SRT woos logistics sector as fuel soars

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is in talks with 10 logistics companies which have expressed an interest in making a complete switch to rail freight services and expects to help them complete the transition before the end of this year.

SRT governor Nirut Maneephan said interest in rail is growing due to a number of factors, but particularly the effect that skyrocketing fuel prices have had on their operations.

Together with the SRT’s investments in double-track rail routes and new locomotives, transport companies have gained more confidence in rail freight services, he said.

Mr Nirut said the SRT has about 1,000 rolling stocks for cargo transport and plans to procure another 965 for an estimated cost of 2 billion baht to accommodate an expected increase in demand.

The SRT is…