Bangkok: The Ministry of Transport is actively monitoring the State Railway of Thailand's (SRT) rehabilitation plan and is accelerating the progress of the Thailand-China railway project. The ministry recently held a meeting to follow up on the SRT's rehabilitation efforts and to push forward with the development of new railway lines, all while focusing on upgrading services to ensure timely completion.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Panya Chupanich, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport and Head of the Transportation Task Force, chaired the second meeting of the working group tasked with overseeing the implementation of the SRT's rehabilitation plan for 2026. The newly appointed SRT Governor, Mr. Anan Pothinimdaeng, was also present at the meeting.
Mr. Panya Chupanich disclosed that the working group has been closely monitoring the progress of the SRT following directives issued during the 1/2026 meeting on January 27, 2026. The group underscored the importance of accelerating projects under the SRT's 2026 fiscal year action plan to adhere to the set timelines. Priority is given to strategic national infrastructure projects, including the expedited construction of the high-speed rail project (Thailand-China) phases 1 and 2, which will link Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima and Nong Khai, connecting the Thai economy to ASEAN and China. The new railway line between Chumphon and Ranong is also vital for advancing the Land Bridge project and fostering new economic opportunities in the southern region. Additionally, the group instructed the SRT to integrate the highest safety standards into all project Terms of Reference and to enhance the efficiency of freight transport on the ICD Lat Krabang - Laem Chabang Port route, encouraging more businesses to use rail ser vices.
In the realm of service quality and organizational efficiency, the SRT reported progress on key projects, such as upgrading passenger cars to electric wagons, with 96 cars planned for upgrades. The first phase, involving 5 cars, is set for completion by March 2026, while the second phase, also comprising 5 cars, is expected to be completed by July 2026. The SRT was also directed to expedite the repair and installation of solar cell systems to reduce energy costs, aiming for system operationality by 2026. Furthermore, the procurement and maintenance project for locomotives and rolling stock is being fast-tracked to ensure maximum comfort and safety for the public.
The meeting concluded with an emphasis on the need for all agencies to work closely together. The next progress follow-up meeting is scheduled for April 2026, to ensure the continuous implementation of the rehabilitation plan and to achieve tangible results, thereby delivering the best possible services to the public.