The Philippine National Railways (PNR) announced over the weekend it has restored the Binahan Bridge in Ragay, Camarines Sur, which sustained extensive damage from Typhoon Kristine.
The repair, completed after nearly two months of construction, marks a significant step in the PNR’s ongoing efforts to revitalize rail services in Southern Luzon.
To enhance the bridge and rail’s durability, the PNR replaced traditional wooden ties with synthetic alternatives.
The accelerated restoration efforts underscore the PNR’s commitment to supporting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s directive to expedite the rehabilitation of South Operations, while the Department of Transportation (DOTr) continues to explore funding options for the 556-kilometer PNR-South Long Haul (SLH) Project.
The bridge’s restoration is also an important step in expanding PNR’s existing operations, facilitating service from Naga to Sipocot, and further extending it to Ragay in Camarines Sur and Tagkawayan in Quezon.
This 99-kilometer (Naga-Tagkawayan) rail line revival aims to better serve the commuting needs of residents in the Southern Tagalog and Bicol regions.
“My sincere thanks to all the hardworking men and women of PNR who are working tirelessly to restore the Binahan bridge,” PNR general manager Deovanni Miranda said.
“We will continue to revitalize the existing PNR lines from Quezon to Camarines Sur, to provide safe, reliable, and affordable mass transportation for our fellow Filipinos.”
