New 184 Hybrid System Trains
Source - Daily News Thursday, July 04, 2024 05:11
State Railway of Thailand to submit data to NESDC in September. Must finalize production order within 3 years.
Mr. Surapong Piyachoti, Deputy Minister of Transport, revealed that he has instructed the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to expedite various construction projects to be completed according to the planned schedule to facilitate public travel. At the same time, the procurement of locomotives and passenger cars is equally important and must be accelerated to support the opening of double-track railway services nationwide. He has received a preliminary report from SRT that the procurement of locomotives and passenger cars is in the process of preparing details on the technology model to be adapted to a hybrid system. This is to suit the current situation of reducing air pollution in urban areas, especially in Bangkok, where other public transport systems have started to use electric power (EV), such as buses, taxis, and coaches.
Mr. Surapong also said that hybrid trains are now widely used in foreign countries, such as Germany. He has assigned SRT to expedite the process and conclude the procurement of trains within 2024 because it will take about 3 years to produce. As for the procurement of container freight cars or freight wagons, it is under consideration by the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) or the National Economic and Social Development Board.
In the future, SRT's train operations will stipulate that trains must run on electricity within a 200-kilometer radius around Bangkok. Beyond this, they can switch to using diesel fuel to reduce global warming and solve PM 2.5 dust problems in urban areas.
Mr. Surapong further stated that the Ministry of Transport has proposed one extension route for the Red Line Commuter Rail System (Red Line Electric Train) project. This is the Rangsit-Thammasat University Rangsit Center section, with a distance of 8.84 kilometers and a budget of 6,473.98 million baht. This SRT project has been submitted to the Secretariat of the Cabinet and is expected to be considered by the Cabinet meeting soon. If approved, bidding can be opened within 2024, construction can begin in late 2024 or early 2025, and it is expected to be completed and ready for public service in early 2028.
Mr. Surapong added that for the other two routes - the 14.8 km Taling Chan-Salaya section with a budget of 10,670.27 million baht, and the 5.7 km Taling Chan-Siriraj section with a budget of 4,616 million baht - SRT is in the process of preparing additional information. This is to ensure thorough consideration of the route proposals and to provide the Ministry of Transport with complete information for explaining to the Cabinet. SRT expects to propose this to the board meeting chaired by Mr. Jirut Wisarnjit, Director-General of the Department of Land Transport, as the chairman of the SRT board, in July 2024.
News sources reported that previously, SRT had informed NESDC that it would adjust the project to procure 184 air-conditioned diesel railcars for commercial service, including spare parts, to a hybrid system (using electric-diesel power). NESDC then asked SRT to provide additional information, especially regarding cost-effectiveness and price surveys. SRT is rushing to supplement the information and expects to respond to NESDC again around September 2024.
Source: Daily News, July 5, 2024 edition (Afternoon frame)
SRT to Launch Lopburi-Pak Nam Pho Double-Track Line This New Year's
Veeris to Purchase 113 Diesel-Electric Locomotives to Boost Freight Transport
Source - Manager Online
Monday, November 25, 2024 10:35
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) met with the Senate Transportation Committee to discuss increased passenger and freight revenue. Veeris Ammarapala, Governor of the SRT, revealed plans to purchase 113 diesel-electric locomotives to support freight transport following the completion of the double-track railway. The Lopburi-Pak Nam Pho section is set to open during the 2025 New Year holidays.
On November 22, 2024, Mr. Wuttichai Kalayanamitr, Chairman of the Senate Transportation Committee, along with the committee members, visited the SRT to exchange views on the 2024 performance, the SRT's 2025 operational plan, and progress on key projects under the SRT's responsibility. Mr. Veeris Ammarapala, Governor of the SRT, welcomed the committee.
