PNR puts train on trial run for COVID-19 cargo transport
EGAZPI CITY—A diesel-powered train of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) arrived in Naga City on Thursday (April 23) on a trial run that could pave the way for the railway to deliver medical cargo needed to fight COVID-19 and eventually the resumption of the Manila-Naga route.
The diesel multiple unit (DMU) train also carried sets of personal protective equipment (PPE) for the PNR’s skeletal workforce in its Manila, Lucena City, Hondagua and Naga divisions, according to Ces Lauta, PNR assistant general manager.
The train carried 845 sets of PPE also to PNR skeletal workforces in its stations in the provinces of Quezon and Camarines Sur.
The test run, Lauta said, would determine the capability of the DMU train in carrying cargo for workers of the Department of Health and members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and Philippine National Police who are on the front line of the battle against COVID-19.
Lauta said if the test run is successful, the PNR would seek approval to be involved in the fight against COVID-19 as cargo carrier.
Lauta said PNR operations, whether in transporting medical cargo or carrying passengers, would heed health protocol.
TSB
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