The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) board has approved the procurement of 23 maintenance locomotives worth 2.85 billion baht to replace units that have been in service for over 40 years. This move aims to enhance railway maintenance capabilities to support double-track and new lines gradually opening nationwide. The procurement process will take two years, with delivery expected no later than 2028. Meanwhile, plans for new passenger trains are pending discussion on the proportion of domestically produced parts, with a conclusion expected by March, before submission to the new cabinet.
Mr. Anan Phonimdaeng, Deputy Governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and Acting Governor, revealed after the SRT board meeting that the board approved the purchase of 23 maintenance locomotives totaling 2.85 billion baht, consisting of:
1. Ten Utility Track Vehicles to replace old units—six for tamping stones and four for new grinding tasks.
2. Four Continuous Tamping Machines with 32 tamping tines to replace units over 40 years old, doubling speed and improving accuracy in ballast tamping.
3. Two Ballast Regulators and five Ballast Stabilizer Machines to replace deteriorated units, ensuring stable and strong ballast conditions according to SRT standards, with the stabilizers enhancing ballast stability.
4. Two Ballast Cleaners to replace 40-year-old units; the new models will double the cleaning and sorting capacity of ballast over longer distances.
Mr. Anan added that the procurement aims to replace aging maintenance locomotives and enhance operational capacity in line with SRT’s business recovery plan and increased responsibilities from constructing double-track and new railway lines nationwide, set to be completed and opened between 2027 and 2029. The contractor selection process has been completed, with invitations extended to all domestic manufacturers and authorized dealers. The contract signing is expected around March 2026, with a project duration of 730 days (approximately two years), and delivery no later than 2028.
Mr. Anan further stated that the continuous tamping machines were approved for purchase from Broadcast Depot (Thailand) Co., Ltd., worth approximately 896 million baht; ballast regulators from the joint venture CAB, Broadcast Depot (Thailand) Co., Ltd., and C.A. Info Media Co., Ltd., worth 109 million baht; ballast stabilizers from the CAB joint venture, worth 693 million baht; ballast cleaners from Broadcast Depot (Thailand) Co., Ltd., worth 553 million baht; and utility vehicles from Rolling Stock Solutions Co., Ltd., worth 598 million baht.. .
Mr. Anan explained that currently, SRT faces significant constraints with maintenance machinery because the main equipment used nationwide at heavy maintenance units (Bangkok, Taphanhin, Kaeng Khoi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chumphon, and Hat Yai junction) is worn out from long-term use, ranging from 20 to 40 years old. This has reduced maintenance efficiency, causing interruptions in continuous use, increased repair costs, and breakdowns during operations. Meanwhile, the workload for railway maintenance has increased due to the expansion of double-track networks, necessitating urgent procurement of new machinery to maintain safety standards and punctual service.
Regarding new passenger trains, Mr. Anan said SRT is currently reviewing details, especially the policy on using domestically produced parts as per the Ministry of Transport and the Department of Rail Transport (DRT). Discussions are ongoing with the DRT and the Rail Technology Research and Development Institute (Public Organization) to determine the appropriate proportion. A clear decision is expected by February–March before submission to the Ministry of Transport and the new cabinet. Procurement will take two to three years, so prompt action is needed to support the opening of double-track and new railway lines.
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