5.5 percent and 6.4 percent and 6.1 percent to 6.7 percent in 2009.

Of the total fund requirements, the transportation sector has the highest share at 38 percent or P755 billion, and followed by power electrification, P611 million.

Water resources will get P347.53 million; social infrastructure, P167.91 million; communication, P56.49 million and relending program, P36.69 million.

Recto added that the government is eyeing to finance P1.5 trillion of the total amount, while the private sector is seen to shoulder P613 billion of the investment requirement.

The P94 billion will be funded by the government owned and controlled corporations; P26 billion from government Financial Institutions; P10 billion from local government units and P118 billion through other sources.

Of the whole transport sector, Recto said roads and bridges and rail transport with shares of 44 percent and 39 percent respectively, comprise the biggest investment requirement

"Road and bridge projects are being pursued in support of the government’s thrust of linking the entire country through an effective transport network that would open up new economic opportunities, reduce logistic costs and increase access to social services. Roads are being linked to RORO ports," Recto said.

He said that owing to the huge investments needed for transport projects, the government will continue to tap the private sector in the development of priority projects under the BOT law.

The Tarlac-La Union Toll Expressway, Panguil Bay Bridge, Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway Extension, Daang Hari- SLEX Link Road, South Luzon Expressway Extension Project, and Southern Tagalog Arterial Road Project, among others, are being proposed for private sector financing.

Recto added that the government plans to implement an integrated urban rail-based mass
transport system through projects such as the LRT Line 1 North Extension (Closing the Loop).

To further provide efficient mass transportation, the capacities of existing railway lines will be increased through projects like MRT3 Capacity Expansion, and existing rail facilities will be extended through LRT Line 2 East Extension to Masinag and Line 1 South Extension Project.

"Metro Manila is already crowded. It will be more congested in a decade, as more people flow in from the provinces. Clearly, we don’t want to see EDSA turned into a giant parking lot," Recto said.

In line with decongesting Metro Manila and spreading development in the countryside, other projects lined up are the Northrail-Southrail Linkage Project, Phase 1 (Caloocan to Alabang) and Phase 2 (Alabang – Calamba), North Rail Project Phase 1, Section 1 (Caloocan-Malolos) & Section 2 (Malolos-Clark), Mainline South Railway Project (Southrail) Phase IA (Calamba- Lucena), Phase 1B (Lucena-Legaspi) & Phase II (Extension to Sorsogon). GMANews.TV

diz

September 18th, 2008, 07:08 AM

Daang!! All the way to Sorsogon huh?
That'll be the day!! :cheers:

and I really can't wait for it!

dancethingy

September 18th, 2008, 07:28 AM

wheel of steel

September 18th, 2008, 07:30 AM

Northrail Southrail Linkage Project Phase 2 (Albang to Calamba) 27km

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3205/2867399998_461552c6b5_o.jpg

Stations

1. Muntinlupa Station Km 32.036
2. San Pedro Station Km 35.423
3. Pacita Main Gate Station Km 37.163
4. Golden City 1 Station Km 38.781
5. Binan Station Km 39.76
6. Sta. Rosa Station Km 43.80
7. Golden City Station Km 45.774
8. Cabuyao Station Km 47.527
9. Mamatid Station Km 52.96
10. Banlic Station Km 54.473
11. Calamba Station Km 56.16

RonnieR

September 18th, 2008, 07:31 AM

wheel of steel

September 18th, 2008, 07:32 AM

wheel of steel

September 18th, 2008, 09:12 AM

riles28

September 18th, 2008, 02:58 PM

Perspective

http://images.februarystar.multiply.com/image/18/photos/26/600x600/7/Riles.jpg?et=zCN0tbO6gLD7TPz%2BRVTPFg&nmid=19852936

Japanese Refurbished Coach

http://images.februarystar.multiply.com/image/14/photos/26/600x600/29/End-of-the-Line.jpg?et=w6Uby5toVizBY9Bq44ePWw&nmid=19852936

Tingnan nyo unting rehabilitate lang sa riles at tren ok na uli. Pwede pa
ma revive yan mga blue coaches na yan basta maganda lang ang
negotiation para sa private or foreign company na kayang ayusin ito.
Syempre una na ang japan kasi sa kanila galing ito. According sa
mga nakita kung picture ng train sa thailand ay binibigyan sila ng mga
2nd hand coaches at nasa good condition pa ito. Itong sa atin
ang aayusin lang rito ay ang power unit, air conditioned, some major spare
part, at ang interior and exterior. kakailanganin lang ng other funding ito
kasi di parte ito ng southrail project. At ang riles na nasa picture unti na
lang ang aayusin diyan buo pa naman ang mga ballast at lalagyan lang
ng gravel para tumaas ang riles. Sya nga pala nakausap ko ang operation
manager ng pnr at according to him ay darating na by mid 2009 ang ilang
set ng new pnr train at sinabi pa nyang aandar na ang plasser & theurer
kapag full complete na ang whole strecth ng riles para i stabilize ang mga
riles at ballast nito. Dito sa blumentriit ay inaayos na ang embankement
at may graba na para sa truck laying bago siguro mag christmass ay mag
lalatag na ng riles kaya abangan rin natin ang blumentriit and tondo
segment lalo na ang tutuban station kasi dito magkakaroon ng maraming
turn out na riles kasi ito ang terminal for north and south here in manila.
Regarding pala sa mga pinag usapan natin sa nakaraan forum kung pwede
magkaroon ng isang high speed train ang pnr pwede basta angkop ang
design ng tren sa dadaanan nito at isang aspect rin ay ang gulong na
gagamitin basta compatible sa riles. Kasi sa korea yung ktx express nila
ay binatay nila ang gulong sa riles na meron sila ngayon.

alcogoodwin

September 18th, 2008, 11:13 PM

Great picture. I didn't know that Cebu had railway system back in ______?

Ronnie,
Close up of cebu City station HERE (http://philippinerailwayhistoricalsociety.blogspot.com/search/label/Cebu%20Railways)!

aPOLOGIES TO THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY SEEN IT.

bRAD

RonnieR

September 19th, 2008, 12:57 AM

Ronnie,
Close up of cebu City station HERE (http://philippinerailwayhistoricalsociety.blogspot.com/search/label/Cebu%20Railways)!

aPOLOGIES TO THOSE WHO HAVE ALREADY SEEN IT.

bRAD

Thanks Brad...

habagatcentral1

September 19th, 2008, 01:54 AM

Hey, just an info for everyone interested riding the PNR,

From Tutuban to Biñan, Laguna would cost P24.00 for a 2-hour trip. :D

wheel of steel

September 19th, 2008, 03:29 AM

Hey, just an info for everyone interested riding the PNR,

From Tutuban to Biñan, Laguna would cost P24.00 for a 2-hour trip. :D

Oh Shocks!!! Extremely cheap at reasonable time. I can't imagine the revitalized PNR would only get this by 40 min at P40.00 fully airconditioned coaches. Wow!!!

wheel of steel

September 19th, 2008, 03:58 AM

^^ John Holland Southrail Rehabilitation in the 90s at Sucat..

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2277/2271091013_9500d0798b_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2026/2271070697_011b54688a_b.jpg

wheel of steel

September 19th, 2008, 04:11 AM

riles28

September 19th, 2008, 06:25 AM

Brgy. Bagumbayan, Taguig as of September 10, 2008

by: S06250

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3087/2847991308_82d67a6e19_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3030/2847989446_ba2bcf3618_o.jpg

Pls. look at the tracks, no more pandroll clips to hold the rails for almost the length of the rail.. :ohno::ohno::ohno: I knew it why I wonder before when I took a ride the PNR train it only runs at 5km/h in these sections between Bicutan and Sucat.. :ohno: It so dangerous...
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3140/2847989726_8b791976ab_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3187/2847158057_45c28c2006_o.jpg

Nice shots and very informative. Abangan nyo riyan ang construction
stage base sa picture babaklasin uli ang riles dito segment na ito para
i stabilize ang strength ng riles rito. Ooppss ayan naman ang mga pipol na
na di sumama sa relocation dapat talaga pilitin na silang umalis riyan
pati yung mga trolleys istorbo yan para sa construction. Kaya dapat
talagang bakuran ang side ng riles kapag maayos na para free for any
accident and destruction. Noong huli kung sakay ng tren almost half pa
lang ng squatter and na demolish ngayon as in wala na. Eh sa alabang
kaya ano na ang latest roon.

Manila-X

September 19th, 2008, 06:28 AM

^^ Glimpse of Indonesian train in a 50kg/m heavy railtracks..

They are a mixture of either Japanese or American models.

sushi___

September 19th, 2008, 06:28 AM

I'm happy with the current position Ralph Recto occupies in the Government. It was a heroic act for him to fight for EVAT and it's only appropriate that he has some voice in regards to the allocation of the revenues coming from EVAT. He's really thinking along the same lines as we are here in SSC, that infrastructure can lift our economy and quality of life in Metro Manila and the rest of the Philippines.

In addition, i don't think i've said it enough, he's just sooooo handsome.

i really wonder why LACSON, and TRILLANES won in the elections and RECTO lost... well , some Filipinos just think about popularity and noisy politicians, activism in the form of noise not of change or development... they(some or most Filipinos) don't even consider "people" who are really concerned with the economy with the laws and measures that they have authored/passed (EVAT, etc.)

anyway I do hope too that all these plans of Sec. Recto will materialize, i mean plans are plans, but infrastructures (especially roads and railways, about 2 trillion till 2009) are infrastructures... the eggs have been laid abd i hope they hatch on time or else these will be just bad eggs ... (sayang naman)

wheel of steel

September 19th, 2008, 06:31 AM

riles28

September 19th, 2008, 06:34 AM

wheel of steel

September 19th, 2008, 06:42 AM

Kailangan na palang ring magpadala ng mga bulldozer diyan para linisin ang gilid ng riles.
Di naman siguro matatagalan ang pag ayos sa riles diyan kasi almost maayos pa ang
ballast diyan. Go.......go........go.......Southrail project!!!!!!! Soon in 2010 - 2011.

Kahit paano, it's beyond their budget. When they first inspected it for project proposal, the assessment was based only for what they see. During theis inspection, they didn't know what under the tracks.

They better to ripped and relay the tracks. That pile of garbage is dangerous for the tracks.

wheel of steel

September 19th, 2008, 06:43 AM

They are a mixture of either Japanese or American models.

Very Japanese railway looking... :)

boroyski

September 19th, 2008, 07:22 AM

Nice shots and very informative. Abangan nyo riyan ang construction
stage base sa picture babaklasin uli ang riles dito segment na ito para
i stabilize ang strength ng riles rito. Ooppss ayan naman ang mga pipol na
na di sumama sa relocation dapat talaga pilitin na silang umalis riyan
pati yung mga trolleys istorbo yan para sa construction. Kaya dapat
talagang bakuran ang side ng riles kapag maayos na para free for any
accident and destruction. Noong huli kung sakay ng tren almost half pa
lang ng squatter and na demolish ngayon as in wala na. Eh sa alabang
kaya ano na ang latest roon.

Dapat siguro, naka-elevate yung tracks, lagyan ng embankment at lagyan ng matataas na fence para hindi pamahayan na naman. :bash: Mga pasaway talaga!!!!....

boroyski

September 19th, 2008, 07:25 AM

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3030/2847989446_ba2bcf3618_o.jpg

Pls. look at the tracks, no more pandroll clips to hold the rails for almost the length of the rail.. :ohno::ohno::ohno: I knew it why I wonder before when I took a ride the PNR train it only runs at 5km/h in these sections between Bicutan and Sucat.. :ohno: It so dangerous...

Tingnan mo mama na yan, nakasampay pa paa sa riles...:lol: Sobrang pasaway ano?

wheel of steel

September 19th, 2008, 07:32 AM

Major train project way behind schedule
Darwin G. Amojelar
Sep 15, 2008 (The Manila Times - McClatchy-Tribune News Service via COMTEX) --

Sep. 15--THE project linking the NorthRail to the SouthRail has fallen behind schedule, with state-run Philippine National Railways (PNR) seeking additional funds to complete it.

The Department of Transportation and Communication said it endorsed the request of PNR for an additional $15 million to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

The new money will be used to cover the cost of 2,000 pieces of 20-meter rails and one train set.

As of August 15, the project is 27.21-percent complete, or well below the 41.01-percent target for a slippage of 13.86 percent.

The first phase of the project cost about $50.42 million. Of this amount, 70 percent or $35 million would be sourced from a concessional loan extended by the Economic Development Cooperation Fund of Korea. The balance will be in the form of export credit from the Korean Export-Import Bank.

The NorthRail-SouthRail Linkage Project aims to develop a modern railway system towards the south of Manila. It also seeks to link the north of Manila from Caloocan City, to the south as far as Calamba town in Laguna province.

The project is a 32-kilometer stretch from Caloocan to Alabang in Muntinlupa City, servicing 16 stations along the route. It also includes the improvement and upgrade of existing PNR facilities such as railroad tracks, stations, flag stops, level crossings, depots and maintenance facilities.

In addition, the project involves the repair and reconstruction of existing bridges in Pandacan, Manila and in Alabang, as well as the installation of signaling and communication facilities.

Once completed, the average travel time from end to end would improve to between 30 minutes and 35 minutes. The project would also involve fielding 21 new diesel railcars to accommodate 187,000 passengers a day.

Earlier, Phase 1A of the SouthRail Project, which involves the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the existing railway line from Calamba to Lucena town in Quezon province, was suspended owing to the controversial National Broadband Network Project. Both projects were supposed to be funded by the Chinese government.

"In compliance [with] presidential directives, the proposal to fund Phase 1A of the project with an ODA [official development assistance] loan from China Eximbank has been suspended," the transport department said.

To see more of The Manila Times, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to
http://www.manilatimes.net. Copyright (c) 2008, The Manila Times, Philippines
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email
tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to
847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303,
Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

wheel of steel

September 19th, 2008, 07:34 AM

Dapat siguro, naka-elevate yung tracks, lagyan ng embankment at lagyan ng matataas na fence para hindi pamahayan na naman. :bash: Mga pasaway talaga!!!!....

There is future plans to increase the number of rails from 2 to 4. I think the space left beside the tracks will be used for that plan.

Pasaway nga..:lol:

riles28

September 19th, 2008, 09:19 AM

Nakakapandiri talaga ang base ng railtracks. Nagmistulang basura ang pundasyon. Akalain mong basura na lahat ang nagsusuporta sa railtraks. Tingnan u ung dating tracks bago nalagyan ng squatters, malinis at neat.
Masyadong na pollute ang embankement ng riles kaya dapat alisin rin ang
mga basura sa ilalim ng riles makakaapekto talaga yan sa performance ng
riles at tren.

wheel of steel

September 19th, 2008, 09:33 AM

Masyadong na pollute ang embankement ng riles kaya dapat alisin rin ang
mga basura sa ilalim ng riles makakaapekto talaga yan sa performance ng
riles at tren.

Pare Kumusta pala dyan sa may vicinity ng Pandacan Approach, tapos na ba yung embankment at inayos na ba nila yung Pandacan Bridge?

riles28

September 19th, 2008, 10:17 AM

Pare Kumusta pala dyan sa may vicinity ng Pandacan Approach, tapos na ba yung embankment at inayos na ba nila yung Pandacan Bridge?

