The Philippines Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has awarded another improvement project to the joint-venture (JV) of Kempal Construction & Supply and TPE Share Sales for Manila’s Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) system.
Under the PHP160m ($3.56m) contract, the JV will supply a new rail grinding machine for better track upkeep.
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The MRT-3 management will have its own rail grinding machine, instead of leasing it from from other firms.
A rail grinding machine monitors tracks and removes irregularities to extend its life.
The JV will deliver the rail grinding machine, and the associated operations, maintenance manuals and repair tools within a year of getting a formal notice to proceed.
The contract also includes a five-year supply of spares.
The DOTC noted that this will put an end to the classification of systematic rail grinding as a special repair work, thus saving on additional costs. The works can, henceforth, be characterised as ordinary preventive maintenance undertaking.
DOTC awarded the signalling system upgrade project to Bombardier Transportation Signal.
As part of the deal, the existing local control system, MAN 900, will be replaced with the more contemporary EBI Screen 900 within the next seven months. The software uses modern personal computers and fibre optic technology.
The signalling system maintains a safe distances between trains and controls their speed.
In order to help reduce queuing time for passengers, the DOTC has activated a new tap-and-go ticketing system at all stations to provide a seamless transfer across Light Rail Transit Lines 1 and 2, and MRT 3.
Image: Rail grinding machine for MRT-3. Photo: courtesy of Philippines Department of Transportation and Communications
