REHABILITATION of Philippine National Railways’ Main Line South from Calamba to Legaspi moved a step closer with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding on July 6.
Watched by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and visiting Polish Prime Minister Marek Belka, PNR General Manager Jose Sarasola signed an accord with the President of Poland’s Bumar Group Roman Baczynski for assistance with the South Luzon Railway Rehabilitation Project. Under the agreement, the Polish engineering company will prepare a feasibility study and help to raise funding.
As well as upgrading the 422 km Main Line South at a cost of US$628m, the package includes the construction of a branch to the port of Pantao in Albay and a 112 km extension to Matnog in Sorsogon, connecting with ferries to Mindanao (RG 1.05 p13). The package is intended to spur economic development in the Bicol region and improve links between the islands.