So far tuloy ang pagsasaayos ng pandacan bridge yun nga lang di pa nila ito
na itataas yung embankement graba na lang ang kailangan. Mukhang
mabagal talaga ang construction noong bridge steel kaya di pa nila ito
maitaas. Here in blumentriit naglalatag na ng graba para sa lalatagan ng riles
yung sa may station pa lang naman yung bandang papuntang abad santos
wala pa. Teka tingnan rin natin ang between tondo - caloocan segment
kasi yun di natin nailalagay sa forum ano na kaya ang latest sa area na yun?
Ang natutukan kasi natin yung mga area lang na nasimulan na ang constru-
ction o demolition mostly ang south segment. Pati na rin ang shop nila
sa caloocan malaki rin ang area na ito.

Lucentino

September 19th, 2008, 10:43 AM

With a retained 37kg/m railtracks, these machines are already enough to extend the operating speed to at most 90km/h. Though the tracks has lmited allowable loads, these machines will provide alignment accuracy compared to manual repair.

A train running at 60kph average Tutuban-Calamba would be reasonable enough in the mean time. This PNR service, running through populated and built up areas, could very well attain the daily ridership of LRT 1 and 2 combined!

Lucentino

September 19th, 2008, 10:51 AM

So far tuloy ang pagsasaayos ng pandacan bridge yun nga lang di pa nila ito
na itataas yung embankement graba na lang ang kailangan. Mukhang
mabagal talaga ang construction noong bridge steel kaya di pa nila ito
maitaas. Here in blumentriit naglalatag na ng graba para sa lalatagan ng riles
yung sa may station pa lang naman yung bandang papuntang abad santos
wala pa. Teka tingnan rin natin ang between tondo - caloocan segment
kasi yun di natin nailalagay sa forum ano na kaya ang latest sa area na yun?
Ang natutukan kasi natin yung mga area lang na nasimulan na ang constru-
ction o demolition mostly ang south segment. Pati na rin ang shop nila
sa caloocan malaki rin ang area na ito.

I hope they compact the soil before laying gravel. This is to avoid erosion during floods. Proper drainage systems along the line should also be taken into consideration.

I guess the raising of Pandacan bridge will be at the later part of the rehab schedule.

ponso

September 19th, 2008, 11:38 AM

Yup, you're absolutely right. As long as the service is reliable, predictable and reasonably frequent, people will buy it and even abandon cars and buses altogether in favor of the trains.

I am really excited over these developments..!

A train running at 60kph average Tutuban-Calamba would be reasonable enough in the mean time. This PNR service, running through populated and built up areas, could very well attain the daily ridership of LRT 1 and 2 combined!

Maxxclip

September 19th, 2008, 11:41 AM

sana may first class(airconditioned), economic(non-aircon), at cargo yung train na ipapalit nila:D para all in one. ang sarap bumiyahe ng parang nasa eroplano;)

jafiti

September 19th, 2008, 02:08 PM

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has named Manuel D. Andal as acting general manager of PNR.

link (http://www.bworldonline.com/BW091908/content.php?id=079)

manila_eye

September 19th, 2008, 04:33 PM

hecky12

September 19th, 2008, 05:57 PM

just wanna ask.. pagnatapos ba yung rehabilitation e tatayuan ng pader yung gilid ng buong project para hindi makita yung ibang bahay na hindi natanggal ?

Ecija

September 19th, 2008, 06:48 PM

Pwede po kaya nilang gawing bicycle lane o linear park ang gilid ng project na within metro manila?

manila_eye

September 19th, 2008, 10:52 PM

to answer your question that is the initital plan... sa pag kakatanda ko lalagyan ng pader ang north rail para daw hindi manakaw kung anuman ang pwedeng nakawin.

filcan

September 19th, 2008, 11:49 PM

Anong magiging itsura ng pader?...fence ba siya o concrete?

Maxxclip

September 20th, 2008, 01:51 AM

Anong parang nasa eroplano???? Hello siksikan yan for sure like MRT and LRT... Laki kaya ng population ng Pinas.

:lol: nagbabakasakali lang naman...at saka wala naman sigurong masama kung mangarap ng gising;)

boroyski

September 20th, 2008, 04:47 AM

Anong magiging itsura ng pader?...fence ba siya o concrete?

Dapat yata eh cyclone fence na may kuryente para wala talaga makapasok.

O kaya concrete fence na may bubog o sharp objects ung taas para walang maka-akyat. :lol:

boroyski

September 20th, 2008, 04:53 AM

sana may first class(airconditioned), economic(non-aircon), at cargo yung train na ipapalit nila:D para all in one. ang sarap bumiyahe ng parang nasa eroplano;)

Anong parang nasa eroplano???? Hello siksikan yan for sure like MRT and LRT... Laki kaya ng population ng Pinas.

Siguro ang ibig nyang sabihin yung mahahabang biyahe, like from manila to South/North Luzon or from north Luzon to Southernmost Luzon, puede mangyari yan.

Kung Manila to Laguna lang or to Manila to Bulacan/Pampanga, for sure marami ang magiging pasahero.

ericlucky290

September 20th, 2008, 05:38 AM

Maxxclip

September 20th, 2008, 06:28 AM

Siguro ang ibig nyang sabihin yung mahahabang biyahe, like from manila to South/North Luzon or from north Luzon to Southernmost Luzon, puede mangyari yan.

Kung Manila to Laguna lang or to Manila to Bulacan/Pampanga, for sure marami ang magiging pasahero.

yes, yung mahahabang byahe yung tinutukoy ko;) then gusto ko sanang i-add yung "personal tv screen" (yun ba ang tawag dun) na nasa likod ng bawat upuan;) yahooo...incase na may makabasa nito na taga-PNR(magkaroon sila ng idea):D

Yung airport link sa DMIA I think needs to have business class seat. This is to encourage tourist and businessman to ride the train and to use DMIA

Pero yung econimic class, huwag naman sanang nonaircon lalo na yung North Rail hanggang Pampanga and South Rail hanggang Bicol.

ang design siguro ng economy type e may ventilation o pwedeng buksan ang bintana plus

yung tinutukoy ko namang cargo e pinaka-last na parte ng train para sa mga bibyahe na may mga dalang produkto:)

riles28

September 20th, 2008, 09:02 AM

Anong magiging itsura ng pader?...fence ba siya o concrete?

Siguro dapat concrete na katamtaman ang taas at makapal ang foundation
para wala talagang makakapasok beyond the railway at kung ako ang
magpapasya ng demolition pati yung nasa boundary pa rin ng parameter
ng riles paalisin rin because "the train must free in any destruction and
corageus material" to avoid any problem or accident. siguro dapat may
bantay rin na iikot sa railway truck. Di bale pag nabisita ko ang pnr office
ay tatanungin natin kung ano ang plano nila tungkol dito sa paglalagay
nila wall barrier sa gilid ng riles. Isa pa sa suggestion ko yung tulad ng
pader ng mrt sa may between ayala and buendia station makapal ang
foundation ng semento. Anyway lahat ng inaalala natin tungkol sa
safety at makikita rin natin kapag malapit ng ma complete ang
rehabilitation.

riles28

September 20th, 2008, 09:10 AM

yes, yung mahahabang byahe yung tinutukoy ko;) then gusto ko sanang i-add yung "personal tv screen" (yun ba ang tawag dun) na nasa likod ng bawat upuan;) yahooo...incase na may makabasa nito na taga-PNR(magkaroon sila ng idea):D

ang design siguro ng economy type e may ventilation o pwedeng buksan ang bintana plus

yung tinutukoy ko namang cargo e pinaka-last na parte ng train para sa mga bibyahe na may mga dalang produkto:)

Pwede mangyari yan basta base sa design ng tren na bibilhin ng pnr.
Lahat ng long distance train sa ibang bansa lahat may tv screen na sa
loob di lamang sa bawat upuan pati na rin gitna para lahat nakakapanood.
At sana yung long distance kumpleto sa lahat tulad ng "mini bar, lounge,
room, and other amenities" para serve the passenger much better.

Maxxclip

September 20th, 2008, 09:15 AM

riles28

September 20th, 2008, 09:19 AM

Yung airport link sa DMIA I think needs to have business class seat. This is to encourage tourist and businessman to ride the train and to use DMIA

Pero yung econimic class, huwag naman sanang nonaircon lalo na yung North Rail hanggang Pampanga and South Rail hanggang Bicol.

Lahat airconditioned na para lahat komportable sa byahe sa abroad ang mga
mga tren aircon equipped na lahat bihira na lang ang walang aircon unit.
tulad sa japan some other ordinary train are already phase out. Lalo na
dito sa philippines mainit kaya kailangan aircon para mas competitive ang
byahe between sa tren at bus. Sayang kundi nga lang nasira yung mga
blue coaches na bigay ng japan eh di sana meron pa tayong mga aircon
coaches yun nga lang di na maintain mabuti. pero di bale pag andyan
na ang bagong tren may airconditioned unit na. kaya "HAPPY TRIP".

wheel of steel

September 20th, 2008, 12:24 PM

I dont think they build walls between Calamba to Lucena. It's useless. Strict enforcement of laws and cooperation between local government is much better.

The owner of the lands beside the PNR will teardown the walls if they want to get access along the PNR right of way. It always happen because the PNR right of way serves as an alternative road therefore encouraging the land owners to get an access especially on the farmlands.

The best way to get rid of this is complete removal of the roads installed by the local governments along the PNR cleared right of way.

wheel of steel

September 20th, 2008, 12:24 PM

Lahat airconditioned na para lahat komportable sa byahe sa abroad ang mga
mga tren aircon equipped na lahat bihira na lang ang walang aircon unit.
tulad sa japan some other ordinary train are already phase out. Lalo na
dito sa philippines mainit kaya kailangan aircon para mas competitive ang
byahe between sa tren at bus. Sayang kundi nga lang nasira yung mga
blue coaches na bigay ng japan eh di sana meron pa tayong mga aircon
coaches yun nga lang di na maintain mabuti. pero di bale pag andyan
na ang bagong tren may airconditioned unit na. kaya "HAPPY TRIP".

Hopefully... :cheers:

wheel of steel

September 20th, 2008, 12:29 PM

^^right, sana maitanong mo yan once na makapunta ka sa PNR:) na-iimagine ko na ang pagpunta ko sa Bicol na nakasakay sa tren na may mini bar at lounge room habang nagdidinner at candle light pa...sarap mangarap

Huwag mag-alala, malapit na... :cheers:

Actually nanaginip ako, nakasakay me sa lounge ng Mayon Limited Train papuntang Legazpi, sakay ko mga seksing babae at si Brad, with tanduay....:lol:

wheel of steel

September 20th, 2008, 12:36 PM

A train running at 60kph average Tutuban-Calamba would be reasonable enough in the mean time. This PNR service, running through populated and built up areas, could very well attain the daily ridership of LRT 1 and 2 combined!

Yup, the rehabitated PNR will attempt to run it's train to max 80 - 90kph to be able to attain an average of 50-60kph. It's means that College to Tutuban and vice versa would only be travelled in just above one hour and to Lucena in only over 2 hours. Wow!!! Single track pa lang eto, what if marialize na yung Chinese Fund, mas lalong ok since all of the mechanics were to be automatic and high tech including those in the crossings. Although much costly, The China Funded Southrail 1A Project will attempt to run the PNR at max of 130 to 140 kph. From the latest source, the design would enourmously acquire extra additional right of way due to the curvature requirements. The design also will attempt to hit a numerous headways by buiding double track 50kg/m (UIC50) rails similar to Northrail for heavier and faster operation with ultra heavy concrete sleepers....

boom_box

September 20th, 2008, 01:12 PM

wheel of steel

September 20th, 2008, 01:31 PM

Fresh from Caloocan City Government website.... :banana:

PRESS RELEASE
September 4, 2008
Office of Caloocan City Mayor Enrico “Recom” Echiverri
Ref. Public information Office
Telefax 3244644

It’s all systems go for an in-city relocation of some 2,220 families:banana: from 21 barangays affected by the Philippine National Railways (PNR) Southrail project, Caloocan City Mayor Enrico “Recom” Echiverri yesterday said.

According to Echiverri, the city government was able to provide a suitable resettlement site for qualified squatting families in Barangay 171, Bagumbong, in Caloocan North.

“Come October, we would be overseeing the in-city relocation of residents living near railroad tracks and those that are affected by the North and Southrail Linkages Development project,” the mayor emphasized.

Echiverri said the city’s Urban Poor Affairs Office (UPAO) had painstakingly identified the affected families currently occupying portions of the marked PNR properties from Sangandaan up to the 2nd avenue.

For his part, UPAO chief Alexander “Buboy” Bernadette said the families volunteered to be relocated because the city government was able to provide an appropriate site that is near to schools and marketplaces and has provisions for modern conveniences like electricity and running water.

“Mayor Echiverri has made it clear, that our priorities as local government officials should be an ‘in-city relocation’ for the affected families first and comprehensive community development second,” Bernadette said.

Echiverri earlier organized the Southrail Local Inter-Agency Committee (LIAC) that put together key government offices and agencies in order to ensure that residents will be able to relocate safely and securely.

Moreover, the LIAC will provide vital housing and livelihood incentives including micro financing for starting a new business and for purchasing construction materials.

wheel of steel

September 20th, 2008, 01:35 PM

wow... boom na boom ang progress ng riles nyo dyan ah.. :cheers:
ewan ko lang kailang kaya magsisimula ang FS para dito sa CDO-Iligan Corridor Railway project..

OT:

ang nakaka worry nalang if matapos man sakali ang railways ay yung mga gong2x na Komunistang NPA... baka sabotahin nila yung mga riles...

Nop, hindi po nila pwedeng gawin yun. Siguro, ang mga halang na iskwater, pwede.. :lol:

We'll napakaganda po ng Mindanao Railways Project, at aabangan natin ang patapos nang feasibility study para sa phase 1(CDO-Iligan). This could be the busiest route of Mindanao Railwasy, I bet. This gonna be exciting too..:cheers: Ill post it here when the report is available na...

Narnian_King

September 21st, 2008, 11:01 AM

Sampaloc - Laong Laan Area

http://img257.imageshack.us/img257/2892/pict0007gz4.jpg
http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/1646/pict0008ig1.jpg
http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/5853/pict0009mu6.jpg
http://img91.imageshack.us/img91/5266/pict0010go3.jpg
http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/3761/pict0011wa5.jpg

wheel of steel

September 21st, 2008, 11:46 AM

Wow!!! Ang galeng.... Bravo.... :banana::banana::banana:

wheel of steel

September 21st, 2008, 12:04 PM

^^ Humahataw na yung tamper machine sa may Vito Cruz kanina, told by my cousin. :cheers:

spearhead

September 21st, 2008, 02:18 PM

702flyguy

September 21st, 2008, 06:18 PM

they should put 15 ft high walls along the tracks of PNR within the city.

lochinvar

September 21st, 2008, 06:20 PM

I hope those awnings in the picture don't get extended up to the border of the rails. Otherwise babagal na naman ang takbo ng tren.

