SRT to Procure 184 New Railcars, Plans Mekong Bridge Expansion
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has announced plans to procure 184 air-conditioned diesel railcars, along with spare parts, at a budget of 24.1 billion baht to replace aging train cars that have been in service for 30 years.
SRT Governor Veeris Ammarapala stated on Thursday that the new railcars will replace 10 long-distance passenger trains and support expanded routes on double-track railway services.
The procurement is part of SRT’s strategy to enhance competitiveness against other transport options by improving fuel efficiency, reducing congestion, and minimizing environmental impact. In 2024, SRT services recorded 30.3 million passengers, an increase from 27.8 million in 2023.
The purchase will include 92 air-conditioned diesel railcars with a driver’s cabin and another 92 without. The new railcars will be dual-powered, operating on both diesel and electric battery systems. Features will include WiFi, reclining seats, hygienic closed-system toilets, LED screens, and designated spaces for disabled passengers. Each railcar is estimated to cost 131.25 million baht.
The first batch of 60 railcars is expected to arrive in 2027. The SRT will submit the project for approval by the Ministry of Transport and the cabinet, with bidding expected to conclude by July 2026. Full service is anticipated by April 2030.
New Mekong Railway Bridge Plans Underway
In a related development, the SRT is expediting the design of a four-track Mekong River Railway Bridge to facilitate train and high-speed rail connections between Thailand and Laos.
An SRT insider revealed that the bridge, part of the Nong Khai-Vientiane railway link, is currently in the project research phase, including design and Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) studies, expected to conclude by September.
Plans include constructing a new four-track railway bridge approximately 30 meters south of the existing one. It will feature two tracks for 1-meter gauge trains and two for 1.435-meter standard high-speed trains. Construction is projected to take 36 months, starting in 2026, with operations commencing in 2029.
Additionally, a new car bridge will be built on the north side of the current bridge in the project’s second phase. This will add two lanes to the existing road bridge. Construction is expected to begin around 2041 and be completed by 2044.
These infrastructure developments signal Thailand’s commitment to modernizing its railway system and enhancing cross-border connectivity in the region.