Mr. Veeris Ammarapala disclosed that the Senate Transportation Committee and the SRT discussed and considered ways to develop operations in all dimensions, including infrastructure development, enhancing passenger and freight services, and upgrading Thailand's railway system to meet the needs of users. The focus is on generating revenue and sustainability for the SRT, in line with its mission to rehabilitate the railway by generating revenue and economic growth, and developing an efficient transportation system to reduce the country's transportation costs through a comprehensive, accessible, and fairly priced transportation network.
Currently, the SRT operates 220 passenger trains per day, divided into two categories: 146 social service trains and 74 commercial trains. In 2024, the SRT transported approximately 30,870,000 passengers, generating over 3,921.30 million baht in revenue. In addition, the SRT provides freight services with 62 trains per day. In 2024, freight volume increased from the previous year to 12,800,000 tons, generating over 2,122.60 million baht in revenue.
Regarding key projects under the SRT's responsibility, the SRT is expediting infrastructure development to complete it according to plan. Currently, progress is rapid, especially on the urgent phase of the double-track railway construction project, which consists of 7 routes. Five routes are already operational: 1. Chachoengsao Junction-Khlong Sip Kao-Kaeng Khoi 2. Thanon Jira Junction-Khon Kaen 3. Nakhon Pathom-Hua Hin 4. Hua Hin-Prachuap Khiri Khan and 5. Prachuap Khiri Khan-Chumphon. The remaining two routes are: 1. Lopburi-Pak Nam Pho, which is scheduled to open during the 2025 New Year holidays as a gift to the public, and 2. Mab Kabao-Thanon Jira Junction, which is nearing completion and is expected to open in early 2025.
The construction of two new railway lines is also underway: 1. Den Chai-Chiang Rai-Chiang Khong and 2. Ban Phai-Mahasarakham-Roi Et-Mukdahan-Nakhon Phanom, with a total distance of 677 km. Currently, the project is under construction, along with the Thai-Chinese high-speed railway project (Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima-Nong Khai), with a total distance of 609 km. Construction of Phase 1 (Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima), with a distance of 250.77 km, is being expedited and is expected to be operational by 2028.
In terms of locomotives and rolling stock, the SRT is accelerating the procurement of 113 diesel-electric locomotives and spare parts to increase the efficiency of freight services and support the double-track railway project, which will be gradually opened in the future. These locomotives can save approximately 10-30% on energy consumption. The SRT is also procuring 17 battery-powered shunting locomotives to replace the existing ones, which are over 60 years old. Additionally, the procurement of 184 Hybrid DEMU trains is underway to increase commercial transport capacity and support the double-track railway. Currently, the SRT is gathering additional information to clarify the project to the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP), the Bureau of the Budget, and the Ministry of Finance, before submitting it to the Ministry of Transport.
The SRT also generates revenue from land rental, amounting to over 3,987.19 million baht. In the future, after transferring all land to SRT Asset Co., Ltd. (SRTA), a subsidiary of the SRT, it is believed that SRTA will be able to develop the land and generate more revenue for the SRT. SRT Electrified Train Co., Ltd., which operates the Red Line commuter train on two routes: the northern line between Bang Sue Station and Rangsit Station with 10 stations, and the southern line between Bang Sue Station and Taling Chan Station with 3 stations, has seen a significant increase in passengers due to the policy of a maximum fare of 20 baht. In 2024, the number of passengers exceeded 10,602,478.
"The SRT will take the suggestions from this discussion to drive various missions to meet the needs of the people in all dimensions, both in passenger and freight transport. The railway system is one of the country's transport infrastructure backbones, supporting the economy. The SRT is ready to become a regional transportation hub, in line with the 'Transportation for Thailand's Opportunities' policy, which aims to create opportunities and sustainability for the Thai economy and society in the future," said Mr. Veeris.