Arciga_01

September 21st, 2008, 10:24 PM

IndioBravo

September 21st, 2008, 11:08 PM

^^They could plant nice trees or bushes.Calachuchi or nice smelling plants:)

wheel of steel

September 22nd, 2008, 02:36 AM

Yan un pabahay along the riles ni epal former president Fidel Ramos.

Pabahay sa riles na lalong nagpabigat sa PNR at sa mga pasahero.. :ohno:

junax

September 22nd, 2008, 02:46 AM

only in the pilipins or only in the world?
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3030/2847989446_ba2bcf3618_o.jpg

hotel along the riles. free chopping of legs. :lol:

alcogoodwin

September 22nd, 2008, 02:52 AM

I dont think they build walls between Calamba to Lucena. It's useless. Strict enforcement of laws and cooperation between local government is much better.

.

I agree with WoS for both his reasons and also that of a tourism point of view.
Who wants to travel by rail exploring the Philippines just to look out the window at walls all the way.
Even local commuters want to be able to look at something to give them some interest.
Walls ands fencing even gets vandalized down here by people who don't want it, it certainly will be the same there.

Spadge

wheel of steel

September 22nd, 2008, 03:04 AM

I agree with WoS for both his reasons and also that of a tourism point of view.
Who wants to travel by rail exploring the Philippines just to look out the window at walls all the way.
Even local commuters want to be able to look at something to give them some interest.
Walls ands fencing even gets vandalized down here by people who don't want it, it certainly will be the same there.

Spadge

Brad,

Nice to hear from you again. We'll it seems that the railway project is going smoothly now. What I was interested off is how they will build these walls for sections with shanties occupies private lands especially along the linkage project. The problem would be severe if not given attention. Ridership patronage depends on the success of relocating and safeguarding the right of way from informal settlers.

Wos

filcan

September 22nd, 2008, 04:00 AM

^^ yes those shanties will really become a security issue once the line is up and running. Are there any examples from other countries on how they address this issue?

wheel of steel

September 22nd, 2008, 04:29 AM

^^ yes those shanties will really become a security issue once the line is up and running. Are there any examples from other countries on how they address this issue?

You are correct, that's a big headache to MMDA because they are not dealing with the informal shanties anymore, they must do something to encourage the landowners not to take advantage of the right of way of PNR. Government must completely ban any move to privately use government railways.

D'Watcher

September 22nd, 2008, 04:30 AM

^^They could plant nice trees or bushes.Calachuchi or nice smelling plants:)

yeah i think it's a good idea planting trees along side the railway track besides it will be not definitely an eyesore it will also help reduced the pollution.

wheel of steel

September 22nd, 2008, 04:38 AM

from http://www2.ttcn.ne.jp/Philrail/

The apparition of Plasser Theurer at Vito Cruz Station...

http://www2.ttcn.ne.jp/Philrail/8h9_4774.jpg

The construction of FTI Station...

http://www2.ttcn.ne.jp/Philrail/8h9_2524.jpg

The Bicutan Blast...

http://www2.ttcn.ne.jp/Philrail/8h9_2532.jpg

Carmona... Isusunod kita sa yakap...

http://www2.ttcn.ne.jp/Philrail/8h9_2547.jpg

sushi___

September 22nd, 2008, 05:47 AM

Nice pictures... so inspiring... we're moving... :D

riles28

September 22nd, 2008, 06:42 AM

nice update yun nga lang yung sa bicutan di masyadong naalis yung iba pang bahay at
maraming kailangan linisin ang daming debris ng mga pinaggibaan tuloy di na makita yung riles kailan ba lilinisin riyan. Yung plasser and thurer ba test run lang ba o nagtratrabaho
na to stabilize the railtruck? Yung carmona matagal pa under phase II ito ng rehabilitation.

riles28

September 22nd, 2008, 06:54 AM

doon sa kabilang website nakita ko yung caloocan yung shop nila ang daming tren na luma doon sa tingin ko pwede pang i revive lalo na yung mga locomotive kailangan lang
natin ng company na marunong gumawa at mag restore nito sayang buo pa ang mga
steel body ng mga locomotive na yun. Pati yung mga old coaches na di masyadong deteriorated. Nakita ko rin na wala pang mga works na nasisimulan rito.

riles28

September 22nd, 2008, 06:56 AM

Mahirap lang kasing marating ang caloocan segment kasi nasa looban sasakay pa ng jeep
at isa pa masyadong delikado ang lugar lalo nasa hapon at gabi wala naman kasing
dumaraan na tren doon may dadaan lang kapag may dadalin sa shop for repair.

wheel of steel

September 22nd, 2008, 08:39 AM

jafiti

September 22nd, 2008, 02:33 PM

RIHSPI members visited PNR Caloocan Compound last Saturday and were able to view the pre-stressed concrete ties production facility. Please follow this link (http://lagunarailways.rihspi.org/2008/09/concrete-ties-production-at-pnr.html).

Nagpromise ka magpapadala ng picture kahit isa lang, kahit isa lang.... :)

alcogoodwin

September 22nd, 2008, 11:26 PM

Sampaloc - Laong Laan Area
http://img232.imageshack.us/img232/1646/pict0008ig1.jpg

Wow.
I love these shots that show such a incredible difference in location appearance to what I saw last time.
The far more open nature of Laon (Laong?) Laan station is incredible. What an awesome opportunity for some great beautification projects.

Brad

alcogoodwin

September 22nd, 2008, 11:28 PM

they should put 15 ft high walls along the tracks of PNR within the city.

I suppose the extensive graffiti will make for something interesting for the passengers to look at.
Why does everyone seem to be more preoccupied with using walls instead of just better policing?

Brad

alcogoodwin

September 22nd, 2008, 11:31 PM

Brad,

Nice to hear from you again. We'll it seems that the railway project is going smoothly now. What I was interested off is how they will build these walls for sections with shanties occupies private lands especially along the linkage project. The problem would be severe if not given attention. Ridership patronage depends on the success of relocating and safeguarding the right of way from informal settlers.

Wos

Hi WoS,
Hows it going mate?
I do check the forum almost daily, just only post when I understand something. My new mate Honey has offered to teach me tagalog which will hopefully help me along.

Is there any particular law that has been made for people who take it upon themselves to return to the railway right of way? Presumably the new police sled will be utilized to also ensure people do not return.

Brad

alcogoodwin

September 22nd, 2008, 11:35 PM

^^ yes those shanties will really become a security issue once the line is up and running. Are there any examples from other countries on how they address this issue?

Speaking from an Aussie point of view, we never have any problem with people trying to do this because even walking on the land can get you arrested or fined, let alone building a house.
If a similar approach, at least in regards to building on land, was strictly used there I think the problem would be removed.

Brad

wheel of steel

September 23rd, 2008, 02:35 AM

RIHSPI members visited PNR Caloocan Compound last Saturday and were able to view the pre-stressed concrete ties production facility. Please follow this link (http://lagunarailways.rihspi.org/2008/09/concrete-ties-production-at-pnr.html).

Thanks for the photos Jaime.. This is special one. I guess that machine they are using is for cutting the steel cable that will prestressed the concrete.

wheel of steel

September 23rd, 2008, 02:38 AM

Speaking from an Aussie point of view, we never have any problem with people trying to do this because even walking on the land can get you arrested or fined, let alone building a house.
If a similar approach, at least in regards to building on land, was strictly used there I think the problem would be removed.

Brad

Pssssttt.... he he he... you've actually hired a converter, a beautiful one... :)

We'll, at least if I got lost in Australia I could be found immediately by anyone. he he he... Just like in Japan, people are quiet jealous. If you know each other you've always have to acknowledge them wherever you see them.. he he he.. :cheers:

wheel of steel

September 23rd, 2008, 02:43 AM

Hi WoS,
Hows it going mate?
I do check the forum almost daily, just only post when I understand something. My new mate Honey has offered to teach me tagalog which will hopefully help me along.

Is there any particular law that has been made for people who take it upon themselves to return to the railway right of way? Presumably the new police sled will be utilized to also ensure people do not return.

Brad

I blamed riles28 for this. :lol: I told him many times that he/she must speak tagalog because we have some couple of international friends here like you and TWK90... :cheers: But he never learns because he's just a kid... ha ha ha joking.... Anyway were lucky with this guy he always informed us about the latest update on the part of Blumentritt and Sampaloc.. sooner Caloocan to Tondo. Thanks Riles for this...

wheel of steel

September 23rd, 2008, 02:49 AM

I suppose the extensive graffiti will make for something interesting for the passengers to look at.
Why does everyone seem to be more preoccupied with using walls instead of just better policing?

Brad

In the case of the pictures I've posted on which some outside part of right of way no longer owned by PNR has exits and entry points. I guess they need to build walls along it to avoid people getting inside. On the case where beside the rght of way along the highway or expressway, I would prefer an open one. :)

TWK90

September 23rd, 2008, 04:42 AM

Any words on which company will conduct signalling works and the automatic fare collection system?

riles28

September 23rd, 2008, 05:00 AM

wheel of steel

September 23rd, 2008, 05:59 AM

Any words on which company will conduct signalling works and the automatic fare collection system?

Nothing so far TWK, I think the best assumption is that we still expect some sections to be manually operated. Others with the use of flashing bells and booms. More or less we expect basic infrastructure here. None so far have a very high tech news in this regard. :)

wheel of steel

September 23rd, 2008, 06:09 AM

News: Plasser and theurer derail yesterday in blumentriit. 09/23/08

I just when to market yesterday ( Sept.22,2008 ) and after that i just walk along
old antipolo street near in the station i saw the plasser and theurer machine at the
crossing i just ask some men why the machine stop there according to they the machine
was derail. The wheel remove in the rail and the machine was bound for tutuban after
tets run and i saw the other pnr train to help the machine back again in the rail.
Actually its not major derailment i just a minor.

" Comment lang dapat kasi di muna masyadong i test run ang machine habang di pa
ayos ang riles saka sadyang ginagamit ito pag tapos ng ayusin ang riles. Kaya
tuloy ayun nakatikim ng diskaril ang plasser and theurer machine pero salamat na
lang at di masyadong natanggal ang gulong sa riles at naibalik rin naman agad.
Halos late na ng makaalis yung train bound for laguna kasi inintay mo ng ma clear
yung riles at makabalik yung machine sa tutuban. Nakita ko rin na di lahat noong
bahay na nasa likod ng san lazaro town house ay inalis at doon sa malapit sa istasyon
maraming mga badjao bakit di paalisin yan mga yan nakakaistorbo lang sila sa
construction, pati yung ibang tao pa na nasa riles alisin na rin talaga.
Kung kinakailangan gumamit ng dahas para lang sila umalis bakit hindi.

It was being test run now because it will be used for the entire tamping of the whole stretch of PNR mainline south from Calamba to Legazpi starting this October. PNR employees should undergo regorous training for this. I don't know if John Holland by that time rehabilitate the PNR mainline south did use this complicated machine. Personally I asked my friend who use to live along the tracks, he never notice any machine this big and complicated during the rehabilitation. All he sees is the locomotive pulling cars with bunches of ballast and with some couple of welding machine.

wheel of steel

September 23rd, 2008, 06:11 AM

News: Plasser and theurer derail yesterday in blumentriit. 09/23/08

I just when to market yesterday ( Sept.22,2008 ) and after that i just walk along
old antipolo street near in the station i saw the plasser and theurer machine at the
crossing i just ask some men why the machine stop there according to they the machine
was derail. The wheel remove in the rail and the machine was bound for tutuban after
tets run and i saw the other pnr train to help the machine back again in the rail.
Actually its not major derailment i just a minor.

" Comment lang dapat kasi di muna masyadong i test run ang machine habang di pa
ayos ang riles saka sadyang ginagamit ito pag tapos ng ayusin ang riles. Kaya
tuloy ayun nakatikim ng diskaril ang plasser and theurer machine pero salamat na
lang at di masyadong natanggal ang gulong sa riles at naibalik rin naman agad.
Halos late na ng makaalis yung train bound for laguna kasi inintay mo ng ma clear
yung riles at makabalik yung machine sa tutuban. Nakita ko rin na di lahat noong
bahay na nasa likod ng san lazaro town house ay inalis at doon sa malapit sa istasyon
maraming mga badjao bakit di paalisin yan mga yan nakakaistorbo lang sila sa
construction, pati yung ibang tao pa na nasa riles alisin na rin talaga.
Kung kinakailangan gumamit ng dahas para lang sila umalis bakit hindi.

With regards to the remaining houses, they will soon be removed by NHA. It should be 30meters right of way excepts the Espanya to Laon Laan where the Pabahay sa Riles remains.. :ohno:

wheel of steel

September 23rd, 2008, 07:15 AM

In this report by Inquirer dated April 22, 2007 the tracks will be upgraded to 50kg/m but unfortunately, things did not materialize as construction of the railways retains the 37kg/m rails. I don't know if the Korean Government will allow this.... :ohno::ohno::ohno:

Almost every informations support the upgrade of the rail....

PNR rail rehabilitation to start September

By Riza T. Olchondra
Inquirer
First Posted 05:54pm (Mla time) 04/22/2007

MANILA, Philippines -- THE PHILIPPINE National Railways (PNR) will start repairing and improving its North and South railways by September, PNR General Manager Jose Ma. Sarasola II said Friday.

"Tracks and bridges will be totally reconstructed. Existing 35-kg rails will be replaced with 50-kg tracks, bridges will be repaired and stations will be totally remodeled," he said.

Phase one of the rehabilitation work is estimated to cost $50.4 million. It covers the railway system from Caloocan to Alabang. Rehabilitation work is targeted for completion in 2009.

PNR is continuing to clear areas along rail tracks of informal settlers. Sarasola said the government set aside P5.6 billion for the railway clearing operations, which was now 20-percent complete.

He said the clearing was meant to achieve the PNR's "zero accidents" policy, noting that the major cause of mishaps involving PNR trains was the presence of these informal settlers who live perilously close to the railroad tracks.

By relocating them away from these danger zones, the PNR official said such accidents would not only be prevented but the settlers would also have better amenities and better income opportunities.

As an added benefit, he said the physical assets and improvements of the PNR were also better protected as this would greatly diminish the loss of materials that were often pilfered by lawless elements living along the tracks.

"The relocation project will greatly minimize the theft of the spikes that hold the tracks in place, the loss of which often result in the derailment of our carriages. The clearing operations keep people out of harm's way while ensuring the continuing function of the trains for the benefit of our passengers," Sarasola said.

An information campaign on safety awareness at the barangay or village level is being conducted by the PNR Public Safety Office. The office said in a statement that the areas vacated by the informal settlers are being developed into parks.

wheel of steel

September 23rd, 2008, 07:37 AM

Maalaala mo kaya....

