The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) announced plans to procure 184 air-conditioned diesel railcars at a budget of 24.1 billion baht to replace its aging fleet, which has been in service for over 30 years. The new railcars will enhance long-distance travel and support expanded double-track rail services, said SRT Governor Veeris Ammarapala on Thursday.
The procurement includes 92 railcars with driver cabins and 92 without, each capable of using diesel engines and electric power from batteries. Features will include accessible spaces for disabled passengers, onboard WiFi, reclining seats, closed-system toilets, and LED screens. The average cost per railcar is 131.25 million baht.
SRT reported a rise in passenger numbers, with 30.3 million passengers using its services in 2024 compared to 27.8 million in 2023. The new railcars aim to boost passenger numbers further by offering improved comfort, energy efficiency, and reduced environmental impact. If approved by the cabinet, the first batch of 60 cars will be delivered by 2027, and all units are expected to be operational by April 2030.
In parallel, the SRT is expediting the design of a four-track Mekong River Railway Bridge to enhance connectivity between Thailand and Laos. This project, part of the Nong Khai-Vientiane railway link, will accommodate both standard high-speed trains and 1-meter gauge trains. The construction of the railway bridge, located 30 meters south of the current structure, is set to begin in 2026 and will be completed by 2029.
A second phase involves building a car bridge to expand road capacity, slated for completion by 2044. The ongoing research phase includes design work and an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report, expected to be finalized by September, according to SRT sources.