Board Approves 23 Billion Baht Purchase of 113 Locomotives
Source - Daily News
Friday, November 29, 2024, 03:51
Hybrid diesel-electric locomotives to save energy, 184 passenger cars require further information
Veeris Ammarapala, Governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), revealed that the SRT Board of Directors, chaired by Chirut Wisanjit, Director-General of the Department of Land Transport, has approved the procurement of 113 diesel-electric locomotives with spare parts, with an axle load of 20 tons per axle, worth 23.73 billion baht. This aims to enhance freight service efficiency and support upcoming double-track railway projects. The locomotives feature a hybrid system, enabling energy savings of 10-30%.
Ammarapala stated that the locomotives will be equipped with modern hybrid diesel-electric engines, with an axle load not exceeding 20 tons per axle. They are designed to haul freight trains at a maximum speed of 70 km/h, with a minimum weight of 2,500 tons on level ground at 70 km/h. They can also haul at least 1,900 tons on a 12 per mille gradient and at least 1,000 tons on a 20 per mille gradient.
The SRT will now submit the proposal to the Ministry of Transport before presenting it to the Cabinet for consideration. As for the procurement of 184 Hybrid DEMU (diesel-electric multiple unit) trains, the SRT is gathering further information to clarify details for the Budget Bureau and the Ministry of Finance.
"Daily News Transportation Innovation News Team" reported that the procurement of new diesel-electric locomotives has been discussed for almost 10 years, spanning several governments, but has not been seriously pursued despite its necessity. Most existing locomotives are decades old and cannot be decommissioned due to severe shortages and constant maintenance needs. The SRT's current policy promotes rail freight transport to increase revenue, necessitating new locomotives for cargo carriages.
The SRT's last purchase of diesel-electric locomotives was in 2023, with 50 units worth approximately 6.5 billion baht. These locomotives, nicknamed "Ultraman" by train enthusiasts, replaced older locomotives to maintain passenger and freight transport capacity.
Currently, the SRT operates 220 passenger trains per day, divided into two categories: 146 social service trains and 74 commercial trains. In 2024, passenger transport volume reached approximately 30,870,000 people, generating over 3.92 billion baht in revenue. Additionally, the SRT operates 62 freight trains per day. In 2024, freight volume increased from the previous year to 12,800,000 tons, generating over 2.12 billion baht in revenue.
## SRT Board Approves Purchase of 113 Hybrid Locomotives for 23 Billion Baht, Bidding Expected to Open in September 2025
Source - Manager Online
Monday, December 2, 2024, 06:48
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is moving forward with the procurement of 113 hybrid diesel-electric locomotives, worth over 23.7 billion baht, to support double-track lines and enhance services to increase revenue. The SRT is expediting the proposal to the Ministry of Transport and the Cabinet, with bidding expected to open between August and September 2025 and the first batch of locomotives to be delivered in March 2028, replacing old locomotives that are scheduled for retirement. The SRT is also preparing to procure 182 passenger cars for 10.5 billion baht.
Mr. Wirat Amrapal, Governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), revealed that at the 15th meeting of the SRT Board of Directors in 2024, chaired by Mr. Jiruth Wisanjit, on November 25, 2024, the board approved the project to procure 113 diesel-electric locomotives with spare parts, with an axle load of 20 tons per axle, worth 23.73 billion baht. Following this, the SRT will finalize the details and submit them to the Ministry of Transport for consideration before presenting them to the Cabinet for approval.
According to the plan, the Cabinet is expected to approve the project by June 2025. In parallel, the SRT has been preparing bidding documents, including drafting the Terms of Reference (TOR) and holding public hearings on the draft TOR between March and September 2025. The bidding is expected to open between August and September 2025, with bid evaluation and contract signing between October 2025 and February 2026. The assembly of the 113 locomotives is expected to take 66 months, from March 2026 to August 2031.
The delivery of the locomotives will be divided into four phases: the first phase of 23 locomotives between March and May 2028; the second phase of 30 locomotives between September and November 2028; the third phase of 30 locomotives between September and November 2029; and the fourth phase of 30 locomotives between September and November 2030.
