Manila: The Department of Transportation (DOTr) has extended its agreement with the Japanese firm Sumitomo Corp. for the rehabilitation and maintenance of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3) for another two years. This extension aligns with President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to ensure efficient and sustainable operations of rail systems.
According to Philippines News Agency, the agreement was signed by DOTr Acting Secretary Giovanni Lopez and Sumitomo Corp. corporate officer and general manager, Takeshi Noguchi. It includes a two-year rehabilitation and maintenance component, focusing on essential system upgrades and repairs, as well as ongoing operational reliability.
The agreement's effectivity is still subject to further approvals from both the Philippines and the Japanese side. It promises commuters efficient and convenient rail services, reduced glitches and breakdowns, and shorter travel times. The renewal highlights Sumitomo's capability and expertise in handling the MRT-3's rehabilitation and maintenance.
Sumitomo Corp. completed the systems rehabilitation for the MRT-3 in December 2021 and will continue its maintenance services until October 2025. Lopez expressed gratitude to the Japanese government and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for their assistance in the agreement.
Since Sumitomo Corp. took over the rail line's rehabilitation and maintenance in 2019, the MRT-3 line increased its operational trains from seven in 2018 to 22 operational trains in 2022, allowing the deployment of up to 20 train sets during peak hours.