Espanya Station from yesteryears.... Matagal na :lol:

wheel of steel

September 23rd, 2008, 09:05 AM

PNR Cebu

http://totallycebu.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/06/ceburailways.jpg

greenshields

September 23rd, 2008, 12:13 PM

I hear the bid documents for a study on the Panay Railways resurrection and extension are out. The line will be extended to Caticlan.

manila_eye

September 23rd, 2008, 04:10 PM

OMG! Unti-unting nabubuhay nag mga riles sa pinas... Great!

alcogoodwin

September 23rd, 2008, 11:23 PM

I don't know if John Holland by that time rehabilitate the PNR mainline south did use this complicated machine. Personally I asked my friend who use to live along the tracks, he never notice any machine this big and complicated during the rehabilitation. All he sees is the locomotive pulling cars with bunches of ballast and with some couple of welding machine.

ISTR seeing shots of John Hollands version of this. One would assume they have become a lot more complicated, and probably bigger, over the years since then.
Haven't seen photographic proof of them following the two 1620 class to Thailand, so is it possible that some of the derelicts noted around Caloocan over the years could have been used by them?

Brad

alcogoodwin

September 24th, 2008, 12:03 AM

I hear the bid documents for a study on the Panay Railways resurrection and extension are out. The line will be extended to Caticlan.

Howdee,
So you mean they are calling for 'expressions of interest' again?
I have long been hopeful the Panay Railway rebuild would come to pass, but have been giving up hope after so many dead ends.
Last report, and this was prior to my last visit, was that all the earthmoving equipment for the project had arrived on Panay and work was expected to commence within months.
Not sure if this equipment did indeed arrive or if it was just media bollocks of the time.

Brad

riles28

September 24th, 2008, 04:36 PM

Ask ko lang what the latest news and developement sa northrail as of now wala pa
akong nakitang balita o improvement sa construction. Aabot pa kaya ito sa end ng term
ni PGMA kasi pinangako nya na ito ang legacy niya bago siya mag step down sa 2010
at siya raw ang mag iinagurate nito. Pati ang southrail from manila alabang. Ganda sana
tingnan habang kakaway si PGMA sakay ng bagong tren at least maganada ang iniwan
niyang regalo sa mga pilipino at sana manatiling maayos ang tren natin hanggang sa
manumbalik ang kaunlaran nito.

riles28

September 24th, 2008, 04:42 PM

Nakita ko sa kabilang website yung factory ng rail ballast sa may caloocan ayos naman
pala kaya naman pala nating makapag produce ng cement ballast. Ok yan lalo na
ngayon may machine equipment na ang pnr kaya makakatulong ito na mapabilis
ang paggawa ng bicol line. Maayos lang rail line here sa manila makakapagdala na ng
maayos ng mga equipment sa bicol.

wheel of steel

September 25th, 2008, 02:56 AM

:ohno::ohno::ohno:
Im beginning to smell project suspension since last week after the NEDA has junked the proposal of PNR for the additional of rails, actually some are reused. I was only informed about it. I don't know if this will lead to another.... hmmm... you know...

Two foreign-funded infrastructure projects incurred cost overruns, says NEDA

TWO FOREIGN-FUNDED projects have substantially exceeded their projected costs, according to the project monitoring of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), but concerned agencies said there was nothing irregular in the additional expenses.

The projects are Northrail- Southrail linkage phase I and Light Rail Transit (LRT) line 1 capacity expansion phase II, said Roderick Planta, director of the project monitoring staff division, told reporters yesterday.

Cost overruns refer to additional expenses incurred over and above the amount approved by the NEDA-Investment Coordination Committee.

The Northrail-Southrail link being implemented by the Philippine National Railways Corp., with a loan from the Export and Import Bank of Korea, had a cost overrun of P648.12 million.

Transportation Undersecretary for railways Guiling A. Mamondiong said in a telephone interview yesterday that costs of infrastructure projects go beyond budget due to changes in prices of goods.

"The project incurred additional costs because of inflation and the currency crisis we are experiencing right now," he said.

Mr. Mamondiong declined to give details.

The LRT line 1 capacity expansion, with funding from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, reported additional costs of P1.673 billion.

In a telephone interview yesterday, LRT Administrator Melquiades Robles said the additional funds were spent for urgent additional works such as restoration of trains and repair of walls and railways.

"These are actually not cost overruns but additional works," he said, adding the net actual cost was only P700 million.

"This has already been endorsed by the NEDA Cabinet Committee and the next step is to present this to the President and the NEDA Board," Mr. Robles said.

Mr. Planta said the cost overruns were due to right-of-way issues and institutional problems.

"We are still waiting for the status report of five other ODA (official development assistance) projects," he added.

The five projects are Metro Iligan Regional Infrastructure Development, Rural Road Network Development, Central Mindanao Road, Urgent Bridge Construction for Rural Development and Iloilo Flood Control. — Louella D. Desiderio

RonnieR

September 25th, 2008, 03:28 AM

^^ but the President's goal is to see these new trains running in 2010....if so, the additional costs need to be approved.

diz

September 25th, 2008, 03:31 AM

wats the difference between 30 kg rails and 50 kg?

wheel of steel

September 25th, 2008, 04:41 AM

^^ but the President's goal is to see these new trains running in 2010....if so, the additional costs need to be approved.

I don't think so Ronnie, I dont think we would be hitting our goal..

sushi___

September 25th, 2008, 05:49 AM

the goal based sa SONA is at least 50% complete by the end of her term...

systematica

September 25th, 2008, 06:18 AM

wats the difference between 30 kg rails and 50 kg?

20 kg :lol:

diz

September 25th, 2008, 07:05 AM

^^ :lol: well, in function.

wheel of steel

September 25th, 2008, 08:00 AM

20 kg :lol:

:lol::lol::lol: Ganun lang pala kadali. he he Di ko rin agad naisip sagot. :cheers:

TWK90

September 25th, 2008, 09:41 AM

wats the difference between 30 kg rails and 50 kg?

The heavier the rail profile, the faster and heavier the train can run on it....

wheel of steel

September 25th, 2008, 10:26 AM

The heavier the rail profile, the faster and heavier the train can run on it....

100% percent I agree on it..:):):) Hello TWK90, is there a 37kg/m line in Malaysia that is part of Main Line. What is the fastest speed every attained by KTM Train using the old rail? Can PNR also attain a reasonable speed using the old rail? Thanks.... :)

TWK90

September 25th, 2008, 11:28 AM

100% percent I agree on it..:):):) Hello TWK90, is there a 37kg/m line in Malaysia that is part of Main Line. What is the fastest speed every attained by KTM Train using the old rail? Can PNR also attain a reasonable speed using the old rail? Thanks.... :)

I never travelled on KTM Intercity, so i don't know the speed...

Looking at current rail travel journey time, i doubt speeds over 100 km/h can be attained quite often....for example, KL to Butterworth takes about 9 hours, you can imagine what the average speed is like....

For sure, there are some stretches on KTM main line that uses 70lbs rail, infact the donated railway track to Cambodia is also 70 lbs...

wheel of steel

September 25th, 2008, 12:35 PM

I never travelled on KTM Intercity, so i don't know the speed...

Looking at current rail travel journey time, i doubt speeds over 100 km/h can be attained quite often....for example, KL to Butterworth takes about 9 hours, you can imagine what the average speed is like....

For sure, there are some stretches on KTM main line that uses 70lbs rail, infact the donated railway track to Cambodia is also 70 lbs...

Really, that fast. Wow, whenever I see it on the youtube, I always amaze of the speed. Yup, I knew it, KTM sometime last year donated tracks to Cambodia. I think the same track as that of us in order to build the missing link to China. We'll pretty nice idea. :)

jafiti

September 25th, 2008, 02:07 PM

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3048/2566339391_fc9beb87c1.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3045/2566339401_946d3afbe2.jpg?v=0

Images from http://flickr.com/photos/65345409@N00/2566339391

RonnieR

September 25th, 2008, 05:53 PM

^^ cool shots!

boy08

September 25th, 2008, 10:03 PM

Im glad to see the progress! Pero bakit ganun napakalapit parin ng mga bahay sa riles, wala bang ordinance dyan na atleast dapat 15 meters away from the rail track ang mga bahay? Anong klaseng sightseeing naman makikita ng mga gagamit ng tren sa future....? Tsk tsk...

bakit nga ganyan yan kasi dito sa alabang area tanggal lahat ng bahay walang matitira pati nga yung property ng granfparents ko abot mga 10 meters lang siguro yun na sasakupin na pnr dito sa may alabang. ayos narin atleast wala na yung mga baron-barong na bahay na pangit sa paningin

alcogoodwin

September 25th, 2008, 11:08 PM

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3048/2566339391_fc9beb87c1.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3045/2566339401_946d3afbe2.jpg?v=0

Images from http://flickr.com/photos/65345409@N00/2566339391

Jaime,
Considering she is now a part of Paco railway history can I put forth a proposal to the RIHSPI to preserve her?
I will gladly assist with the restoration project when I get there!!

:nuts:

Brad

wheel of steel

September 26th, 2008, 01:42 AM

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3048/2566339391_fc9beb87c1.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3045/2566339401_946d3afbe2.jpg?v=0

Images from http://flickr.com/photos/65345409@N00/2566339391

^^ hmmm... It does look amateur to me..:ohno:I would prefer a lady rocker in the 50kg track, It does look more heavy rail, ayyy I mean more heavy metal to me.... :lol::lol::lol:

wheel of steel

September 26th, 2008, 01:45 AM

bakit nga ganyan yan kasi dito sa alabang area tanggal lahat ng bahay walang matitira pati nga yung property ng granfparents ko abot mga 10 meters lang siguro yun na sasakupin na pnr dito sa may alabang. ayos narin atleast wala na yung mga baron-barong na bahay na pangit sa paningin

Ahhh, pabahay yun sa riles. Actually hindi yata muna sila maalis kasi it's part of the government program before and during the Ramos Administration. Ang sagwa ngang tingnan.... :ohno::ohno::ohno:

Im glad the Arroyo administration made a long and lasting decision in this regard. For me, Im actually satisfied of the outcome of this project without having much expectation of the railway. We're hitting two birds here using one sling shot. :cheers:

alcogoodwin

September 26th, 2008, 05:04 AM

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3129/2576697025_b0548fe2d9.jpg

Looks like she is planning to travel somewhere.
She may have more luck if she was less lazy and walked on down to the actual platform.

:)

alcogoodwin

September 26th, 2008, 05:06 AM

^^ hmmm... It does look amateur to me..:ohno:I would prefer a lady rocker in the 50kg track, It does look more heavy rail, ayyy I mean more heavy metal to me.... :lol::lol::lol:

Its not the size of her rails that counts.
Its the way she uses them :lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

IndioBravo

September 26th, 2008, 09:21 PM

^^Manicurista or Musician?:)

spearhead

September 26th, 2008, 10:42 PM

they should put 15 ft high walls along the tracks of PNR within the city.

Perhaps more than that. A multipurpose wall may do such as some 20-30 ft Sound Barrier Walls.

Yan un pabahay along the riles ni epal former president Fidel Ramos.

Oo nga eh palpak na pabahay, bukod sa sagabal parin sila sa riles, kawawa parin yung mga mahihirap dun....

jafiti

September 27th, 2008, 01:39 AM

The biggest problem is the sewage of all these pabahay of the Government.

Perhaps more than that. A multipurpose wall may do such as some 20-30 ft Sound Barrier Walls.

Oo nga eh palpak na pabahay, bukod sa sagabal parin sila sa riles, kawawa parin yung mga mahihirap dun....

riles28

September 27th, 2008, 03:31 PM

Yesterday (09/26/08)
sa ABS - CBN yung pelikula ni da boy rudy fernandez yung first part scene ay
makikita yung riles ng tren habang naglalakad si da boy papuntang station ng tren for
manila makikita talagang nasa good condition pa ang riles ng tren sa mga provinces
maski kahoy lang yung ballast pati yung mga bridges merong pang steel brace sa gilid
to support the bridge to any destruction, pati yung gilid ng riles walang mga bahay
makikita pa yung mga rice field along the line. Then may kuha rin yung movie sa may
paco station yung bumaba na sya sa tren ganda talaga noong 1984 yung paco station
pati rin yung tren na sinakyan nya maski ordinary lang malinis pang tingnan. Nakakatuwa
na maski sa pelikula ay makikitang maganda talaga ang tren natin noon 80's sana nga
sa pagsasaayos ng pnr ay manumbalik ang kagandahan at importansya ng tren. at
pangalagaan ito di lamang ng mga opisyales ng pnr kundi na rin ng publikong sa sasakay
rito.

absinthe_888

September 27th, 2008, 06:26 PM

took this photo 09.11.08

At the International Rice Research Institute in Los Banos, Laguna. Straight ahead - Bicolandia and beyond :)

http://img295.imageshack.us/img295/4393/dsc06113sq4.jpg

Lucentino

September 28th, 2008, 03:22 AM

Lucentino

September 28th, 2008, 03:24 AM

Been out for a while and all I see is a gloomy Northrail, a bad Pabahay sa Riles project, and a few nice shots of old rail stations...

I hope fresh good news are forthcoming!

wheel of steel

September 28th, 2008, 03:35 AM

Been out for a while and all I see is a gloomy Northrail, a bad Pabahay sa Riles project, and a few nice shots of old rail stations...

I hope fresh good news are forthcoming!

You're are absolutely correct my friend.. I don't know if wheres is the public infrastructure spending they are talking about... :ohno:

wheel of steel

September 28th, 2008, 04:00 AM

^^ PNR latest maintenance car and equipment spotted at Pasay Station... :)

http://www2.ttcn.ne.jp/~Philrail/

wheel of steel

September 28th, 2008, 04:09 AM

Guys, I think It's time to update! :):):)

Let's Start with Blumentritt Station. Taken around 3PM, September 26, 2008 by Wheel of Steel..... :)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3234/2893997914_7cc4ea7172.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3234/2893997914_0ab302c0b2_o.jpg)
As you can see on the picture, the excavation was done and they dumped it with a certain mixture of cement and gravel for layer 1. The photo was taken from under the LRT Blumentrit Station approaching Tondo to the left.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3099/2893148897_70966d2ed7.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3099/2893148897_4e54d90be3_o.jpg)
Taken from the train approaching Tondo. Dumping gravel are in progress. Much of the squatters are gone although still some other sruggles..

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3186/2893148877_7e14b81717.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3186/2893148877_b14b1d9190_o.jpg)
This photo was taken from the train focusing the small barrak for the workers of the track before it reaches a small crossing between Taft Ave. and Abad Santos Ave. Nice developments going around in this area. :)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3182/2893997960_e884c8820f.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3182/2893997960_78aa81084e_o.jpg)The photo was taken from the train going to Tayuman before the Blumentritt Station. Gravel first layer still has to be laid. We can see on the left bountiful amount of ballast. I actually pick some of it and I noticed it's quiet heavy than the ordinary gravel we use for building houses.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3048/2893166377_2e888f8f24.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3048/2893166377_0a9d93270f_o.jpg)
Payloaders and other equipments are spotted on the site, including this small payloader, small tamping machine, road roller, graders, excavation trucks awaits the backhoes, etc.. Soon I realized the project has several constructors incharge for every station and job.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3291/2893166385_2741b03fac.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3291/2893166385_c1b90aa046_o.jpg)
Small tamping machine in action!!!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3125/2893166395_82f0d2bec7.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3125/2893166395_814ba68765_o.jpg)
The small roller machine use for those areas that big rollers cannot anymore reach.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3222/2893166407_a8341f8480.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3222/2893166407_3bcb06dab6_o.jpg)
The lonely Blumentritt Station..