The procurement of 113 diesel-electric locomotives with spare parts, with an axle load of 20 tons per axle, will be hybrid locomotives. The objective is to enhance competitiveness, promote and develop a transportation system that reduces oil consumption by using environmentally friendly technology. It is estimated that the fuel consumption of hybrid locomotives will be reduced by 20% compared to diesel locomotives.
The price of a hybrid locomotive (including spare parts) is 210 million baht, compared to 139 million baht for a diesel-electric locomotive (including spare parts). When calculating the fuel savings of hybrid locomotives compared to current diesel locomotives, it is found that in 2028, annual costs will be reduced by 225.89 million baht. After deducting the price difference between diesel and hybrid locomotives (including battery replacement and maintenance costs in the 6th and 12th year), the return on hybrid locomotives will be positive in the 10th year, amounting to 106.69 million baht. Over a period of 12 years, or from 2028 to 2039, a total of 44.231 billion baht in fuel costs will be saved.
The project to procure 113 diesel-electric locomotives with spare parts, with an axle load of 20 tons per axle, is in line with the SRT's corporate plan to enhance the efficiency and quality of services and increase the SRT's revenue. Currently, the SRT has 187 locomotives (excluding shunting locomotives), which are old and have been in service for a long time, resulting in a budgetary burden for maintenance to ensure that the locomotives are ready for use. In 2033-2036, 50 Alsthom diesel-electric locomotives will be retired due to their age exceeding 50 years, leaving 10 locomotives with replaced engines. As a result, after 2037, there will be 137 locomotives remaining in service.
Meanwhile, the SRT needs locomotives to support services and double-track railway lines for commercial and freight train services. According to the plan, in 2024-2037, a total of 127 locomotives are required, and in 2037, the number will increase to 242 locomotives, or an additional 115 locomotives.
**@ Pushing for the procurement of 182 passenger cars for 10.5 billion baht**
In addition, the SRT is also preparing a plan to implement a project to procure 182 passenger cars to replace special express and express trains, along with spare parts, with a total budget of 10.501 billion baht.
SRT Speeds Up Price Research! Adjusts Budget for 184 Diesel Rail Cars, Proposal to Board in Jan Next Year
Daily News, December 18, 2024, 9:10 PM
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is accelerating price research and return analysis to adjust the budget for the purchase of 184 hybrid air-conditioned diesel rail cars to align with current conditions. It is expected that the proposal will be submitted to the board for approval in January next year, with hopes of Cabinet approval in April and budget allocation in the 2026 fiscal year. If everything goes according to plan, the procurement contract could be signed by the end of next year.
Mr. Weerith Ammarapala, Governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), revealed that he has received a preliminary report from the SRT Passenger Service Department stating that they are currently expediting the analysis of the returns for the project to procure 184 commercial air-conditioned diesel rail cars with spare parts. This includes preliminary data such as reviewing fares by comparing them with road transport competitors, train routes, and financial returns, in accordance with the recommendations of the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC). The proposal will be presented to the SRT Management Committee (MC) and the Executive Committee (Excom) before being submitted to the SRT Board of Directors for further consideration.
Mr. Weerith added that if the SRT Board approves the project, it is expected that around March 2025, the SRT will be able to submit the matter to the Ministry of Transport for proposal to the Cabinet meeting for project approval. However, Mr. Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, has urged the SRT to expedite the process, as the new trains are a priority for the SRT to replace old trains and provide services to the public. This will help increase commercial transport capacity and support the opening of double-track railways across the country more efficiently.
According to sources, the SRT is currently investigating the price of procuring the passenger cars to determine current prices and sources of construction materials that are in line with actual construction material costs. Inquiries have been sent to train manufacturers in various countries, including South Korea, China, Japan, and European countries. It is expected that a summary can be presented to the MC meeting around January 2025, and then to the SRT Board around January-February 2025, before submitting it to the Ministry of Transport. The project will then undergo a public hearing process with relevant agencies such as NESDC, the Bureau of the Budget, and the Ministry of Finance, which is a standard procedure before submitting the matter to the Cabinet. Initially, the budget for procuring the air-conditioned diesel rail cars, which will be a hybrid system as per NESDC's recommendations for alternative energy use, will be allocated in the 2026 fiscal year (October 2025 - September 2026).
