The State Railway has begun shaking out new diesel-electric locomotives to replace its decrepit fleet.
A test run was conducted yesterday for the trains, named after Japanese superhero Ultraman for their color scheme, between Bangkok’s Bang Sue station and Chachoengsao. A second test will commence next month from Choburi’s Sri Racha junction to Bangkok’s Lat Krabang district.
“The State Railway of Thailand is confident that this new diesel-electric locomotive help increase the efficiency of service to the people,” SRT spokesperson Ekkarat Sri-Arayanphong said.
Made by CRRC Qishuyan of China, 20 of the locomotives arrived this week, with 30 more due by early next year in a deal reportedly worth THB6.2 billion (US$181 million).
The debt-saddled state enterprise operates very few freight operations, something it hopes to increase in the coming…