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3034/2894021578_6d88df23cd.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3034/2894021578_3be4c9accd_o.jpg)
Blumentritt track with concrete ties in-place. :banana:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3208/2894021600_07ac746ca3.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3169/2894021590_17888113a1.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3021/2893166411_7fe61bea79.jpg?v=0

NEAR ESPANYA ST. AND ESPANYA STATION

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3244/2893191873_c406a32f86.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3244/2893191873_28a85b3b6d_o.jpg)
Brandnew and slightly bigger 37kg/m than the old one which is 32kg/m, as the new replacement. At first you would think it's 50kg/m because of it's appearance. I actually manage to get a closer look at the rail, we'll it's quiet different compared to existing resued rails. It has a very thick top steel.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3282/2893191883_f87b5fbbdd.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3282/2893191883_9564269b7d_o.jpg)
Brand new rails installed and old rails ready for junk.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3025/2893191891_cbde9d5be4.jpg?v=0
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3025/2893191891_eb45bd4db8_o.jpg)Newly deghetoed Espanya Station and it's environs. What a big surprised to me. For almost 2 decades. Wow!!!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3288/2893191895_51118b7359.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3288/2893191895_99a1724c03_o.jpg)
Espanya PNR crossing under reconstruction.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3016/2893191907_5b97902557.jpg?v=0
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3016/2893191907_88ea367b94_o.jpg)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3235/2894043098_587101fa91.jpg?v=0
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3235/2894043098_4cceed15ca_o.jpg)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3192/2894043084_37b3a97b75.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3192/2894043084_5bb66b4997_o.jpg)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3096/2894043088_177faabef4.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3096/2894043088_ef60344b7e_o.jpg)

FTI Station under construction...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3295/2894043102_ebeb3c6582.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3295/2894043102_02662d6401_o.jpg)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3123/2894043092_c5bcb8fcd5.jpg?v=0
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3123/2894043092_a918e72f1b_o.jpg)

pi_malejana

September 28th, 2008, 05:48 AM

^^ wow.. sir WoS..!! nice updates!! :bow::applause:

riles28

September 28th, 2008, 06:07 AM

Doon sa picture ni sir wheel of steel talagang nasa rail laying stage na sila. Kapag ako
pumupunta kami sa blumentriit ay maraming ng nagbago sa embankment meron na itong
graba at naroon na ang mga ballast. Yung tondo segment under demolition stage pa rin
kaialan ba ung massive demolition roon?

flymordecai

September 28th, 2008, 07:15 AM

wheel of steel

September 28th, 2008, 10:30 AM

Thanks flymoredecay. Tomorrow, I'll post again for the great works done by NHA at between Sta. Mesa and Espanya section and likewise the update for the Sta. Mesa Stations.... as I actually took a trolley ride. We'll as a result, I've got bunches of photos taken..

wheel of steel

September 28th, 2008, 10:45 AM

Current PNR infrastructure specification.

Rail type = 32kg/m and 37kg/m
Rail gauge = 1.067m or Cape Gauge
Sleepers per kilometer = 1600pcs
Ballast Thickness = 300mm or 30cm
Sleeper spacing = 1000m/1600pcs = 0.625m/pc
= or for every 25m equals 40 pcs[B]

Based on the Japanese standards for railtrack construction.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3159/2893895893_1fdff9dfe7_o.jpg

It shows that the New Revitalized PNR will use brandnew and reusable 37kg/m rails with spacings of .625meters or 62.5cm of concrete sleeper spacings with supports of 200mm to 300mm ballast thickness which can results in safety operational speeds of 90kph to 110kph with maximum axial loading of 5000 to 10000 tons of rolling stock weight per year. Not too bad... ha ha ha...:banana:

diz

September 28th, 2008, 10:47 AM

110kph?? that's only 10kph more than on NLEX... dang. I wish it was like 160kph at least.
but that wold require it to avoid railroad crossings... which doesn't.

thanks for the pics WoS, btw. :)

wheel of steel

September 28th, 2008, 10:51 AM

110kph?? that's only 10kph more than on NLEX... dang. I wish it was like 160kph at least.

wow, in the likelihood of Northrail... he he he... hitting up to 160kph speed is more likely to drain millions of dollars of money... but Ive love it so much if they do so..:banana: probably in the design of China funded Southrail...

wheel of steel

September 28th, 2008, 10:53 AM

110kph?? that's only 10kph more than on NLEX... dang. I wish it was like 160kph at least.
but that wold require it to avoid railroad crossings... which doesn't.

thanks for the pics WoS, btw. :)

More pictures too come.. he he he... It costs me P1500 just to get there (from Bicol to Manila VV. in 36 hours), he he he. without sleep and returning back in the evening... ohhh dang, im super fatigue now.. hu hu hu....:lol: But of course I've had some office and papers stuff due for submission in Manila Office...:)

absinthe_888

September 28th, 2008, 11:18 AM

^^Nice shot @absinthe_888! Looks like there was an on-coming train...

The fence to the left seems like a good example for the entire rail line. Not sure if PNR-ROW extends near the electric post, which will make the house one of several informal settlers.

Thanks Lucentino, i'll try to take pics of elbi and calamba pnr stations when i have the time. :) ay hindi approaching train yung parang nakikita mo, napakatagaaaaaaal nang alang dumadaan na tren jan. yung fence sa left eh IRRI na yun :)

Guys, I think It's time to update! :):):)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3235/2894043098_587101fa91.jpg?v=0
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3235/2894043098_4cceed15ca_o.jpg)
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3192/2894043084_37b3a97b75.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3192/2894043084_5bb66b4997_o.jpg)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3096/2894043088_177faabef4.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3096/2894043088_ef60344b7e_o.jpg)
[/CENTER]

FTI Station under construction...

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3295/2894043102_ebeb3c6582.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3295/2894043102_02662d6401_o.jpg)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3123/2894043092_c5bcb8fcd5.jpg?v=0
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3123/2894043092_a918e72f1b_o.jpg)

sweet pics as usual wos, yung sa meh fti ba, yung mga structures sa left side hindi na titibagin? nice to see rail works in progress!:banana:

i'm really happy that the pnr is slowly being rehabilitated again. at ala nang squatters, wow! i never imagined i'll see that in my lifetime! lolz

barrera_marquez

September 28th, 2008, 02:31 PM

Tanong lang mga kuya, magkakaroon ba tayo ng mga bagong tren diyan sa PNR? Thanks po...

riles28

September 28th, 2008, 02:42 PM

riles28

September 28th, 2008, 02:47 PM

Sa 2009 kaya makikita kaya natin na aandar na ang bagong tren maski test run lang?
well maari basta mabilis ang pag rehabilitate at yung demolition sa iba pang part ng riles
lalo na ang tondo - caloocan segment. According sa mga nakausap ko hanggang
end of september na lang sila o mga first week of october. Sana nga bago mag
christmas wala na sila roon sa area para masimulan na rin dito importante pa naman
itong area na ito kasi eto yung papunta sa tutuban at pnr shop sa caloocan.

boom_box

September 28th, 2008, 02:50 PM

wow... sana progressive yung rehab sa PNR lines dyan... I love to see those updates...

OT:

wala pa bang pics sa mga new train na gagamitin dyan sa PNR once matapos yung rehab..?
or they will still use those old ones.. =(

and tsaka wala pa akong nakikitang mga railroad crossing sa PNR lines... i hope automated naman sana yung railroad crossing... pero yun nga lang, baka naman pag pipiyestahan sa pag nakaw... =(

bartstrife99

September 28th, 2008, 02:54 PM

wow nice to see some progress in activity, na panood ko yung pelikula ni FPJ at Vilma Santos sa chanel 2 kagabi yung PNR at yung Miguel Statation ang ganda nung ending ehh.

absinthe_888

September 28th, 2008, 08:14 PM

Railway plan ready by Dec. 1
Paolo Luis G. Montecillo
http://bworld.com.ph/BW092908/content.php?id=075

THE ADMINISTRATION is finalizing plans for the construction of the long-delayed Mindanao Railway System project, which is expected to spur economic development in the conflict-stricken region.

Speaker Prospero C. Nograles said in a statement on Saturday that "the blueprint of a modern Mindanao Railway System is now taking shape."

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in late June formed the Mindanao Railways Project Policy and Coordinating Committee composed of Transportation Secretary Leandro R. Mendoza, Public Works Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Jr. and Budget Secretary Rolando G. Andaya, Jr. as members, while Mr. Nograles is the group’s adviser.

Mr. Nograles said the committee has until Dec. 1 to submit its comprehensive report and recommendations to Malacañang.

Mr. Nograles said the rail system will be "an efficient, cheap and reliable railway network crisscrossing the length and breathe of the island, [and] will surely spur productivity, allow the establishment of industries and create tens of thousands of jobs, and catalyze the inflow of foreign investments."

The committee will advise the Office of the President on prioritization/schedule of implementation of the various railway lines in the South; will serve as the coordinating issue-resolution body; and will prepare a development plan to the President for approval not later than Dec. 1.

It was also tasked to identify and recommend modes and sources of financing for the project.

The projected cost of the project was not mentioned.

absinthe_888

September 28th, 2008, 10:19 PM

Northrail chief endorses higher cost for rail project
By Ding Cervantes
Monday, September 29, 2008
http://philstar.com/index.php?Business&p=49&type=2&sec=27&aid=2008092820

BACOLOR, Pampanga – An electricity-run and, because of this and other factors, a more expensive Caloocan-to-Clark railway system.

After weeks of renegotiations with the Chinese, North Luzon Railways Corp. (Northrail) president Edgardo Pamintuan said yesterday he has recommended to President Arroyo that Chinese contractor China National Machinery and Equipment Corp. Group (CNMEG) be allowed to push through with the project and yield to its initial demand for $299-million more supplementary cost for the project.

In an interview with newsmen during President Arroyo’s visit here, Pamintuan tried to justify the $299 million additional cost to cover “extraordinary inflation”, currency exchange, and “variation costs”.

“This project was conceived way back in 2003. Now even the cost of steel has gone up by as much as 80 percent,” he said.

Pamintuan also said that CNMEG’s demand for the increased cost was borne of the need to construct two-way viaducts instead of mere embankments along the railway.

“Of course, since the project will now be electricity run instead of diesel, it will have to cost even more,” he said, while refusing to reveal how much the total cost of the project would be.

He also said that apart from shift from diesel to electricity, so-called standard instead of narrow gauge for the tracks were agreed upon.

Initially, the entire project from Caloocan to Clark was estimated at $1.008 billion, including $421.05 million for Section 1 from Caloocan to Malolos and $673.67 million for Section 2 from Malolos to Clark. The Chinese Export-Import Bank had already extended a $400-million loan for the project, with $105 million of this amount already turned over to CNMEG.

Pamintuan said another concern was that part of the $400-million loan had already been released for the project. “We can not just back out, or we might get sued. Also, we (Philippine government) has already spent much for the project, “ he said.

Last February, however, CNMEG workers were reported to have abandoned the project site. “There was even a notice of termination,” he said.

This was after the contractor complained of delays in right-of-way concerns which were in the hands of the National Housing Authority. It was at this time that the contractor also demanded the $299- million additional cost.

Earlier, Pamintuan said the president had given him full authority to decide on the controversial project. Yesterday, he said he had forwarded to the President his decision favoring CNMEG for the project.

“She doesn’t want a half finished railway from Caloocan to Malolos, Bulacan. She wants the entire stretch up to Clark finished by 2010,” he said.

Arsenio Bartolome III, Pamintuan’s predecessor at the Northrail who resigned last June, had earlier recommended the termination of the contract with the Chinese firm after it unilaterally suspended the construction work and demanded close to $300 million in additional costs to continue the project. In his letter to the President last April 24, he cited various “options for future directions” on Phase 1 of the Northrail project”.

Critics of the project said nothing much had been done on the project and yet in its letter, the Chinese contractor already made “variation orders” that would cost $299.4 million as of March 31.

Bartolome said the suspension was against the contract agreement as well as “project negative slippage of more than 15 percent” and that this could be basis for termination of the contract under the governing provisions of Republic Act 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act.

GearX

September 29th, 2008, 03:40 AM

sushi___

September 29th, 2008, 05:53 AM

RonnieR

September 29th, 2008, 06:04 AM

:banana::banana:
nice going ... its bearing fruit ... i hope it won't rot... sa mga detractors ng Northrail , sana makapunta kayo sa Japan at makita nyo yung JR Line , that is I think what is envisioned for us (heavy rail , electric, viaduct, etc.) ... Inflation - is true, steel is really high sa world market (we do not produce steel that much so we need to bear the grunt) -- WAKE UP! everything is going UP (except sahod hehehe)... Mr. Bartolome typical Filipino... you pull down the man (Mr. Pamintuan) who is making sure not to do the slippage you caused yourself when you were at helm of NR, nakakainit ka ng ulo.. lunes na lunes... hahaha

Just ignore this Bartolome..... Filipinos overwhelmingly support the new Northrail, Southrail, only few asses complain...:)

sushi___

September 29th, 2008, 06:26 AM

Thanks Lucentino, i'll try to take pics of elbi and calamba pnr stations when i have the time. :) ay hindi approaching train yung parang nakikita mo, napakatagaaaaaaal nang alang dumadaan na tren jan. yung fence sa left eh IRRI na yun :)

sweet pics as usual wos, yung sa meh fti ba, yung mga structures sa left side hindi na titibagin? nice to see rail works in progress!:banana:

i'm really happy that the pnr is slowly being rehabilitated again. at ala nang squatters, wow! i never imagined i'll see that in my lifetime! lolz

dumaan kami ng SLEX last friday and saturday, seen the big improvement sa FTI o Bicutan part... ang linis tignan ng riles... above the flyovers hahaha... medyo may illegal structures pa near the railway, i hope they adjust the distance of the houses/structures from the rail, like sa JR line sa Japan or sa Hankyu. railway, tapos sa sides may see through barriers (tama ba term? not an engg guy) from the barriers parang at least 10 meters pa layo ng mga bahay... dun sa isang picture posted by WoS sa FTI parang wala pa yata 2 or 3 meters... gawing 10 meters para maganda tignan at di mukhang masikip

702flyguy

September 29th, 2008, 06:53 AM

that should be the plan put walls throught the entire project to hide the illegal structures courtesy of Fidel Ramos "Pabahay sa Riles", even just within the city.

wheel of steel

September 29th, 2008, 06:54 AM

dumaan kami ng SLEX last friday and saturday, seen the big improvement sa FTI o Bicutan part... ang linis tignan ng riles... above the flyovers hahaha... medyo may illegal structures pa near the railway, i hope they adjust the distance of the houses/structures from the rail, like sa JR line sa Japan or sa Hankyu. railway, tapos sa sides may see through barriers (tama ba term? not an engg guy) from the barriers parang at least 10 meters pa layo ng mga bahay... dun sa isang picture posted by WoS sa FTI parang wala pa yata 2 or 3 meters... gawing 10 meters para maganda tignan at di mukhang masikip

Ah. yeah, it was actually 30meters the whole length of the Southrail from Paco Station. It's the South Expressway that occupies big space of PNR. The right of way of PNR was designed by Americans to be true 30 meters and consistent for the whole of it's length to Bicol.

stephencua

September 29th, 2008, 06:54 AM

wow.. great shots wos!

wheel of steel

September 29th, 2008, 07:00 AM

that should be the plan put walls throught the entire project to hide the illegal structures courtesy of Fidel Ramos "Pabahay sa Riles", even just within the city.

