Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit recently announced some major rethinks in transport policy. While the proposed flat rates in Greater Bangkok are shelved, the development of transportation infrastructure in the Southern Economic Corridor will be prioritized. This fits within the government's broader ambition to reduce logistics costs and stimulate the economy.
The Ministry of Railways warns that the proposed fare reduction for electric trains in Bangkok and surrounding areas could have financial implications. The proposal comes from the Pheu Thai party, which promises to reduce tariffs to a maximum of 20 baht in their election manifesto. According to the ministry, a special fund should be set up to compensate for lost income of train operators.
This year two additional rail lines for commuters in Bangkok
The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) has indicated that travel in Bangkok will become easier for commuters as two more electric rail lines will become fully operational this year.
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has announced the move – effective January 19, 2023 – of 52 long-distance and express train services from Bangkok's Hua Lamphong station to the new Krung Thep Aphiwat Central terminal.
The platforms at all stations of the north and north-east line will be raised for the new double track. The current platforms are 23 cm high, they will be replaced by platforms with a height of 110 cm.
Thai state railways want to get rid of diesel locomotives
The Thai Railways (SRT) wants to get rid of the polluting diesel trains more quickly. There is an investment plan to make 500 km of railway tracks electric, which will cost an estimated 30 million baht per kilometer. Due to this conversion, the diesel locomotives must also be replaced by modern electric locomotives and carriages.
The Thai Railways (SRT) has planned to buy 100 new diesel-electric locomotives for 19,5 billion baht. The board of directors of the SRT will make a decision on this in September, after which the Ministry of Transport and the cabinet still have to give their approval.