News

 Indonesia

• Indonesia targets 10,524 km railway network expansion [Tempo]

“The Ministry of Transportation is targeting the development of a national railway network spanning 10,524 kilometers, expanding from the current 6,927 kilometers of active rail lines across Java, Sumatra, Sulawesi, and Papua.”

• Indonesia’s state railway operator prepares full transition to B50 [Antara News]

“State-owned railway operator PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI) is finalizing operational adjustments to transition its entire fleet to B50 biodiesel fuel ahead of the government’s mandatory nationwide rollout set for July 1, 2026.”

• Prabowo orders overhaul of Gambir Station [Tempo]

“According to Teddy, the renovation of the station, located in the iconic National Monument (Monas) area, is slated for completion within two years. Gambir Station is expected to offer seamless multimodal integration, including direct links with the commuter line (KRL) network.”

• China says fast train debt talks with Indonesia on ‘right track’ [Jakarta Globe]

• Nearly 90 percent of rail accidents linked to ignored barriers [RRI]

  Laos

• Laos joins East-West Rail Corridor stretching from Southeast Asia to Europe [The Laotian Times]

“At the OSJD Ministerial Conference, from 9 to 12 June, Laos agreed to a new rail framework allowing exporters to move goods from Vientiane through China, Central Asia, and Russia to Europe under one system.”

• Baggage, parcel transport services launched on Lao section of China-Laos Railway [Xinhua]

  Malaysia

• New train service links Johor Bahru Sentral to Pasir Gudang, Kulai [The Straits Times]

“The Keretapi Tanah Melayu (KTM) Shuttle Selatan, running on train tracks previously used only for freight, links commuters from JB Sentral to the two urban centres. The Kulai district is home to key destinations such as Senai Airport and Johor Premium Outlets.”

• Why diesel? Anthony Loke defends Shuttle Selatan choice to avoid years of waiting [Malay Mail]

“Loke was addressing public concerns regarding the use of diesel trains, explaining that the choice was based on a critical timeline. With the Gemas-Johor Bahru Electrified Double Tracking project now complete, the Electric Train Service (ETS) has taken over the primary route, leaving the previous diesel fleet available.”

• No official ECRL fares yet, says MRL [New Straits Times]

“Malaysia Rail Link Sdn Bhd has clarified that the East Coast Rail Link fare rates circulating on social media are speculative and do not reflect the actual charges.”

• Railway union opposes plans to privatise management, maintenance [FMT]

“The railway workers union is objecting to Keretapi Tanah Melayu Bhd’s (KTMB) plans to privatise the management and maintenance of the country’s rail network.”

• How Malaysia’s railway culture left this British trainspotter speechless [Says]

“Francis Bourgeois travelled from Kelantan’s Jungle Railway to Penang’s Lunar New Year celebrations, meeting Malaysian train enthusiasts along the way.”

 Myanmar

• Railroaded: China pushes regime to complete rail project ($) [Frontier Myanmar]

“Long-delayed plans to build a railway from Muse to Kyaukphyu have picked up steam since the beginning of the year under pressure from China, but many observers question whether Myanmar will benefit from the project.”

• Myanmar Railways warns of legal action against social media train ticket booking services [Eleven Media]

“Yangon-Myanmar Railways has announced that it will take legal action against individuals or organisations advertising train ticket booking services for a fee through social media platforms such as TikTok, Facebook, Telegram, and Viber.”

• Historic Letpadan, Thayawady railway stations to be restored [Myanmar Digital News]

• Inspection of repair works: Kachin State CM inspected repair works of railway [Myanmar International TV]

• Bago CM inspects development works along Thayawady-Pyay railway line [Myanmar Digital News]

 Philippines

• Philippines weighs return to China for stalled Mindanao railway [Manila Bulletin]

“The development of the long-delayed Mindanao Railway Project (MRP) could soon return to China’s hands, as the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) courts one of Beijing’s state-owned construction firms to build the railway.”