Sources also said that since this project has been in development for a long time, the budget may need to be adjusted. Previously, the project budget was approximately 140 billion baht. However, if the project can be proposed to the Cabinet meeting according to the SRT's plan around April 2025, and if the Cabinet approves it, the bidding documents will be prepared and the bidding process will be opened. It is expected that the winning bidder will be selected, and the contract will be signed around the end of 2025. The procurement of the passenger cars will take approximately 2-3 years.
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) board has approved the procurement of 182 new passenger carriages, forming 14 trains, with a budget of 10.5 billion baht. These carriages will have the same specifications as the existing 115 CNR carriages and will replace the old express and rapid trains that have been in service for over 50 years. The new trains will serve five routes and will be the first to offer air-conditioned third-class carriages. The SRT will propose this project to the Ministry of Transport this December for loan approval, aiming for cabinet consideration in March 2028. The first two trainsets are expected to be delivered in May 2029.
Mr. Anan Potnimdaeng, Deputy Governor of the SRT, revealed that the board has approved the procurement project to replace the aging rolling stock. 12 trains will be in active service, with 2 as backup. The Ministry of Transport will review the loan request for the purchase this December, followed by cabinet consideration in March 2028, and bidding will open around February 2029.
Mr. Anan added that the first two trainsets are expected to be delivered around May 2029, followed by four more in September 2029, another four in January 2030, and the final four in May 2030. These carriages will have the same specifications as the 115 CNR carriages, which have been popular with passengers over the past six years, with tickets often selling out quickly. The new trains will serve the following routes:
* Bangkok-Chiang Mai (Trains 13, 14, 51, and 52)
* Bangkok-Ubon Ratchathani (Trains 67 and 68)
* Bangkok-Sungai Kolok (Trains 37 and 38)
* Bangkok-Kantang (Trains 83 and 84)
* Bangkok-Nakhon Si Thammarat (Trains 85 and 86)
Each train will consist of 12 carriages with a total of 444 seats (compared to 460 seats in the older trains), offering first, second, and third-class services:
* First class: 3 carriages, 72 seats
* Second class: 6 carriages, 236 seats
* Third class: 2 carriages, 136 seats
* Power generation car: 1 carriage
All carriages will be air-conditioned, marking the first time third-class carriages will have air conditioning, in line with the Ministry of Transport's policy. Older carriages in good condition will be reassigned to other routes.
Regarding the fares for the upgraded third-class carriages, Mr. Anan stated that the matter is under consideration. Initially, the fares will remain the same, but there may be an increase in fees.
SRT Board agree in principal for the 182 new airconditioned carriages for 14 express trains and special express trains with the price tags of 10502 million Baht using 115 carriages of CRRC Changchun as the models for the new carriages to allow the retirement of some old carriages dated 1970s even though they would be assigned for 12 trains in practice with 2 sets as the spare carriages for special trains.
SRT Board will submit the proposal to MoT in December 2024 to get cabinet approval in March 2025 and the bidding after drafting TOR in February 2026.
Once the winner has been announce, the first 2 sets will be delivered in May 2028, the other 4 sets delivered in September 2028, the other 2 set delivered in January 2029, and the last 4 sets will be delivered in May 2029.
