More than a decade after their procurement, Chinese-made Dalian trains are finally operating on Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3), significantly increasing passenger capacity between Quezon City and Pasay City.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. announced the deployment Wednesday during a visit to the MRT-3 Santolan-Annapolis Station.

The Philippine government acquired 48 train cars from Chinese firm CCRC Dalian Co. in 2014, with delivery in 2016. The trains were intended to ease congestion on the MRT-3 line but remained unused due to “technical compatibility issues” with local rail systems.

“What we did was we went back to these and we made sure that whatever needs to be done to make this Dalian train usable, we did it,” Marcos said. “So this train that we see in front of us, it’s fixed, it’s ready to use.”

Currently, three Dalian train sets are in service, adding nine carriages for commuters. The remaining cars are undergoing rehabilitation after a decade of disuse.

“It is only today we put in-service these Dalian [trains]. It is the first time commuters will use this since it was bought,” Marcos stated.

The rehabilitation of the trains incurred no cost to the government. TÜV Rheinland conducted a technical audit, and Sumitomo Corporation, MRT-3’s current maintenance provider, performed final safety checks.

“I am happy. Our government funds were not wasted,” Marcos said.

Once fully deployed, the 48 Dalian trains, capable of carrying up to 1,200 passengers each, are expected to reduce train intervals from four minutes to 2.5 minutes. This will enhance capacity and improve the passenger experience on the MRT-3, which currently serves 380,000 passengers daily.

In other developments, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) conducted a site inspection at the MRT-7 Batasan Station along Commonwealth Avenue in Quezon City on Wednesday.

The inspection followed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to ensure readiness for the rainy season and strengthen disaster resilience, particularly concerning recent flooding in the area.

According to an assessment by the MMDA Flood Control and Sewerage Management Office, led by Director IV Baltazar Melgar, the ongoing construction of the MRT-7 has contributed to recent traffic congestion and flooding along Commonwealth Avenue during heavy rains. With Alvin Murcia

The assessment noted that a manhole was constructed directly above existing drainage pipe culverts, and a footing wall from the MRT-7 construction may have partially obstructed water flow.

Additionally, access for regular maintenance of the drainage system is limited due to the presence of MRT-7 project columns. Potholes and damaged drainage inlets were also observed.

Representatives from the Department of Transportation, the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Quezon City Government, and SMC MRT-7 Corporation also participated in the inspection.