Manila-Bicol train service resumes June 29—Palace

MANILA, Philippines—Malacañang on Thursday announced the restoration of the Philippine National Railways’ historic Bicol Express operations between Manila and the Bicol region later this month.

Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the train service between Manila’s Tutuban Station and Naga City’s Central Station will resume on June 29.

“This is a month ahead of schedule, made possible by a new workforce and contracts for the Quezon-Bicol portions of the tracks, and vital infrastructure rehabilitation including the completion of the 50-meter San Cristobal Bridge in Laguna,” Lacierda said.

“This ushers in the forthcoming resumption of the famous Bicol Express as an air-conditioned rail service between Manila’s Tutuban Station and Naga’s Central Station,” Lacierda added.

Malacañang said the Bicol Express first started in 1938 when, half a kilometer from Del Gallego town proper in Camarines Sur, a golden nail was driven into a railroad tie, marking the meeting of the south and north railroad lines that linked Manila and Legazpi City by rail.