The new sets will be assigned to the following expresses:
SP13/14 : Krungthep Aphiwat <=> Chiang Mai
EXP51/52 : Krungthep Aphiwat <=> Chiang Mai
EXP67/68 : Krungthep Aphiwat <=> Ubon Ratchathani
SP37/38 : Krungthep Aphiwat <=> Sugei Golok
EXP83/84: Krungthep Aphiwat <=> Kantang (extended from Trang by popular demands)
EXP85/86 : Krungthep Aphiwat <=>Nakhon Srithammarat
1 set consists of 12 airconditioned carriages for passengers with total 444 seats/beds with first class (3 carriages with 72 seats (beds)), second class (6 carriages with 236 seats/beds) and third class (2 carriages with 136 seats) with 1 power car and 1 restaurant car.
The new surcharges for third class airconditioned carriages will be applied but it is up to the discretion of SRT Board even though it will remain the same at the time being. The old carriages which are still in serviceable conditions will be assigned to the other popular routes. ฺBTW, we have learnt that there are 727 passenger carriages which are at least 50 years old which need to be on retirement due to the lack of appropriate spare parts and those carriages are obsolete or broken beyond repairs.
https://mgronline.com/business/detail/9670000121937https://www.dailynews.co.th/news/4205153/https://www.facebook.com/TransportDailynews/posts/1129118361998730
People urge State Planning Commission and Cabinet to approve new train purchase
Source - Daily News
Sunday, December 22, 2024 07:22
SRT's open and transparent bidding process expected to smoothly deliver service to the public
The "Daily News Transportation Innovation News Team" reports that following the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) Board of Directors meeting on December 19, 2024, the board approved the SRT's project to procure 182 passenger carriages (14 trains) to replace special express and express trains. These air-conditioned carriages (classes 1, 2, and 3), along with spare parts, have a total budget of 10.502 billion baht. This aims to replace old trains that have been in service for over 50 years.
The timeline for the project is as follows:
* **March 2025:** Submit a loan request to the Ministry of Transport and propose the project to the Cabinet for consideration.
* **February 2026:** Open bidding process.
* **May 2027:** Deliver the first 2 train sets.
* **September 2027:** Deliver another 4 train sets.
* **January 2028:** Deliver another 4 train sets.
* **May 2028:** Deliver the final 4 train sets.
The specifications for these carriages are the same as the 115 carriages (worth 4.66 billion baht) recently purchased from China CNR Corporation Limited, which have been in service since 2016 and are highly popular with passengers, with tickets often fully booked.
On December 20, the SRT Public Relations department released further details to the media, stating that this project will increase the maximum speed from 90 km/h to 120 km/h, allowing passengers to reach their destinations faster. Safety features include CCTV systems inside the carriages and automatic door steps. The trains will be compatible with both low and high platforms, with lifts provided for disabled passengers at stations with low platforms. They are also environmentally friendly, reducing fuel consumption per carriage by up to 30% compared to the old trains. This aligns with the first phase of the double-track railway construction project (7 routes, 993 km), the construction of 2 new railway lines (678 km), the purchase of 50 new locomotives, and the second phase of the double-track project (7 routes, 1,488 km).
The public and passengers have expressed their opinions on this matter overwhelmingly through the Facebook fan pages of Daily News Transportation Innovation News, the SRT Public Relations team, and various train enthusiast pages. Most people expressed their joy and agreement with the board's approval of the new passenger carriages, citing a severe shortage of trains. They are concerned that the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) might delay the project and urge its approval. They also encourage the SRT to prepare comprehensive information to address any questions from the NESDC and the Cabinet to expedite the purchase approval.
Some have commented that while the SRT designed the double-track lines for trains to run at 160 km/h, both the locomotives and carriages are only capable of 120 km/h. They suggest reducing the budget for the 120 km/h meter-gauge double-track lines and allocating the remaining funds to high-speed rail projects. Alternatively, they propose adopting Malaysia's model of running 160 km/h diesel trains on meter-gauge tracks. There are also calls for open bidding instead of copying Chinese specifications to ensure transparency and avoid controversies, thus facilitating a smooth and swift procurement process to deliver the trains for public service as planned.
Source: Daily News, December 23, 2024 (Afternoon Edition)
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