PUBLISHED: 17 May 2025 at 05: 57
Before the end of the month, the State Railway of Thailand ( SRT ) plans to start deploying the used cars from Japan on suburban feeder routes by year-end.
The donated trains had been modified to fit Thailand’s narrow-gauge paths, according to SRT government Veeris Ammarapala. Some of the 20 products that the SRT is refurbishing may be operational by the end of the year, he said.
At the SRT’s terminal in Makkasan, Mr. Veeris said, adding that the checks are being carried out in accordance with recognized requirements, that the trains ‘ engines, gearboxes, brakes, and other operating systems are currently going through thorough testing.
The SRT anticipates a test run that will take place sometime between the final month of May and the end of June, he said. All pieces will become inspected once more before the railways are deployed on a test run.
When the systems exams are finished, the carriages ‘ interior will be upgraded to contemporary standards, which would appeal to passengers even more. For instance, the seats will be reupholstered with artificial set, which is more suited for residential commuter services, according to Mr. Veeris. However, the toilets will have waste-holding vehicles and seats designed after Western.
The SRT has yet to choose on the final color scheme, he said, but once all the interior work is finished, the carriages ‘ roofs will be painted.
Later this month, between four and six trains may be ready for a residential feeder service.
As soon as the remaining models are operational, Mr. Veeris predicted, they will eventually be distributed. He said this will increase the number of trains in the SRT’s ships, which will enable it to meet the growing need for residential passenger services.