I think I will favor your request. The last time I took a train ride, I was very much impressed the way the right of way was recovered but theres still a lot of bystanders and squatters people sprouting the area. It is because squatters are now living beside the PNR right of way being occupied by a private owner. So in order to get rid of those bystanders, they must build walls only for the sections that is open specially on private lots with squatters. It must be push true. Having a police outpost would be useless. The squatters are countless and stubborn. :ohno:

wheel of steel

September 29th, 2008, 07:01 AM

wow.. great shots wos!

Thanks Stephen. actually im preparing for the second update. Abang abangan na lang, baka matapos ko in 2 hours.... :)

diz

September 29th, 2008, 07:02 AM

^^ paki bilis lang! malapit na bedtime ko. :) :jk: take your time. :)

wheel of steel

September 29th, 2008, 07:02 AM

:banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

Railway plan ready by Dec. 1
Paolo Luis G. Montecillo
http://bworld.com.ph/BW092908/content.php?id=075

THE ADMINISTRATION is finalizing plans for the construction of the long-delayed Mindanao Railway System project, which is expected to spur economic development in the conflict-stricken region.

Speaker Prospero C. Nograles said in a statement on Saturday that "the blueprint of a modern Mindanao Railway System is now taking shape."

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in late June formed the Mindanao Railways Project Policy and Coordinating Committee composed of Transportation Secretary Leandro R. Mendoza, Public Works Secretary Hermogenes E. Ebdane, Jr. and Budget Secretary Rolando G. Andaya, Jr. as members, while Mr. Nograles is the group’s adviser.

Mr. Nograles said the committee has until Dec. 1 to submit its comprehensive report and recommendations to Malacañang.

Mr. Nograles said the rail system will be "an efficient, cheap and reliable railway network crisscrossing the length and breathe of the island, [and] will surely spur productivity, allow the establishment of industries and create tens of thousands of jobs, and catalyze the inflow of foreign investments."

The committee will advise the Office of the President on prioritization/schedule of implementation of the various railway lines in the South; will serve as the coordinating issue-resolution body; and will prepare a development plan to the President for approval not later than Dec. 1.

It was also tasked to identify and recommend modes and sources of financing for the project.

The projected cost of the project was not mentioned.

wheel of steel

September 29th, 2008, 07:07 AM

Just ignore this Bartolome..... Filipinos overwhelmingly support the new Northrail, Southrail, only few asses complain...:)

Mr. Bartolome in this regard should ask advice before making steps to resolved the problem. If he could have only made this earlier, I think Northrail for now is already in full swing. Better that he resigned the post. Ginamit nya init ng ulo, in the first place I've been there last Saturday and until now Northrail has not yet fully acquired additional right of way. Kitang kita ko sa may Meycauayan at Valenzuela section, the right of way falls within just 8meters to 15 meters, totally impossible for at grade embankment but possible to viaduct.

le Reine

September 29th, 2008, 07:07 AM

wheel of steel

September 29th, 2008, 07:07 AM

^^ paki bilis lang! malapit na bedtime ko. :) :jk: take your time. :)

Ok, Sampaloc muna ha... :)

wheel of steel

September 29th, 2008, 07:11 AM

WOS, thanks for the updates. I'm really happy to see that the linkage project is at least progressing albeit in a slow pace. And I'm also glad that those informal settlers have been relocated.

Thanks XP, medyo disappointed lang ako the way the Muntinlupa government is caring their informal settlers, honestly not a sinlge sign of demolition is happening there. The relocation site was finally and substantially completed as I was informed and the informal settlers knew it, bakit di pa sila inaalis dyan? Supposedly, last year pa dapat nagsisimula. I know, politics is behind on this.

Yup, this is true, I've seen it last saturday, Tondo and Caloocan South is slowly moving. :banana::banana::banana: I've seen houses though in small number beginning to self demolish their shanties except this Muntinlupa Section. :ohno::ohno::ohno:

TWK90

September 29th, 2008, 07:11 AM

^^

Standard gauge or 1067 mm for the Mindanao project?

wheel of steel

September 29th, 2008, 07:14 AM

^^

Standard gauge or 1067 mm?

Hellow TWK, my Malay Friend.

Ahh, yes for Mindanao Railways, its' absolutely standard gauge for 1454mm

Im still reading the supporting details, with regards to Northrail change to Standard Gauge. It made me confused again, If they will start Northrail with standard gauge, then all thereafter Phase1 will also be standard gauge. my my...

absinthe_888

September 29th, 2008, 07:14 AM

Thanks XP, medyo disappointed lang ako the way the Muntinlupa government is caring their informal settlers, honestly not a sinlge sign of demolition is happening there. The relocation site was finally and substantially completed as I was informed and the informal settlers knew it, bakit di pa sila inaalis dyan? Supposedly, last year pa dapat nagsisimula. I know, politics is behind on this.

Yup, this is true, I've seen it last saturday, Tondo and Caloocan South is slowly moving. :banana::banana::banana: I've seen houses though in small number beginning to self demolish their shanties except this Muntinlupa Section. :ohno::ohno::ohno:

wos, san ba ililipat tong mga squatters na to? halatang ayaw ilipat gawa mawawalan ng boto si mayor. tsktsktsk

TWK90

September 29th, 2008, 07:18 AM

Hellow TWK, my Malay Friend.

Ahh, yes for Mindanao Railways, its' absolutely standard gauge for 1454mm

Im still reading the supporting details, with regards to Northrail change to Standard Gauge. It made me confused again, If they will start Northrail with standard gauge, then all thereafter Phase1 will also be standard gauge. my my...

Well, if you rebuild a small network of railway or have no existing railway, i think it is better to build it as standard gauge, but if you do a large upgrading of existing railway, better not to change the gauge....

wheel of steel

September 29th, 2008, 07:19 AM

wos, san ba ililipat tong mga squatters na to? halatang ayaw ilipat gawa mawawalan ng boto si mayor. tsktsktsk

There relocation site was already completed for at least 5000 families at Bilibid Relocation Site, this is already enough to rip all the squatter families living from Sucat to Alabang. Actually the second batch is already being built (it covers more or less another 4000 families) for Alabang to Muntinlupa South Boundary... I think it's politics that is behind this. I hope I was wrong, even VP is having a hard time negotiating with this politicians. :ohno:

702flyguy

September 29th, 2008, 07:27 AM

Yes your absolutely right, the local government is really behind all this delays, they don't have the political will. Kudos to Vice-president Noli de Castro, I really think he is doing a good job in his post. Good thing about this, he understands progress and things that needs to be done to attain it, of course through the proper channels.

RonnieR

September 29th, 2008, 07:30 AM

^^ I think VP Noli can use his convincing power to finally push the remaining informal settlers in Muntinlupa side. I've read in previous news that the mayor is supportive of relocating them but should not be far from the city??? Not quiet sure but the mayor is agreeable to the plan. Just a matter of time.

For more than two decades, these informal settlers were eyesores and now they're gone. Political will really works.

WOS: I'm so elated seeing those pictures, the squatters are gone, the Philipines is finally going forward - South rail, north rail, new MRT, LRT...more to come.

702flyguy

September 29th, 2008, 07:33 AM

PNR should have huge billboards that "The trains are coming , full speed ahead" just an idea. So, that people will be more aware and supportive of this project. Very exciting indeed, traffic will be lessened in the Metro.

c0kelitr0

September 29th, 2008, 07:38 AM

Manila-X

September 29th, 2008, 07:39 AM

wheel of steel

September 29th, 2008, 07:44 AM

Well, if you rebuild a small network of railway or have no existing railway, i think it is better to build it as standard gauge, but if you do a large upgrading of existing railway, better not to change the gauge....

You are absolutely correct TWk, but for in case of PNR, what can you say? I'll tell you the truth, the PNR no longer operates a descent train system. The farthest destination is only up to Binan about 40km down south of Manila. The operation of the line to Bicol was already damaged by the typhoon. There is no existing Northline operation and it's under construction, unfortunately they are planning to change from narrow to standard...

riles28

September 29th, 2008, 08:28 AM

You are absolutely correct TWk, but for in case of PNR, what can you say? I'll tell you the truth, the PNR no longer operates a descent train system. The farthest destination is only up to Binan about 40km down south of Manila. The operation of the line to Bicol was already damaged by the typhoon. There is no existing Northline operation and it's under construction, unfortunately they are planning to change from narrow to standard...

Paano na yan hindi pala pwede ang pnr train na umandar sa riles ng northrail
pag nagkataon at ganoon rin ang northrail di akma sa pnr eh di ba ang project
ay linkage project at ang plano ay mag joint ang tren ng northrail at southrail.
Dapat isang type na lang ang gamitin kung ano yung existing na gauage ng riles ng PNR. Pahihirapan nyo rin pala ang mga pasahero na bumaba at mag
transfer sa kabilang tren sa ibang bansa konektado lahat ang riles. Wala ng
palipat lipat o baba, then sakay uli sa kabila. Plano pa lang ba ito for north
rail o final na.

riles28

September 29th, 2008, 08:32 AM

Well what is the latest about northrail para wala ng balita tungkol rito. wala bang latest
pic's about sa construction ang huli kung nakita yung design plan lang ng mga station
at depot. eh yung actual wala pa rin ba? mukhang mauunahan pa ng PNR ang northrail.

wheel of steel

September 29th, 2008, 08:51 AM

Update No. 2
(Laon-Laan and Espanya to Magsaysay Ave(Sta. Mesa) Right of Way)
Taken by Wheel of Steel, September 27, 2008

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3061/2894021638_42d3243c4f.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3061/2894021638_1d3830b17a_o.jpg)
Between Laon-Laan to Blumentritt right of way. The wall of citadel was the final line of PNR. Just project this and all the structures right of it will be removed.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3153/2894021626_f28e9cb8d6.jpg?v=0
(http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3153/2894021626_6ac1a95348_o.jpg)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3151/2897333335_45a11ba4e0.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3066/2893997942_b96f04bd78.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3066/2893997942_8b3e97971f_o.jpg)
Just after Laon Laan Station. Clear view of a completely deghetod houses.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3128/2893997926_f4a64df3bc.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3128/2893997926_c54e5580d6_o.jpg)
Obviously, walls must be built here. That illegal selltlers are no longer inside of the PNR right of way.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3247/2893997938_a7a2bb6618.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3247/2893997938_bdacf3ba60_o.jpg)
Dapitan Crossing.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3060/2897333315_81ba614445.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3060/2897333315_3b62024ea9_o.jpg)
Laon Laan Station initial approach.:)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3085/2897333321_a6502df74b.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3085/2897333321_e13414ceaf_o.jpg)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3215/2897333325_f0b785d545.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3215/2897333325_01a4c9fe33_o.jpg)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3201/2897333327_9a77c732e9.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3201/2897333327_e7e10bd9f1_o.jpg)
Laon Laan Station gets a full blast work with this contractor, I spotted 3 backhoes, 1 big roller, 1 small grader, 8 trucks of excavation trucks and a sleeper laying machine.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3225/2897333331_7a1856b29a.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3225/2897333331_9c7bf7fa53_o.jpg)
Laying of cement gravel mixture for layer 1.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3151/2897333335_45a11ba4e0.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3151/2897333335_a59e9573d5_o.jpg)

Between Espanya St. and Magsaysay Ave (Sta. Mesa Right of Way)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3229/2897377635_077c454c8c.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3229/2897377635_9db178f39e_o.jpg)
Taken from Under the Bridge in Magsaysay Blvd. in Sta. Mesa heading towards Tayuman. NHA has cleared all obstruction inside the 30 meter right of way.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3224/2897377625_8258565d2b.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3224/2897377625_d21e879e1d_o.jpg)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3137/2897377617_90ec6efb0d.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3137/2897377617_445deb61a0_o.jpg)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3208/2897377613_28b4713bdf.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3208/2897377613_aa43be144f_o.jpg)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3213/2898215134_9f1090d159.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3213/2898215134_df4f0122d3_o.jpg)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3015/2898215130_01a0bd1d9e.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3015/2898215130_25c53566d1_o.jpg)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3170/2898215122_bb7786d4fa.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3170/2898215122_2ea10f7e73_o.jpg)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3201/2898215138_01a0bd1d9e.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3201/2898215138_9f015dba22_o.jpg)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3155/2898215116_30f125f2b1.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3155/2898215116_dccbabdb0b_o.jpg)
Approaching Espanya Station

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3161/2898215104_011eaab0dd.jpg?v=0 (http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3161/2898215104_2f0c03e30d_o.jpg)
Newly destroyed Espanya Station.. :lol::lol::lol: he he he.. Walang natira...

wheel of steel

September 29th, 2008, 08:53 AM

barrera_marquez

September 29th, 2008, 01:15 PM

riles28

September 29th, 2008, 03:14 PM

riles28

September 29th, 2008, 03:21 PM

Sa mga nag aabang at naghahanap ng plasser and theurer machine nasa Pasay station
sila noong nakaraan at andon pa rin ata sila ngayon. kung wala doon sa Tutuban andon
sya sa shed to hide. heh...heh...heh... Pero madali nyo rin makikita pasok lang kayo.

riles28

September 29th, 2008, 03:35 PM

Natatandaan ko dati noong high school pa ako nagtanong ako sa sarili ko kung may pag
asa pa ang pnr ng umusad. Marami akong naisip na magagandang plano giniguhit ko pa
ang mga station noon at ginagawa kung malalaking station at yung paco station na ang
concept ay mall and station at ang tutuban may mga annex building na sa dagupan st. at
rivera st. parang tokyo station na may west and east wing na to accomodate big
volume of passenger. Ngayon I'm happy na maiisasakatuparan na ang minimithi kung rail
system di man ganon ka garbo tulad sa abroad pero ok na at alam kung pasimula lang
ito at di pasasaan ay uunlad pa ito.

- DI GULO KUNDI PAGBABAGO - Labanan ang Kahirapan

manchowyin

September 29th, 2008, 04:33 PM

Thanks for those pics, WOS!

alcogoodwin

September 30th, 2008, 12:12 AM

Thanks for the update! Good to see some progress! I have a question: why put the rail track up on those concrete blocks?

Howdee,
Been offline for a few days so trying to catch up.
I don't think anyone has answered this one.

They are concrete sleepers (Americans call them ties, but why anyone would want to wear one around their neck is beyond me :lol: ).
They are a foundation for the rails and keep them in line, without them the weight of the rollingstock would simply spread the two rails apart.

