Funding gap hounds revival of Lucena-Naga trains

As funding for a new Bicol Express remains elusive, the Philippine National Railways (PNR) is working to reinstate the old Lucena-Naga service by 2026, although this plan is also hindered by budget gaps.

- By ELIJAH FELICE ROSALES

PNR general manager Deovanni Miranda is asking Congress for an additional budget so that his agency could revive Lucena-Naga trips, spanning more than 250 kilometers, by the end of 2026.

For 2026, the Department of Budget and Management is proposing to give the PNR an allocation of P351.62 million, far from the original request of P9.19 billion.

Right now, the PNR is repairing the bridges and tracks to the north of Sipocot, Camarines Sur. It is aiming to reconnect the line to Lucena to provide commuters with rail transit when traveling in Southern Tagalog and Bicol.

Without the requested capital, Miranda said it would be challenging to sustain train services.

The PNR will use the funding to procure maintenance equipment and new locomotives to ensure that trips are comfortable and reliable.