Thai Railways has successfully tuned and resolved brake system issues on its prototype passenger train, ‘Beyond Horizon,’ produced by the King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (KMITL). The research team at KMITL Innovation Transport News reported that during a recent trial run, issues arose when Thai Railways’ prototype was coupled with State Railway of Thailand (SRT) train sets, causing early braking by the Thai Railways train compared to others in the set, leading to collision concerns upon station arrival.
The research team has since fine-tuned the braking system of the Thai Railways prototype to synchronize with all SRT train sets, not just the previously tested CNR 115-unit passenger trains. Moving forward, SRT plans to conduct further real-world tests across various routes, focusing on long-distance travel. Pending successful trials, Thai Railways intends to commence public service of the ‘Beyond Horizon’ across multiple Thai routes within 2024.
The ‘Beyond Horizon’ prototype has undergone extensive testing, including static and dynamic tests at factory settings, ensuring operational safety and efficiency. Recent trials involved a round trip of approximately 270 kilometers from Ban Plu Ta Luang Station to Ban Khlong Sip Kao Station, totaling around 540 kilometers over two days, all completed without issues. Brake system tests encompassed normal and emergency braking scenarios, prioritizing passenger safety and European comfort standards.
SRT plans to deploy the Thai Railways prototype across various regions throughout the year to balance service demands, given the high public interest despite having only one unit available currently. Future plans include route considerations and initial fare structures, likely favoring long-distance routes for higher revenue potential.
The ‘Beyond Horizon’ marks Thailand’s first domestically produced passenger train under the ‘Thai First’ initiative, promoting local industry support and reducing technology imports by over 44%. Designed entirely by the research team, the train draws inspiration from business-class aircraft cabins and first-class rail experiences, boasting dimensions of 24 meters in length and 2.80 meters in width, with 25 seats, including 8 Super Luxury and 17 Luxury seats.
All seats feature private entertainment screens and robotic food delivery service, complemented by onboard climate-controlled restrooms and accessibility features for passengers with disabilities. Each unit costs approximately 32 million baht, significantly undercutting market prices around 50 million baht per unit.
Despite receiving widespread acclaim since its debut two years ago in 2023 for showcasing Thai engineering prowess in train manufacturing, the initiative has thus far produced only this single prototype with private sector research funding. There has been no government-backed expansion or development plans to further the project’s scope.
This comprehensive update reflects Thai Railways’ commitment to enhancing domestic transportation capabilities through innovative and locally manufactured solutions, promising a new era of rail travel comfort and efficiency for Thai commuters and tourists alike.