Brad

hiiamdib

September 30th, 2008, 01:30 AM

Tnx 4 the pics, hay sana naman at lagyan nila ng sobrang taas na bakuran ang riles para di na maging ghettos ang riles, at ang home along the riles will be a thing of the past. Lagyan nadin nila ng electric current para walng magtangka pang pumasok :lol:

FlashCollider

September 30th, 2008, 01:51 AM

Are they going to build walls beside those shanties?

wheel of steel

September 30th, 2008, 01:58 AM

Paano na yan hindi pala pwede ang pnr train na umandar sa riles ng northrail
pag nagkataon at ganoon rin ang northrail di akma sa pnr eh di ba ang project
ay linkage project at ang plano ay mag joint ang tren ng northrail at southrail.
Dapat isang type na lang ang gamitin kung ano yung existing na gauage ng riles ng PNR. Pahihirapan nyo rin pala ang mga pasahero na bumaba at mag
transfer sa kabilang tren sa ibang bansa konektado lahat ang riles. Wala ng
palipat lipat o baba, then sakay uli sa kabila. Plano pa lang ba ito for north
rail o final na.

That would be acceptable. The change in gauge would only justified if it's new and theres not much existence of narrow gauge rail operations. In the case of the Philippines, we have no longer operates a reasonable train service, although Linkage 1 Project is already underway, that's only 34km. The railway to Bicol is soon to be repaired and we still have yet to buy new trains for replacement of more than 30 years old rolling coaches. We'll if this will be the idea being taken by Nothrail, why not. Let say we will have to start from scratch again back in 1880s when the first line of railway from Manila to Dagupan is being planned.

Assuming that Northrail will push for the standard gauge as CNMEG and Norh Luzon Corp. have agreed during their last meeting, we'll I assume that all Northrail Phases will be standard gauge. The old alignment by PNR which will be use by Northrails Phase 2 and 4 and may be the future Balagtas to Cabanatuan to Cagayan will be realigned so as to configure the design. More new tunnels will be built to correct the changes in the curvature requirements. Narrow gauge is flexible especially on mountains while standard gauge will require enourmous amount of curvature.

With regards to the maximum attainable speed, if this would be the case for Northrail Caloocan to Clark, level crossing free supported by viaducts, I expect that trains will be operated in excess of 160kph. Narrow gauge limits the max. speed to 160kph be it on-grade or on viaducts. :)

wheel of steel

September 30th, 2008, 02:03 AM

Are they going to build walls beside those shanties?

Yes, we expect walls to be constructed to prevent the outsiders getting quick access to the right of way. This is only for some short locations as railroad cannot be fully fenced. Unless they will design viaducts (elevated carriageway) like Northrail, then the railways can be 100% safe.

wheel of steel

September 30th, 2008, 02:04 AM

FlashCollider

September 30th, 2008, 02:07 AM

Yes, we expect walls to be constructed to prevent the outsiders getting quick access to the right of way. This is only for some short locations as railroad cannot be fully fenced. Unless they will design viaducts (elevated carriageway) like Northrail, then the railways can be 100% safe.

That's good to know, I have nothing against those people but sometimes they are really the progblem. Much as anyone want to maintain a clean railways, theire presence will surely make it impossible.

If it's not inside the periphery of their houses it must be their rubbish bin. What an attitude.

wheel of steel

September 30th, 2008, 02:19 AM

That's good to know, I have nothing against those people but sometimes they are really the progblem. Much as anyone want to maintain a clean railways, theire presence will surely make it impossible.

If it's not inside the periphery of their houses it must be their rubbish bin. What an attitude.

Yup that is true, they turn the railways into clothing hanger area, cooking area, tambayan, everything nasty. These attitudes were unavoidable once they live along the railroad. Still the government of PGMA has the best strategy compared to previous administration. The Ramos Administration was the worst one. Being a local of Pangasinan, he did not do anything to resume to PNR service to Dagupan. He also allowed these squatters to feel railroad as their home becuase of the he's program Pabahay sa Riles. He also initiated the Southrail Rehabilitation in the useless way. It's really impossible to get high pax patronage when there are squatters along the railroad. Thank GOD we have this relocation system.

el_dasik_oo1

September 30th, 2008, 02:27 AM

wheel of steel

September 30th, 2008, 02:27 AM

Get the best of the Modern Narrow Gauge Railway System (Metre) from Malaysian Railway...
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=149824

Courtesy of TWK90, 54kg/m rails of KTMB.

http://i161.photobucket.com/albums/t224/Nissan_FUGA/100_0559.jpg

wheel of steel

September 30th, 2008, 02:30 AM

I think they should put up a very high wall. Mga tipong 10 story high wall. This will discourage illegal settlers to go over the bakod.. Well, unless they will build a 20 story high shanty. Sosyal! :lol:

:lol::lol::lol::lol::lol:

tol, kumusta na u?... he he he... Naunahan na kita sa update... he he he... Kumusta dyan sa may Makati? update naman.... :cheers:

el_dasik_oo1

September 30th, 2008, 02:38 AM

:hi:

Aside from the Plasser and theurer sighting.. Nothing is going on here. :dunno:
Maybe they are focusing on the area of España area.

wheel of steel

September 30th, 2008, 02:49 AM

:hi:

Aside from the Plasser and theurer sighting.. Nothing is going on here. :dunno:
Maybe they are focusing on the area of España area.

Gusto u bang.... gusto u ba...hmmm... nakakahiya... he he he... gusto you bang i-update kita.. ha? :lol::lol::lol:

FlashCollider

September 30th, 2008, 03:43 AM

Yup that is true, they turn the railways into clothing hanger area, cooking area, tambayan, everything nasty. These attitudes were unavoidable once they live along the railroad. Still the government of PGMA has the best strategy compared to previous administration. The Ramos Administration was the worst one. Being a local of Pangasinan, he did not do anything to resume to PNR service to Dagupan. He also allowed these squatters to feel railroad as their home becuase of the he's program Pabahay sa Riles. He also initiated the Southrail Rehabilitation in the useless way. It's really impossible to get high pax patronage when there are squatters along the railroad. Thank GOD we have this relocation system.

True, I remember when I was in my uni years when I had no choice but to use the train to avoid the traffic. D@mn it someone actually threw something and I don't want to know what's inside but I think it is some sort of liquid waste, worst it might be faeces. Fortunate of me I tried to squeeze myself in the corners where there are no windows or openings, unfortunate for the others who where victimized by this kind of stupidity.

I wish they just take them all and transfer them in a safer place, much conducive for living.
And those buildings that were erected alongside the railways, that was the most stupid thing anyone can do. And my God, have you seen those buildings, it’s like some EVIL is lurking inside. So much for the Pabahay sa Riles program.

alcogoodwin

September 30th, 2008, 05:08 AM

Assuming that Northrail will push for the standard gauge as CNMEG and Norh Luzon Corp. have agreed during their last meeting,

What a total disaster this would be.
By having standard gauge north and narrow gauge south the Philippines would be making the same monumental mistake Australian's are still suffering for making way back when our railway began.
Perhaps before they all launch themselves on a standard gauge tug fest with Northrail they may wish to review the inflexibility of our rail systems here, one that we are now having to spend billions of dollars to at least partially fix.

wheel of steel

September 30th, 2008, 06:20 AM

What a total disaster this would be.
By having standard gauge north and narrow gauge south the Philippines would be making the same monumental mistake Australian's are still suffering for making way back when our railway began.
Perhaps before they all launch themselves on a standard gauge tug fest with Northrail they may wish to review the inflexibility of our rail systems here, one that we are now having to spend billions of dollars to at least partially fix.

Good Morning Austalia.

Hi Brad..

Hmm... something fishy really going to Northrail. Yeah, I agree with having it electrified, but the change in gauge would put the Southrail and Northrail exclusively in their own operations. The no. 1 victim here is the cargo service. wow! How can now the containers from Southrail be shift to Northrail? my my.... banana republic... :ohno:

Best Wishes.

WoS

TWK90

September 30th, 2008, 06:41 AM

lancetrn

September 30th, 2008, 06:43 AM

EAST WEST
By Julius F. Fortuna
Nograles wants a railway in Mindanao

Remember that after the EDSA revolution, former Senator Santanina Rasul held a picket at the Senate premises to press for the construction of a railway to connect Mindanao. Such a dream may soon be realized.

Speaker Prospero C. Nograles announced over the weekend that the Mindanao railway is now in the drawing board. The national government had approved the plan which is to have an “efficient, cheap and reliable railway system connecting strategic growth areas in the region.

“The blueprint of a modern Mindanao Railway System is now taking shape,” Nograles said. By the way, Nograles sits as presidential adviser in the Mindanao Railways Project Policy and Coordinating Committee.

Apart from the l benefits that go with having a railway, the project will also showcase normalcy in Mindanao. You will be surprised to know that the rebels know the importance of infrastructure projects and leave them undisturbed. Rebels know that they will be isolated from their constituencies if they destroy project.

I hope that we have learned from the lessons other projects. The negative example is the Northrail which has been hit by controversies because of the misbehavior of the firm’s local counterparts. The project is now being delayed. We should also avoid what happened to ZTE, assuming that the money from this project will come from China.

http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/sep/30/yehey/opinion/20080930opi3.html

wheel of steel

September 30th, 2008, 07:37 AM

wheel of steel

September 30th, 2008, 07:39 AM

It is either 100% standard gauge or 100% narrow gauge, having two seperate gauges will not help revive your railway service among the people....

It should be that case. I still believe that they will stick to narrow gauge as planned already contratry to the opposition making noise that only standard railway is the best for PNR.

TWK90

September 30th, 2008, 07:48 AM

It should be that case. I still believe that they will stick to narrow gauge as planned already contratry to the opposition making noise that only standard railway is the best for PNR.

Few years ago, there was one commenter in newspaper questioned metre gauge in Rawang-Ipoh project, saying that it is outdated, however it is a non-issue....afterall, the original Klang Valley electrified double track project was done in late 1980's and early 1990's.......in our case, KTMB network is connected to Thailand's SRT too, so, it is impossible to regauge our line...

I think long time ago, the government considered either to regauge the line to standard gauge or to electrify and double track the existing metre gauge network, in the end, the government opted the latter...

Generally, wider gauge allows higher speed, but there are many factors to be considered of, like electrification, rail size, alignment, bla...bla....take a look at India's case, their main line is broad gauge, however, their Shatabdi express train runs at 150 km/h....

wheel of steel

September 30th, 2008, 08:03 AM

Few years ago, there was one commenter in newspaper questioned metre gauge in Rawang-Ipoh project, saying that it is outdated, however it is a non-issue....afterall, the original Klang Valley electrified double track project was done in late 1980's and early 1990's.......in our case, KTMB network is connected to Thailand's SRT too, so, it is impossible to regauge our line...

I think long time ago, the government considered either to regauge the line to standard gauge or to electrify and double track the existing metre gauge network, in the end, the government opted the latter...

Generally, wider gauge allows higher speed, but there are many factors to be considered of, like electrification, rail size, alignment, bla...bla....take a look at India's case, their main line is broad gauge, however, their Shatabdi express train runs at 150 km/h....

I can't imagine how much money would be required if we were to build more tunnels for track alignment cause by the regauge. I think PNR southrail alignment was designed by Americans for narrow gauge only.

Yes, I've read it too from the Ipoh to Rawang Thread qustioning the regauge. Dat's right more to be considered since you have a direct connection to Thailand, Vietnam and other SEA countries. It's too bad that you regauge while others are not.

henyotic

September 30th, 2008, 09:45 AM

since southrail is almost entirely dilapidated and they will be replacing all the rails along this line, why didn't they just make southrail standard gauge in the first place while they are just starting laying down the new rails?

wheel of steel

September 30th, 2008, 09:48 AM

wheel of steel

September 30th, 2008, 09:49 AM

riles28

September 30th, 2008, 05:25 PM

Update No. 3
(Sta. Mesa, Pandacan and Paco Stations)
Taken by: At your service Wheel of Steel, September 27, 2008

Sta. Mesa Station
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3010/2900666877_97f74753cd.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3217/2900666883_08661e1178.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3122/2900666887_0e3b34d213.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3080/2900666895_3fa8c92907.jpg?v=0

New Sta. Mesa Station
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3061/2900666905_4ef3e34b4d.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3016/2900666911_d579c09524.jpg?v=0

PUP
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3005/2901535514_710c660cfe.jpg?v=0

Pandacan Bridge Approach
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3036/2901535554_ce4255400e.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3127/2901535558_1e14935844.jpg?v=0

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2229/2901535560_f530c4744b.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3205/2901535564_1395e14789.jpg?v=0

Pandacan Station
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3025/2901535568_a4bbb7a04c.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3128/2900695709_122abe3795.jpg?v=0

Paco Station
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2378/2900695711_7f01086937.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3198/2900695715_e20b4f8231.jpg?v=0

Bonuses!!!:banana:

Northrail Valenzuela
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3283/2900721627_d861955ca4.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3246/2900721633_c1a617fd4e.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3073/2900721637_95260ea801.jpg?v=0

Meycauyan Northrail Old Piers
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3201/2900721645_a8436f7daa.jpg?v=0

Magandang update sir wheel of steel pero marami pa palang dapat gawin dyan
sa Sta. Mesa at Pandacan. Napansin ko since noon last july ng sumakay ako
ay di pa pala tapos ang riles dito yung pabalik ng manila tsaka di pa pala
naiaangat ang steel beam ng riles dyan sa pandacan. At yung gilid ng riles
malapit sa PUP gate ano balak gawin ng PNR sana gawin na lang nilang secondary depot nila O kaya parking lot para may extra income ang pnr. At yung mga new platform ay ganon na lang ba yun walang bubong. Hay na ko
dami pa palang dapat ayusin. Tsaka napansin ko kulang ang mga truck equip-
ment kaya may kabagalan ang paglinis ng embankment at ang human power
dapat marami para maraming nagagawa kasi ilan ilanlang ang nakikita ko.

Tsaka ang Northrail zero pa rin pala nasan na yung mga equipment kinuha na
ba uli ng CNMEG. Pansin ko sa picture there's no changes ang progress.
Napansin ko rin na masyadong swampy area ang mecauayan kaya dapat riyan
elevated ang embankment. Well nice update pa rin very promising ang
magiging itsura ng PNR sa 2009 - 2010. ABANGAN.

riles28

September 30th, 2008, 05:34 PM

Pwede pala ang narrow gauage sa northrail tulad sa KTM Malaysia tulad rin sa japan ang
riles nila at pwedeng magpatakbo up to 100 Km / hr. At buti ang malaysia mabilis ang
progress ng rail network nila kasi suportado talaga when it comes to budgetary requirement. Yung mga station nila upgraded na. Sana ganito rin sa PNR sa mga susunod
na taon until 2015 dapat naabot na ng PNR ang goal nila.

boroyski

September 30th, 2008, 06:25 PM

Sorry for my ignorance, somebody please explain what are differences, narrow gauge, standard gauge, meter gauge, wider gauge or any more gauges used in rail transport engg? Salamat in advance. :)

absinthe_888

September 30th, 2008, 06:32 PM

bakit nga hindi gawin standard gauge ang northrail at southrail? ang labo oh...parang mga lrt systems dito sa pilipinas, hindi interconnected ng maayos.

TWK90

September 30th, 2008, 08:15 PM

Sorry for my ignorance, somebody please explain what are differences, narrow gauge, standard gauge, meter gauge, wider gauge or any more gauges used in rail transport engg? Salamat in advance. :)

Gauge, means the distance between rails...