 Thailand

• CP funding setback puts EEC high-speed rail contract at risk [The Nation]

“Thailand’s long-delayed high-speed rail project linking Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi and U-Tapao airports faces a critical decision, as the State Railway of Thailand prepares to ask the Eastern Economic Corridor Policy Committee to decide whether the joint-investment contract should be revised or brought to an end.”

• Chiang Rai tunnel construction accident kills two, seriously injures three [Thai PBS World]

“The accident occurred inside the 3.4km Doi Luang Tunnel, part of the State Railway of Thailand’s (SRT) Den Chai–Chiang Rai–Chiang Khong railway project. The tunnel is being built to connect Den Chai district in Phrae province with the border district of Chiang Khong in Chiang Rai province.”

• State Railway gets first Thai-made coach [Bangkok Post]

“Thailand’s first locally developed passenger rail coach has been handed over to the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), marking a step towards putting home-grown rail technology into practical use and reducing reliance on imported coaches.”

• Historic policy shift as Thailand unlocks state rail network to private operators [The Nation]

“In a milestone shift for Southeast Asian transport policy, the Department of Rail Transport (DRT) and the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) have officially opened the country’s railway infrastructure to private sector competition.”

• Luxury train plan takes step forward [Bangkok Post]

“The Transport Ministry is pushing ahead with plans to upgrade the rail transport and tourism sectors by developing a world-class luxury train service, leveraging newly enacted rail legislation to attract private-sector investment and boost local economies.”

• SRT opens booking for nine rainy-season rail trips across Thailand [The Nation]

“SRT will open bookings on June 30 for nine rainy-season train trips from July to September, featuring KIHA 183 and SRT Royal Blossom.”

• More rail services to Malaysia sought [Bangkok Post]

“Growing demand for rail travel between southern Thailand and Malaysia has prompted calls for the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to double the number of daily train services between Hat Yai Junction and Padang Besar, as cross-border tourism continues to expand rapidly.”

• A nostalgic steam train journey from Bangkok to historic Ayutthaya [The Nation]

• Sunken train station on infamous WWII ‘Death Railway’ resurfaces from Thailand reservoir [AP]

• Thai third-class train ride becomes Chinese social media hotspot [Thai PBS World]

“With a fare of just five baht and a journey of less than half an hour, the Chiang Mai–Lamphun train ride has become a hit with Chinese tourists, mostly women, seeking scenic views and photogenic content for their social media.”

 Vietnam

• Phase 1 of the Ho Chi Minh City – Can Tho railway is a single-track line with a speed limit of 160 km/h [Vietnamvn]
“Based on research, the My Thuan Project Management Board proposed that the Ho Chi Minh City – Can Tho railway, phase 1, be a single track with a design speed of 160 km/h for transporting both passengers and goods.”

• Vietnam’s $7.8bn railway project delayed despite early construction [VietNamnet]

“Vietnam’s Railway Project Management Board has provided the latest update on the Lao Cai-Ha Noi-Hai Phong railway, confirming that while construction has begun on several components, the overall project is currently behind schedule.”

• Relocation of Hà Nội Station requires thorough assessment: Deputy PM [Viet Nam News]

“The historic Hà Nội Station in the central city is proposed to be relocated to Ngọc Hồi area, about 14km to the south of its current location, as part of the National Route 1A expansion project.”

• First charter train departs Vinh for Dieu Tri with 365 tourists [DTI News]

• Heritage trains unlock Viet Nam’s railway tourism potential [Nhan Dan]

“Viet Nam’s heritage trains are turning ordinary journeys into cultural experiences. With music, cuisine and storytelling woven into the rhythm of the rails, these services are redefining tourism by offering travellers not just a destination, but an encounter with the nation’s landscapes and people.”

News

Brunei 

• Time to get Brunei on track with railways [Borneo Bulletin]

 Cambodia

• Tourism Minister promotes railway travel as unique tourism experience [Khmer Times]

 Indonesia

• Fatal crossings, failing signals (archive) [The Jakarta Post]

“Safety should be a structural guarantee, not a matter of luck. The Bekasi train collision must finally end the country’s deadly reliance on level crossings.”

