Wednesday, March 14, 2018

More tests needed for 48 Dalian trains: DOTr

More tests are needed to determine the suitability to the tracks of the 48 trains that were purchased from Dalian CCRC for the Metro Rail Transit 3 (MRT-3).

In a statement, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said that in the interim report of TUV Rheinland, the independent certifier contracted to audit and assess the entire MRT-3 system and the Dalian trains, a weighing test of the Dalian trains is recommended “because the previous project team for the project failed to attend and witness the weight testing done in China in November 2015”.

“According to TUV Rheinland, the weighing test should be done to eliminate any doubts, and so DOTr MRT-3 can witness and formally sign off on the trains’ weight,” the DOTr said.

Additional information and documentation on the design of the trains are still being obtained while further type and routine tests are still to be conducted, based on TUV Rheinland’s interim report.

The DOTr said it would wait for the final report of the auditing firm and apply its recommendations as it takes the necessary steps to assess the functionality and safety of the Dalian trains.

“Assessing the Dalian trains’ safety, compatibility with MRT-3, and compliance with their Terms of Reference, through a highly qualified, independent, and ISO certified certifier, with extensive experience in the certification of trains, has always been the DOTr’s approach in resolving the Dalian trains issue, which is consistent with prudent international industry practice. Knowing that the Dalian trains will affect the safety of hundreds of thousands of MRT-3 passengers daily, the DOTr and MRT-3 management will ensure that the necessary processes are observed in their assessment,” the department said.

“We will not leave stones unturned, especially on the issue of safety. We will do it right this time,” it added.

Concerns were raised earlier with the 48 Dalian cars or light rail vehicles procured by the previous administration for PHP3.8 billion after they exceeded the weight prescribed. Compatibility with the MRT-3’s maintenance facilities and signaling system were also an issue.

DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade has earlier said that MRT operations is expected to improve by April or May as spare parts which are necessary for the increase in the number of running trains are set to arrive in the country.

INA, KAPATID, ANAK

In the movie version,

"Uulan ng bala sa kasal ni Celyn dahil sa pagdating ni Ethan"

TUV Rheinland wants MRT3’s Dalian coaches weighed

TUV Rheinland, the German consultant tapped by the Department of Transportation (DOTr), wants to conduct a weight-testing on the 48 unused Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) delivered by Chinese firm CRRC-Dalian Co. Ltd. for the Metro Rail Transit Line 3.

In a statement on Tuesday, the DOTr said that TUV Rheinland recommended weighing the Dalian trains in Manila as the previous project team failed to attend and witness the same test supposedly done in Dalian, China in November 2015.

“According to TUV Rheinland, the weighing ... should be done to eliminate any doubts, and so DOTr MRT3 can witness and formally sign off on the trains’ weight,” the department said.

The German consultant made the recommendation in its interim audit report, noting that additional information and documentation on design and validation evidence are still being obtained and further type and routine tests are still to be conducted.

Transportation Undersecretary for Rails Timothy John Batan said the DOTr, MRT3, and CRRC Dalian will arrange for a weight test in Manila so all concerned representatives can witness and observe the actual test.

Concerns were raised with the 48 LRVs procured by the Aquino administration for P3.8 billion after they exceeded the weight of 46,300 kilograms prescribed in the terms of reference. What CRRC-Dalian delivered reached 49,600 kgs.

Apart from the weight, the trains seem to be incompatible with the MRT3’s maintenance facilities and signaling system.

“Assessing the Dalian trains’ safety, compatibility with MRT3, and compliance with their terms of reference, through a highly qualified, independent, and ISO certified certifier, with extensive experience in the certification of trains, has always been the DOTr’s approach in resolving the Dalian trains issue, which is consistent with prudent international industry practice,” the department said.

TUV Rheinland was hired to audit and assess the entire MRT3 system in general and the Dalian trains in particular.

“Knowing that the Dalian trains will affect the safety of hundreds of thousands of MRT3 passengers daily, the DOTr and MRT3 management will ensure that the necessary processes are observed in their assessment,” the DOTr said.

“Regardless of the independent assessment’s outcome, this administration remains committed in running after the officials that caused the current degraded state of MRT3,” it said.

In November 2017, the DOTr filed a plunder complaint with the Office of the Ombudsman against then-Transportation Secretary Joseph Emilio Abaya, former Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II, and former Budget Secretary Florencio Abad for supposedly entering an anomalous P3.8-billion maintenance contract  for MRT3. —Ted Cordero/VDS, GMA News