More MRT-3 improvement projects OKd

The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) signed more Metro Rail Transit Line 3 improvement projects with various companies a week after sealing a P3.8-billion, long-term maintenance contract with a Filipino-Korean consortium.

In a statement, the DOTC said one of the projects, involving the purchase of new indoor fans and traction rotors, “aim to provide passengers better commuting experience and enhanced system reliability.”

The MRT-3, Metro Manila’s busiest overhead train system and is also the most glitch-prone, caters to more than half a million passengers a day.

The DOTC said Innovalite Electrical Enterprise bagged the P2.1-million contract to supply new industrial fans and ventilation at the stations, also covering the platforms and concourses. The fans will be installed within 90 calendar days from issuance of the notice to proceed.

The contract for new traction motors that will replace depleted rotational spares was awarded to Ad Lib-YongJi Joint Venture. The deal isworth P79.86 million.

The MRT-3 will also acquire a new multipurpose road-rail vehicle that will be used for the maintenance of the overhead catenary system. This deal worth P46.39 million  was awarded to Kempal Construction and Supply Corp. and Maquinaria del Eo.

Batteries that provide uninterrupted power supply to the signaling system, among other electrical components, will be supplied by Lead Core Technology System Inc.

The refurbishment of 12 Schindler-brand escalators is expected to be completed within the month.

In the meantime, the second batch of 48 new train coaches has been assembled and is undergoing “various static and dynamic testing.”