By Nimfa L. Estrellado The Binahan Bridge in Ragay, Camarines Sur, now fully restored and upgraded with durable synthetic ties, ready to fac...
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| The Binahan Bridge in Ragay, Camarines Sur, now fully restored and upgraded with durable synthetic ties, ready to facilitate the expansion of Philippine National Railways' operations from Camarines Sur to Quezon province. (PNR) |
LUCENA CITY, Quezon – After nearly two months of dedicated construction, the Philippine National Railways (PNR) has announced the successful completion of repair works on the Binahan Bridge in Ragay, Camarines Sur. This infrastructure, which sustained extensive damage from Typhoon Kristine in November 2024, is now fully restored, marking a significant step towards expanding rail operations from Camarines Sur to Quezon province.
PNR General Manager Deovanni S. Miranda underscored the PNR's unwavering commitment to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.'s directive to expedite the rehabilitation of South Operations, "My sincere thanks to all the hardworking men and women of PNR who are working tirelessly to restore the Binahan bridge," 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.” He further elaborated on the agency's vision, emphasizing that the improvements are part of "providing comfortable means of transportation to the public." he added.
To further enhance the durability of the bridge and the rail infrastructure, PNR engineers replaced traditional wooden ties with robust synthetic alternatives. This upgrade is expected to improve the long-term resilience of the railway, offering a lifespan of up to 50 years, significantly longer than the typical 7-15 years for treated wooden ties.
These composite ties, often made from recycled plastics and reinforced with fibers, are impervious to rot, insect infestation, and harsh weather conditions, requiring less maintenance and reducing the need for frequent replacements. Their use also reduces the demand for virgin timber, helping to preserve forests and reduce the environmental impact associated with traditional wood tie production and disposal, which often involves hazardous chemicals like creosote.
The restoration of the Binahan Bridge is not just about a single structure; it's a pivotal moment in expanding PNR's existing services. The completion facilitates the re-establishment of service from Naga to Sipocot, and will further extend operations to Ragay in Camarines Sur and Tagkawayan in Quezon.
This 99-kilometer (Naga-Tagkawayan) rail line revival aims to significantly better serve the commuting needs of residents in both the Southern Tagalog and Bicol regions, promising improved travel times and connectivity. As Miranda previously stated, the goal is to provide "sufficient information and education to our community to address these incidents, and moving forward, we are committed to this effort."
Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation (DOTr), under the leadership of Secretary Vivencio B. Dizon, continues to actively explore funding options for the larger 556-km PNR - South Long Haul (SLH) Project. This ambitious project aims to connect Metro Manila all the way to Matnog, Sorsogon. Recent reports indicate strong interest from France in financing the SLH project, following the withdrawal of a previous loan deal with China.
Experts emphasize the transformative potential of such projects, with one article noting, "Railways play a vital role in global economic development. They connect communities, boost trade, and reduce our dependence on roads." Another highlights that "Strategic investments in infrastructure can lead to sustained economic growth," with every public dollar invested yielding a "substantial economic return."
As part of the preparations for the Naga to Ragay operation, which PNR targets to open in the last quarter of 2025, a trial will be conducted. The PNR's engineering team is currently conducting a comprehensive assessment to ensure the utmost safety of the tracks, ensuring a secure and reliable service for commuters once operations fully resume.
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