Japanese trains trialing by State Railway of Thailand is set to occur prior to the month's end.
Ain't No Stopping the SRT Now!
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is gearing up to sink its teeth into some second-hand diesel trains from Japan, with the testing phase kicking off at the end of next month! These bad boys, known as KiHa 40 and 48, are set to hit suburban feeder routes before the clock strikes twelve on 2025!
But these Japanese beauties aren't coming as-is; they've got to be tailored for Thailand's narrow-gauge tracks, so the SRT's savvy mechanics will be hard at work at their Makkasan depot! Out of the 20 units currently under reconstruction, a handful will be ready for action come year's end, according to SRT governor Veeris Ammarapala.
The brave souls working on these steeds are putting the engines, transmissions, brakes, and other operating systems through the wringer to make sure they meet industry standards. Veeris adds that the tests are carried out like clockwork following the accepted testing procedures. After a thorough inspection and confirmation that all systems are a-go, the trains will embark on a test run sometime between late May and June's big goodbye.
Once the systems and components have been given the green light, the interior upgrades will commence! The seats will be reupholstered in sleek synthetic leather, perfect for those comfy commutes, while the restrooms will be equipped with Western-style fixtures and waste-holding tanks. As for the trains' exterior, the SRT's yet to finalize the final color scheme, but they'll get a fresh lick of paint regardless!
By December, four to six of these beauties will be raring to go on suburban feeder services! The remaining units will join the ranks once they're refurbished and ready to roll. This surge in SRT's fleet strength will assist the organization in meeting the ever-increasing demand for suburban passenger services, according to Veeris!
[1] The Nation Thailand - SRT to test used Japanese trains on suburban routes[2] Bangkok Post - SRT to test used Japanese trains on suburban routes[3] The Standard - SRT to test used Japanese trains on suburban routes[4] Nation Multimedia - SRT to test used Japanese trains on suburban routes
These diesel trains, acquired from Japan, are not only intended for suburban feeder routes but are also expected to enhance the financial status of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), contributing significantly to the transportation industry. With the automotive aspect considered, these trains will undeniably bolster the SRT's fleet, offering improved commuting experiences for its passengers.
