Whether or not you are happy about 'the big change', it has started and the coming years are going to see massive differences along the traditional 'Philippine National Railways' line from Manila to Calamba.
In 2023 we saw the section from Alabang to Calamba close and the removal process began. This action strangely left the system around Manila isolated, resulting in no way to rail out all the locomotives and rolling stock for use south of Calamba when that section closes at the end of March.
With April 1st (ironically) now looking like being the date the lines in Manila close, any items needed to be used for provincial services will have to be road-hauled south. This will be a mammoth undertaking.
We would like to cover this change, for the benefit of historians in the future, using our site to post occasional updates.
We are after photos and information covering:
1) Trains from January 1st 2024 to closure.
2) The transferring of trains after closure.
3) The removal of tracks, stations, and other infrastructure from Manila to Calamba.
4) The construction of the new elevated railway.
You will be acknowledged for your work, and contributions can be either sent by email or posted on the 'PRHS Group'.
Operations are continuing in Manila, at a much reduced frequency, but after numerous false dates, the end of March is now looking to be the ultimate end.
Above and Below: PNR flagship 902 (U15C despite what others would try to have you believe) around the Triangulo / Blumentritt area.
Above: So much of this scene is expected to soon be gone.
The two rollingstock sheds, along with the control tower (signal box if you wish) will soon be eradicated in favour of the new railway.
Above: 9001 sitting in Tutuban yard, around the same spot I saw it back in September 2023.
It is believed that she has not seen use for some time. The reasons for this are not currently known.
Above: PNRs oldest locomotive at the southernmost station on the current system in Manila.
Alabang station is not all that old, having replaced the original station (around those trees in the background) as recently as 2010.
Above: The rear of Set 6 at Tutuban station.
Above: The rear of Set 2 as it negotiates the curve at Triangulo.
Above: A beautiful night shot of a scene soon to be no more.
Above: The new kids on the block will soon be no more a thing around the Manila railway scene,
Painting the PNR logo on the side of an EMU set.
INKA built DMU 8103 at Triangulo.
The changes in this area are already extreme, and are set to get worse.
Above: I was particularly taken by this lovely glint shot taken by Roberto Go. I am definitely looking forward to more photos from him in the future.
Correction Above: This photo was actually taken in Naga yard. Opps!
Above: A freshly painted Set 7 waiting at Tutuban station for its next turn of duty.
I would love to hear from anyone who has taken photos in the Alabang to Calamba section recently.
Sta Rosa station with the track already removed.
Now to be on April 1st.
Our PRHS Roving Reporter Mark Chua
John Lawrence Andaleon, Roberto Go, Guillermo Karlo Angelo Juan III, Marc Edmund Khe,
JJay Montesa, Peter Jiro Estaville Padila and Jay-Ian Carlos A. Panacol
Locally Run Page.
PRHS Managed For The LRHC.
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Congratulations to Mr Romeo Caincol Sr on your retirement, from everyone at the
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