In an attempt to modernise and become more efficient, Thailand’s State Railway (SRT) has shifted its attention towards procuring electric trains as opposed to previously planned diesel locomotives. In the words of SRT’s head, Nirut Maneephan, the altered proposal has gained the green light from the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), and the SRT modernisation plan with an unchanged fund allocation of 1.5 billion baht is all set to be presented to the new administration.

 

Furthermore, Nirut noted that the SRT is also planning to add 182 new carriages to its fleet. An interesting SRT modernisation shift has been witnessed in their procurement method, with the SRT considering procedures such as financial or operating leasing – a common practice in the aviation business that the SRT is yet to put into action.

 

Elaborating on the SRT modernisation matter, Nirut said…

 

“The SRT has consulted the Public Debt Management Office at the Ministry of Finance to acquire new carriages without obtaining loans through benefit-sharing among manufacturers and sponsors. We have to make a well-rounded study to support our proposal to policymakers.”

 

By Mitch Connor

Caption: Photo courtesy of huahintoday.com

 

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Full Story: https://thethaiger.com/hot-news/transport/thailands-state-railway-shifts-gear-towards-electric-trains-plans-1-5-billion-baht-investment

 

-- © Copyright Thaiger 2023-06-29

 

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And where will the money come from?

 

If that is the cost of the equipment alone, what is the cost of electrification?

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_Railway_of_Thailand#:~:text=As of 2021 the SRT,to nearly 190 billion baht.

47 minutes ago, billd766 said:

And where will the money come from?

 

If that is the cost of the equipment alone, what is the cost of electrification?

 

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/State_Railway_of_Thailand#:~:text=As of 2021 the SRT,to nearly 190 billion baht.

Just connect the mains supply to the rails ????

32 minutes ago, Yorkshire Tea said:

Just connect the mains supply to the rails ????

Surely there's a YouTube video somewhere with instructions.

Every little helps.

This antique system is in drastic need of improvement. Compared to some of the other infrastructure here, the rail seems to have been left in the 1950's. It is an embarrassment, and a boil on the face of the nation. Alternative forms of transportation are desperately needed here, with the highways becoming ever more choked with an insane number of trucks of all sizes. 

 

Whatever it takes, improve the rail system. 

I actually like the decrepid old railway system here, and will be sad if it ever does go fully electric.