PNR to open 3 new Bicol stations in 2025

By Keren Anne Bernadas

THE Philippine National Railways (PNR) is set to launch rail services in the towns of Lupi, Libmanan, and Pili by the end of this year, thanks to the funding from the national government for the completion of new stations.

PNR Naga has also been allocated a budget to complete its repairs.

During a media briefing, PNR General Manager Deovanni Miranda announced that over P4.2 million has been designated for the repairs of PNR Naga, while more than P7 million has been allocated for the development of the railways in Pili and Libmanan.

Jommel Marayag, officer-in-charge of the PNR Bicol engineering unit, said that the government is working on strengthening the railroads in Lupi and will soon connect them to the Sipocot station, which officially opened last March 3.

Marayag mentioned that repairs in PNR Naga include installations of roofing, office partitions, and comfort rooms as well as maintenance of dorms.

Miranda said that in the meantime, trips on the Naga-Legazpi-Naga line will continue while repairs are ongoing and until another train set is added for the region.

“Makakaasa po ang ating mga mananakay na sa mga susunod na buwan ay magdadagdag pa po tayo ng oras ng biyahe sa mga rutang ito, para makapagbigay pa ng mas mabilis, ligtas, at abot-kayang pampublikong transportasyon,” Miranda said.

(Our riders can expect that in the coming months we will be adding more travel times on these routes, to provide even faster, safer and more affordable public transportation.)

Hannah Grace Olivares, a 19-year-old student from this city is happy with the resumption of the PNR trips because it is more convenient and cheaper.

“I am a student at Bicol University. Taking the train is more convenient and cheaper as compared to buses and vans. If I am not in a hurry, it is ok for me to travel three hours to reach Legazpi,” Olivares said.

Also a college student from Iriga City, Cassandra, who declined to provide her surname said that she rides on the train because it only takes one hour with no traffic, no hassle, and no pollution.

“Mas preferred ko po ang PNR train dahil una, yung pamasahe. Sa kasalukuyan, nag do-dorm lang ako. Maraming gastusin at yung pamasahe sakto lang, at yung byahe umaabot lang ng 1 hour, kumpara sa van or bus na umaabot ng two hours o minsan 1 hour and 30 minutes,” Cassandra said.

(I prefer to ride on the train because first, the fare. At present, I’m renting a dormitory. There are lots of expenses and the fare is just ok, and the trip only takes one hour as compared to a bus or van that takes two hours or sometimes 1 hour and 30 minutes.)

Eunice Realuya, a government worker living in Oas, Albay, who works in Pili, Camarines Sur is also thankful for this improvement. But she likewise wished to have additional scheduled trips for passengers who cannot make it during PNRs scheduled trips.

Currently, only one train operates from Naga to Legazpi and vice-versa. The trip takes three hours, and the fare is P155 with a discount for students, persons with disabilities, and senior citizens.

The fare ranges from P12 to P124 with stations in Legazpi, Daraga, Travesia, Ligao, Polangui, Iriga City, Pili, and Naga City.

There are also flag-stop stations in Barangays Capantawan, Washington Drive, Bagtang of Legazpi City, and in Oas, Matacon, Bato, Lourdes (Old), and Baao for passengers who cannot get to the main stations.

PNR train departs from Legazpi City to Naga City at 4:49 a.m. and returns to Legazpi City from Naga City at 5:30 p.m.

According to Jerald Casaul, officer-in-charge of the station operations division of PNR in Bicol, the severe flooding caused by Typhoon Kristine damaged the train sets. The PNR took some time to procure the parts that had to come from Manila. There were also issues in the railroad tracks that have been addressed. (PIA5)