The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) will spend 54 billion baht to buy more trains to serve along upgraded dual-tracks that will be gradually opened between 2021 and 2023, said SRT deputy governor Siripong Preutthipan.
"It would be better to buy new trains than constantly pay for the repairs of the older trains," Mr Siripong said.
The first phase of the dual-track upgrades covers five routes -- Hua Hin-Prachuap Khiri Khan, Prachuap Khiri Khan-Chumphon, Map Kabao-Jira, Nakhon Pathom-Hua Hin, and Lop Buri-Pak Nam Pho.
Seven billion baht has been earmarked to purchase 50 new diesel trains to run for the first phase of the upgrades, said Mr Siripong.
"The bidding is ongoing and deliveries will be made 30 months after the purchase contract is signed," he said.
The SRT plans to ask the cabinet to approve a 15-billion-baht budget for it to buy 216 more diesel trains in September, and another 13 billion baht to purchase air-conditioned trains.
"We are also planning to spend 5 billion baht to buy 1,000 flat-wagon containers to serve our logistics arm, and 813 million baht to buy three railroad cranes," he said, before adding the agency plans to spend 13 billion baht to lease 50 diesel locomotives to support its operations.
In addition to purchasing new trains, the agency plans to spend 6.4 billion baht to relocate its maintenance depot in Bangkok to the provinces.
Mr Siripong said a 2.8-billion-baht depot will be built in Suphan Buri, and another depot will be built in Chachoengsao at a cost of 2.5 billion baht.
A 900-million-baht locomotive repair facility will also be built in Saraburi by 2022, he said.
The deputy governor said the SRT has allocated 200 million baht to hire a consulting firm to advise it on the relocation of the current maintenance facility in Makkasan.
"The study is expected to take 18 months," he said.
Mr Siripong also said that SRT engineers are testing hybrid trains to reduce the agency's dependence on fossil fuels.
"To help reduce pollution, we plan to deploy more electric trains within a 200-kilometre radius of Bangkok," he said.
"However, electric trains require more investment, about 20 billion baht per route."
In another development, the SRT Electric Train (SRTET) Co announced it will apply a 17-baht flat fare for journeys from Bang Sue to Rangsit on the Red Line.
The route is under construction and expected to come into service next year.