Bangkok: The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) board has sanctioned the purchase of new maintenance locomotives to replace the current aging fleet. The decision aims to bolster maintenance operations, raise safety standards, and support the burgeoning double-track and new railway network across Thailand.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Anan Pothinimdaeng, Deputy Governor and Acting Governor of the SRT, announced the approval following the SRT Board of Directors meeting No. 3/2026. The procurement aligns with SRT's rehabilitation business plan and the increased maintenance demands stemming from the national expansion of double-track and new railway lines.
Heavy maintenance trains are essential for upkeeping railway tracks and minimizing maintenance intervals. Mr. Anan emphasized the critical need for this procurement, highlighting the current limitations in maintenance machinery. Existing equipment across various locations, including Bangkok and Hat Yai Junction, is outdated, having been in service for 20-40 years. This has led to reduced efficiency, higher maintenance costs, and operational breakdowns. The expansion of the double-track network has further escalated the workload, necessitating the urgent acquisition of new machinery to uphold railway safety standards.
The newly approved plan includes procuring various types of heavy machinery to bolster railway maintenance capabilities. This includes ten utility track vehicles, four continuous tamping machines, two ballast regulators, five ballast stabilizer machines, and two ballast cleaners. These replacements are expected to enhance the speed and accuracy of maintenance tasks, ensuring the railway's structural integrity and public safety.
The ultimate goal of this equipment upgrade is to ensure road stability, punctual train operations, and enhanced public safety. The approved budget for this procurement is 2,850,982,900 baht. The SRT remains dedicated to advancing rail infrastructure and systematic maintenance to support Thailand's rail transport growth.