photo: Halász István / Wikimedia Commons / CC-BY-SA 4.0/ETCS—Eurobalise transceiver, illustrative photo
Hitachi Rail has been awarded a key contract to install the European Train Control System (ETCS) on two major rail lines in Thailand, promising faster, safer, and more efficient travel.
ETCS Implementation on Two Major Rail Lines
Hitachi Rail has been awarded a major contract to upgrade two important railway lines in Thailand, with the European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 1 digital signaling technology. The works will be carried out on the Northeast Line from Nong Waeng Rai to Nong Phok and the North Line from Den Chai to Ngao, covering 780.7 kilometers of track, as reported by Hitachi Rail's press release. The ETCS system will also be installed on three vehicles, enhancing the railway infrastructure.
According to Hitachi Rail, these projects are part of Thailand’s long-term railway development plan aiming to improve intercity connectivity and increase train speeds. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is modernizing its network by adding double tracks, renewing stations, and upgrading signaling and telecommunication systems.
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How ETCS Enhances Rail Safety and Efficiency
ETCS operates by enabling constant communication between the train and trackside equipment to continuously monitor the train’s speed and movement. This digital signaling system increases the safety of train operations and allows for higher speeds and better reliability. As a result, the capacity of the rail network will also be improved, helping to ease congestion and increase efficiency across the system.
According to transport.ec.europa.eu, Level 1 of ETCS involves continuous supervision of a train's movement, with the onboard computer constantly monitoring the maximum speed and calculating the required braking distance. This level uses non-continuous communication between the train and trackside, generally through Eurobalises, which are transponder devices embedded in the track. Lineside signals are necessary unless a semi-continuous communication system is used, allowing the train to receive infrastructure information about its future movements, as Mediarail reports. Additionally, train integrity checks are carried out by the trackside equipment to ensure that the train is complete and has not accidentally been split.
"We are proud to continue enhancing safety on Thailand’s rail network. From solution design to installation, testing, and commissioning, our experts deliver a proven solution for both passengers and freight, which is installed on over 26,000 kilometers of mainline railway signaling systems around the world," said Hannes Boyer, Vice President of Mainline Signalling at Hitachi Rail.
As the primary supplier of ETCS for several routes in the region, Hitachi Rail has established a reputation for its reliable technology and commitment to adapting solutions to local needs, including in Southeast Asia. The contract, signed in partnership with LS Electric Co. Ltd., will see the South Korean company responsible for the complete signaling and telecommunications part of the projects.
Expansion of Thailand's Railway Network
Thailand’s railway system, which spans over 5,000 kilometers, plays a critical role in both passenger and freight transport. However, the country’s railway infrastructure faces challenges, particularly with congestion on certain lines, which has restricted efficient transport, as reported by Southeast Asia Infrastructure. The expansion of double-track lines and the implementation of ETCS technology are key components of addressing these issues.
In addition to the ETCS upgrades, Thailand is also pursuing an extensive modernization of its railway infrastructure, according to PRD. This includes upgrading 3,157 kilometers of single-track lines to double tracks, with over 990 kilometers already completed. The expansion is part of Thailand’s National Infrastructure Development Plan, designed to enhance regional connectivity, support economic growth, and improve transportation efficiency, reports Orissa International.
In addition to the upgrades in digital signaling, according to Railway Supply, the government is investing in high-speed rail and expanding urban transit systems. Aiming to remerge as the largest rail network in Southeast Asia by 2027, Thailand’s railway infrastructure will support sustainable growth while improving efficiency for both passenger and freight transport. Southeast Asia Infrastructure states that by 2027, freight transportation on Thailand's railways is expected to increase to 46 million metric tonnes annually.
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Source: Hitachi Rail; transport.ec.europa.eu; Mediarail