First batch of MRT-3 escalators up for rehab

MRT 3, North Avenue Station (Photo: Wikipedia)

MANILA — Conveyance facilities of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) are all set for restoration, as the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has awarded the contract to rehabilitate the first batch of escalators of the metro’s main light rail line.

The P22.11-million project, which covers all 12 Schindler-brand escalators, was awarded to Jardine Schindler Elevator Corporation through the Department of Budget and Management’s Procurement Service.

Jardine Schindler holds proprietary rights to rehabilitate this first batch of escalators, being the brand’s exclusive distributor. It will undertake such works within six months from issuance of the Notice to Proceed.

This project aims to provide some relief to commuters – especially senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and pregnant women – by causing the refurbishment of escalators located at the following stations:

• North Avenue (southbound)

• Quezon Avenue (southbound)

• GMA-Kamuning (southbound)

• Ortigas (northbound, street level)

• Shaw Boulevard (northbound, street and mid levels)

• Boni (northbound and southbound)

• Guadalupe (northbound)

• Buendia (southbound)

• Ayala (southbound)

• Magallanes (northbound)

The only other batch of escalators to be rehabilitated consists of 34 facilities, all of which are under the Mitsubishi brand. This project is currently being procured, as well as a separate project for the total replacement of MRT-3 elevators, which became obsolete in 2013.

These efforts to rehabilitate the line’s conveyance facilities are among the various projects of the DOTC to modernize and improve the country’s busiest railway system.

Earlier this week, the transport agency confirmed that the prototype for 48 new train coaches will arrive in mid-August this year. 7,000 linear meters’ worth of new rails are also scheduled to arrive by next week, for installation in the coming months.

Several other projects to enhance the line’s safety, reliability, and convenience are in various stages of procurement or implementation.