The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) board has approved a significant plan to invest 10.5 billion baht in new air-conditioned carriages, aimed at modernizing its aging fleet. This initiative may mark the largest procurement project undertaken by the agency to date.
SRT governor Weerit Amrapal announced on Friday that the board’s approval allows for the proposal to be forwarded to the Ministry of Transport, with the final decision resting with the cabinet.
This plan represents the most substantial acquisition of new carriages in the last decade and is believed to be the largest in the SRT’s 134-year history, dating back to its establishment as the Royal State Railways of Siam in 1890.
In 2014, the SRT acquired 115 sleeper cars from China at a cost of 4.6 billion baht for special express services, which commenced three years later.
The current plan involves acquiring first- and second-class air-conditioned seating and sleeping carriages, as well as spare parts. These new carriages will be allocated to express and special express trains operating routes from Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Ubon Ratchathani, Sungai Kolok, Trang, and Nakhon Si Thammarat.
Mr. Weerit expressed optimism that the introduction of the new carriages will attract more passengers, catering to the increasing demand for train travel from both local residents and international tourists.
Last year, SRT reported a loss of 17.8 billion baht, as cited by the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC). The state enterprise, which has accumulated debts of approximately 300 billion baht, is looking to improve its financial situation through the development of its extensive land holdings.
The SRT anticipates that the bidding process for the new train cars will conclude by 2026, with deliveries expected to start in 2028.
