SRT to Tender ATP Safety System for Diesel Trains

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is preparing to launch a tender worth approximately 1.003 billion baht to procure and install an Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system on 117 diesel trains currently in service. The move is aimed at reducing accidents, improving operational safety and minimising risks caused by human error.

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Acting SRT Governor Anan Photnimdaeng said the decision follows the recent train collision with a public bus at the Makkasan crossing. The incident was reported to the railway board, which instructed officials to accelerate safety improvements and coordinate with relevant agencies to address safety concerns across the rail network.

According to Anan, the primary cause of the crash was human error. As a result, the SRT is seeking additional technological safeguards to reduce risks and prevent dangerous incidents, while enhancing passenger safety.

The railway has selected the Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system based on the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 1 standard. The same system is already used on Bangkok’s Red Line suburban railway. ATP is an internationally recognised safety system that is widely deployed in several countries.

The system is installed both along railway tracks and on trains. It monitors train operations and controls speed. If a driver exceeds the permitted speed, the system issues an audible warning. Should the train continue above the safe limit, ATP gradually reduces speed and can ultimately apply emergency braking automatically to prevent accidents. The system is designed specifically to reduce accidents caused by human error.

On the rolling stock side, ATP has already been installed on 120 locomotives. These include 50 QSY diesel-electric locomotives that were delivered with the system already fitted, and 70 older locomotives that were upgraded previously.

The ATP installation programme is also progressing on railway infrastructure. The SRT is currently fitting the system across all routes included in Phase 1 of the double-track railway project. More than 300 kilometres of track have already been equipped with ATP technology.

Testing is scheduled to begin on completed sections, with the railway planning to introduce the system route by route rather than waiting for simultaneous activation across the entire network. The SRT aims to begin operations on the eastern route first during 2026.

SiamRath reported that Anan noted that installation of ATP on the 70 upgraded locomotives began in 2021 with a budget of approximately 452 million baht. The next phase will focus on the 117 diesel trains, with an estimated project value of 1.003 billion baht.

Picture courtesy of SiamRath

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Adapted by ASEAN Now SiamRath 6 June 2026

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