Saturday, November 23, 2024 Hitachi Rail has secured a contract to implement its European Train Control System (ETCS) digital signaling technology on two significant rail infrastructure upgrades in Thailand, aimed at boosting speed, dependability, and safety. The company’s ETCS Level 1 system is set to be installed along 281 kilometers of track on the Northeast Line between Nong Waeng Rai and Nong Phok, and on the North Line from Den Chai to Ngao, in addition to being equipped on three train sets. These enhancements are integral to Thailand’s ambitious double-track railway expansion plan designed to bolster intercity rail service by safely increasing train speeds.
This national strategy, led by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), involves the construction of additional tracks, modernization of stations, and overhaul of existing signaling and telecommunication systems, culminating in the adoption of ETCS as the standard train control system across the network. ETCS improves rail operations by facilitating direct communication between trackside infrastructure and trains, managing their movement and enforcing speed constraints. This system not only enhances train safety and reliability but also allows for higher speeds and increased rail capacity.
The initiation of these projects marks the second phase of Thailand’s comprehensive rail development program, positioning Hitachi Rail as a prominent ETCS provider in the region. This status is supported by Hitachi Rail’s stro.