Narrow gauge, generally mean rail gauge that is narrower than standard gauge, which is below 1435 mm....Metre gauge (1000 mm), Cape gauge (1067 mm) and 3 feet gauge (914 mm) are just one of those narrow gauge types....

Standard gauge, 1435 mm.....easily the most widely used rail gauge in the world...most of high speed rail systems in the world are on standard gauge, with a few exceptions, probably in Russia and Spain...

Wider gauge, actually the correct term is broad gauge, mean rail gauge that is wider than standard gauge, wider than 1435 mm.....countries like Russia, ex-Soviet Union countries, India and Spain are one of those countries that use broad gauge...

There are many more rail gauges actually, those that i mentioned above, generally are the common ones...for full list of rail gauges....to cut it short, read this...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rail_gauge

alcogoodwin

September 30th, 2008, 10:04 PM

Good Morning Austalia.

Hi Brad..

Hmm... something fishy really going to Northrail. Yeah, I agree with having it electrified, but the change in gauge would put the Southrail and Northrail exclusively in their own operations. The no. 1 victim here is the cargo service. wow! How can now the containers from Southrail be shift to Northrail? my my.... banana republic... :ohno:

Best Wishes.

WoS

This is right.
The insular stupidity that went on down here still means we can't easily do rail freight haulage contracts between many locations without having to transship it all. I suppose many shippers just think trucks would be easier and the rail operators couldn't be bothered.
Any major contracts from, for example, Clark to Bicol would require extensive transshipping facilities, the resultant need delaying a lengthy train for hours.
My goodness, I truly hope they give this more thought. Would be awful to see flexible freight operations crippled from day one.

alcogoodwin

September 30th, 2008, 10:14 PM

Generally, wider gauge allows higher speed, but there are many factors to be considered of, like electrification, rail size, alignment, bla...bla....take a look at India's case, their main line is broad gauge, however, their Shatabdi express train runs at 150 km/h....

Absolutely. I fully agree.
There has been many requests here and elsewhere for a standard gauge Bullet train service to Bicol.
Nothing is impossible (at a related huge cost), but it is far more than just laying tracks on the current roadbed and sticking your 500kph train on it to head to Legaspi. Even if the current ROW could take it, the only huge benefit it may have is solving over population.
One could easily triple (even quadruple) speeds on the narrow gauge track which will already slash times by monumental amounts.
The amount of stops required, constantly slowing down, and the not to amazing distances to be covered really don't really justify the awesome amount of spending and people relocation work needed.

serlio

September 30th, 2008, 10:24 PM

This is right.
The insular stupidity that went on down here still means we can't easily do rail freight haulage contracts between many locations without having to transship it all. I suppose many shippers just think trucks would be easier and the rail operators couldn't be bothered.
Any major contracts from, for example, Clark to Bicol would require extensive transshipping facilities, the resultant need delaying a lengthy train for hours.
My goodness, I truly hope they give this more thought. Would be awful to see flexible freight operations crippled from day one.
Department of Transportation and Communication should explain why the northrail and southrail are using different rail systems. This have a lot of economic implications as far as flow of goods and services from the province to the city is concerned. The different specifications used as far as gauges and rail thickness affects moverments of people and goods (Hauling) fron one place to another. I hope the engineers did not intentionally proposed for this inequality. This can only mean that the setup will slow down economic development in the future. Opportunities for big scale movement of goods from one place to another will be hindered......thus our economic viability in relation to other southeast asian nations will not be competitive.........thinking lang po..... The big amount of dollars used for this project should not only address the needs of the people for cheap mass transportation but also....to make the rail system a tool for easy access of goods (freight hauling) to travel from one place to another.....thus increasing business and economic activity for the whole nation.

anonymous_filipino

October 1st, 2008, 02:08 AM

boroyski

October 1st, 2008, 03:26 AM

Gauge, means the distance between rails...

Narrow gauge, generally mean rail gauge that is narrower than standard gauge, which is below 1435 mm....Metre gauge (1000 mm), Cape gauge (1067 mm) and 3 feet gauge (914 mm) are just one of those narrow gauge types....

Standard gauge, 1435 mm.....easily the most widely used rail gauge in the world...most of high speed rail systems in the world are on standard gauge, with a few exceptions, probably in Russia and Spain...

Wider gauge, actually the correct term is broad gauge, mean rail gauge that is wider than standard gauge, wider than 1435 mm.....countries like Russia, ex-Soviet Union countries, India and Spain are one of those countries that use broad gauge...

There are many more rail gauges actually, those that i mentioned above, generally are the common ones...for full list of rail gauges....to cut it short, read this...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rail_gauge

ok many thanks for the response.

c0kelitr0

October 1st, 2008, 04:38 AM

big big improvements! slowly but hopefully surely, matatapos din yan.

alcogoodwin

October 1st, 2008, 05:55 AM

The problem is not with the Northrail, but with the linkage project and Southrail. Why do I say so? Because CNMEG and Northrail Corp. thinks of the future of introducing HSR service, so they opt for standard gauge and electrification of the Northrail, while PNR thinks backward by opting for narrow gauge and diesel multiple units. If there is still time, PNR should regauge the linkage project to standard gauge and electrify it, even if they have started construction

Come on, really you should read all the previous posts as to the reasoning why this is not really viable, especially for the prices wishing to be paid for the railway system south.
This continues to come up despite the regular discussions of why.
This is ground endlessly covered here and elsewhere.

Please explain why standard gauge will be more viable than narrow gauge over the less than incredible distances we are talking about keeping in mind that the most viable, profit wise, system in Australia is narrow gauge, as is our fastest passenger service which runs over a far greater distance than is possible there?
I eagerly await the reply and hopefully we will be able to put this one to bed.

alcogoodwin

October 1st, 2008, 06:00 AM

Department of Transportation and Communication should explain why the northrail and southrail are using different rail systems. This have a lot of economic implications as far as flow of goods and services from the province to the city is concerned. The different specifications used as far as gauges and rail thickness affects moverments of people and goods (Hauling) fron one place to another. I hope the engineers did not intentionally proposed for this inequality. This can only mean that the setup will slow down economic development in the future. Opportunities for big scale movement of goods from one place to another will be hindered......thus our economic viability in relation to other southeast asian nations will not be competitive.........thinking lang po..... The big amount of dollars used for this project should not only address the needs of the people for cheap mass transportation but also....to make the rail system a tool for easy access of goods (freight hauling) to travel from one place to another.....thus increasing business and economic activity for the whole nation.

I totally agree and perhaps they should have this inquiry thrown at the by someone local.
Rail thicknesses will not imped travel between the two systems unless of course the locomotive and rollingstock is far to heavy for the thicker (lighter) rail. Rail of differering thicknesses can be utilized together.

jafiti

October 1st, 2008, 06:02 AM

Hi WOS,

Can you send latest RR pictures of Bicol. Is the abandoned Camalig station still there?

BTW, thanks for the updates.

jafiti

TWK90

October 1st, 2008, 06:11 AM

Absolutely. I fully agree.
There has been many requests here and elsewhere for a standard gauge Bullet train service to Bicol.
Nothing is impossible (at a related huge cost), but it is far more than just laying tracks on the current roadbed and sticking your 500kph train on it to head to Legaspi. Even if the current ROW could take it, the only huge benefit it may have is solving over population.
One could easily triple (even quadruple) speeds on the narrow gauge track which will already slash times by monumental amounts.
The amount of stops required, constantly slowing down, and the not to amazing distances to be covered really don't really justify the awesome amount of spending and people relocation work needed.

From foreigner's point of view...

I actually prefer to see Philippines to change to standard gauge, if the current PNR network not that "active" or "widespread"...afterall, it is easier to change to new gauge if the current railway are barely functional...and add to that, Philippines is an island nation, not like Malaysia in which, the peninsular Malaysia, borders Thailand...

Changing to standard gauge have some benefits, generally more stable on higher speed...and procurement wise, it is easier because many off the shelf products offered by rolling stock manufacturer are standard gauge...and if Mindanao project use standard gauge, then maybe it will facilitate eventual connect from north to south of the country...

However, that doesn't mean narrow gauge is outdated or slow, look at Japan, Taiwan, Australia and Malaysia, with decent rebuilding works, alignment modification, bigger rail, electrification and new rolling stock....speed of narrow gauge train can be increased up to 160 km/h...decent speed for countries that is not too large...

However, the main point is, there should be a single gauge used for trains here, afterall, different gauge will hamper the railway service, in terms of functionality, and from commuters point of view, convenience, you don't want to see a moment when commuters have to change trains at the middle of the journey...

HSR should be considered only if that country have decent conventional railway network, look at Japan, they have electrified and double tracked Tokaido main line few years before they construct Tokaido Shinkansen...

alcogoodwin

October 1st, 2008, 06:29 AM

From foreigner's point of view...

I actually prefer to see Philippines to change to standard gauge, ..

Standard gauge would likely always be preferable, beyond that, standard gauge to American specifications would be even better than standard gauge elsewhere.
But I suppose the question is, do we do it for the sake of doing it, regardless of the cost?
Then how do we approach it? Full closure of the south line for years while we remove the thousands of people for resettling elsewhere and widen out the curves, build new bridges etc, or do we make it a gradual thing slowly widening curves and moving people bit by bit over many years.
This later idea could see G/C sleepers used so eventually the task will be much easier and quicker. It would mean standard gauge is many years down the track, but if for some reason it is deemed necessary, at least it will give a rail system now and allow for easier change when the time comes.

Brad

TWK90

October 1st, 2008, 06:51 AM

This later idea could see G/C sleepers used so eventually the task will be much easier and quicker. It would mean standard gauge is many years down the track, but if for some reason it is deemed necessary, at least it will give a rail system now and allow for easier change when the time comes.

Brad

That would be the best compromise, it will facilitate easier change to standard gauge or probably, a mixed gauges of standard and narrow gauges...whenever the need arises...

This has been practiced in India, whereby the sleeper is long enough for eventual broad gauge fitting, but currently, only metre gauge is fitted to that sleeper...

psyche

October 1st, 2008, 07:05 AM

british technology for the humanity on the go! maganda yan, it would definitely drag the economy, even though from afar and it would pay time

wheel of steel

October 1st, 2008, 07:59 AM

british technology for the humanity on the go! maganda yan, it would definitely drag the economy, even though from afar and it would pay time

hmmm... update for San Andres, Vito Cruz and Pasay Stations, coming in the next minutes... :):cheers:

Lucentino

October 1st, 2008, 08:02 AM

^^@WoS please post them ASAP :lol:

Some healthy discussions going on around here... this is good for us neophytes in rail technology!

Thanks guys!

wheel of steel

October 1st, 2008, 08:08 AM

^^@WoS please post them ASAP :lol:

Some healthy discussions going on around here... this is good for us neophytes in rail technology!

Thanks guys!

This could be my last update (Update No. 4) guys for September. Sayang, I couldn't take shots from Magallanes to FTI's. It could be the best shot for Linkage Project because the're so many heavy equipement around there. Fullblas aka... We'll anyway pagtiyagaan na natin muna

wheel of steel

October 1st, 2008, 08:09 AM

^^@WoS please post them ASAP :lol:

Some healthy discussions going on around here... this is good for us neophytes in rail technology!

Thanks guys!

This could be my last update (Update No. 4) guys for September. Sayang, I couldn't take shots from Magallanes to FTI' to Sucat. It could be the best shot for Linkage Project because the're so many heavy equipements workng around there. Fullblast aka... We'll anyway pagtiyagaan na natin muna.

jpdm

October 1st, 2008, 08:39 AM

^^@WoS please post them ASAP :lol:

Some healthy discussions going on around here... this is good for us neophytes in rail technology!

Thanks guys!

agree!:)

Lucentino

October 1st, 2008, 08:59 AM

Standard gauge would likely always be preferable, beyond that, standard gauge to American specifications would be even better than standard gauge elsewhere.
But I suppose the question is, do we do it for the sake of doing it, regardless of the cost?

*edit*

Any idea what are the costs of standard and narrow gauge? Do they also differ in purpose? Please expound more about their usage and practicality.

Thanks!

kratos1211

October 1st, 2008, 09:38 AM

Any idea what are the costs of standard and narrow gauge? Do they also differ in purpose? Please expound more about their usage and practicality.

Thanks!

repost

Gauge, means the distance between rails...

Narrow gauge, generally mean rail gauge that is narrower than standard gauge, which is below 1435 mm....Metre gauge (1000 mm), Cape gauge (1067 mm) and 3 feet gauge (914 mm) are just one of those narrow gauge types....

Standard gauge, 1435 mm.....easily the most widely used rail gauge in the world...most of high speed rail systems in the world are on standard gauge, with a few exceptions, probably in Russia and Spain...

Wider gauge, actually the correct term is broad gauge, mean rail gauge that is wider than standard gauge, wider than 1435 mm.....countries like Russia, ex-Soviet Union countries, India and Spain are one of those countries that use broad gauge...

There are many more rail gauges actually, those that i mentioned above, generally are the common ones...for full list of rail gauges....to cut it short, read this...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rail_gauge

Lucentino

October 1st, 2008, 11:15 AM

^^Thanks mate! Also looking for costs per Chinese and Korean contractor's feasibilities. This could clear the cloud of confusion regarding the use of different gauges for the two rail projects.

Lucentino

October 1st, 2008, 11:16 AM

wheel of steel

October 1st, 2008, 11:19 AM

http://hosted.ap.org/photos/8/85c59f6a-0bbd-4540-b734-612e43ec4c59-big.jpg
A woman and her children ride a rail cart pushed by a man during a brief drizzle in Manila, Philippines, on Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2008. The rail cart offers a cheap alternative means of transportation, with P5 (about US 10 cents) per head from a station to another, amid rising prices of oil. The operators jump on the rail track when the train is not around. (AP Photo/Aaron Favila)

Parang ako ha nung kinuhanan ko ng picture and Sta. Mesa at Pandacan area... ha ha ha.. I actually rode a trolley car... :lol:

Tol, sorry, nagkaproblema me sa flickr. Eto na ulit, iupload ko sa bagong account. Sandali lang...

wheel of steel

October 1st, 2008, 12:12 PM

Update No. 4
(San Andres, Vito Cruz, Pasay Stations)
Taken by: At your service Wheel of Steel, September 27, 2008

San Andres Station
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3206/2904490490_d8fac83069.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3253/2904490494_a43e99d5ea.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3162/2904490498_a714d0ed30.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3057/2904490506_60612e9a21.jpg?v=0

New Vito Cruz Station
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3132/2904490508_102dc0e330.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3177/2904490510_af7c89e5f9.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3069/2903658451_3433938f75.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3010/2903658461_3a803da593.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3065/2903658467_953ab8acb5.jpg?v=0

Pasay Station
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3025/2903658471_ee58121f79.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3071/2903658475_2e7337fe77.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3176/2903658477_42a66202b7.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3046/2904507820_935c802fe8.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3055/2903665573_e0a547bafb.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3240/2904509514_48f90917b4.jpg?v=0

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3290/2903667387_14d33d0139.jpg?v=0