• Indonesia shuts 172 illegal rail crossings to cut accidents [Antara News]

• Danantara touted to fund Trans-Sumatra Railway: how much will it cost? [Tempo]

• Kaltara Railway re-emerges, Bertius: this project is pure private investment [VOI]

“The plan to build a railway network in North Kalimantan (Kaltara) has resurfaced.”

• 4 trains with the longest routes in Indonesia, 2 of which are more than 1,000 kilometers [VOI]

  Laos

• China-Laos Railway passenger train runs exceed 100,000, injecting new vitality into regional devt [Global Times]

• Study the feasibility of a railway route from Khammuan-Champasak-Laos-Cambodia border and connect to Phnom Penh, Ho Chi Minh City and Bangkok [Lao Post]

  Malaysia

• ECRL nears completion in Pahang, only 3 pct remaining [New Straits Times]

• MRL launches mobile exhibition truck ahead of ECRL operations in January [New Straits Times]

• Sarawak ready to support Trans-Borneo railway project: Abang Johari [New Straits Times]

• Sarawak to prioritise Bintulu-Samalaju rail link under Trans-Borneo Railway plan [The Borneo Post]

• How Perak’s busiest railway disappeared from memory [The Sun]

• Bali to Leeds Day 5: Johor to Kuala Lumpur [Couchfish]

 Myanmar

• Modernized Yangon to Mandalay rail service launches amid deepening economic turmoil [Burma News International]
“Myanma Railways recently launched its No. 5 Up and No. 6 Down express service between Yangon and Mandalay, utilizing modern air-conditioned Diesel Electric Multiple Unit coaches.”

 Philippines

• Riding the remnants of the Philippines South Main Line [Nomadic Notes]

“The Philippine National Railways (PNR) South Main Line originally traversed South Luzon from Manila to Legazpi. The line was approximately 500 km in length, but the system has been reduced to two fragmented sections.”

• US seeks rail expert for Subic-Clark-Manila-Batangas Railway project study [Manila Bulletin]

• ADB willing to fund Mindanao Railway Project [BusinessWorld]

“The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said it is ready to finance the Mindanao Railway Project, with the long-delayed rail line still needing a source of funding after China withdrew support.”

 Thailand

• Bangkok rail crossing safety overhaul planned after deadly crash [Thai PBS World]

• Train-bus collision Bangkok’s Makkasan was not an accident. It was a system designed to fail [Thaiger]

• Missing Link railway could end Bangkok crossing crashes [The Nation]

“A deadly collision between a State Railway of Thailand freight train and a Route 206 bus at the Asok-Din Daeng rail crossing on May 16 has brought renewed attention to Bangkok’s long-discussed “Missing Link” railway project.”

• Krabi residents demand route change for 33bn baht rail project [Thai PBS World]

“More than 100 residents in Krabi’s Ao Luek district are urging the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to alter the path of the planned Thap Put-Krabi railway line, warning that the current route will devastate local communities and vast tracts of farmland.”

• New central train line moves forward [Bangkok Post]

“A new train line project connecting Suphan Buri and Ayutthaya has taken shape as the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) hosted the first meeting to take in impressions from people along the route.”

“The intent of the rail is to connect existing main tracks to the southern, northern and northeastern regions, with no need to travel via Bangkok.”

• Revamping Thai trains: Siripong orders SRT to convert old trains into tourist trains and launch hybrid Ngao prototype [Thairath]

 Vietnam

• Hanoi to Nanning by train [Nomadic Notes]

“A review of the overnight sleeper train service from Hanoi (Vietnam) to Nanning (China).”

• North-South high-speed rail project to pick consultant in June [The Saigon TImes]

“To meet the timeline, the selection of the FS consultancy contractor is scheduled for June 2026. The consultancy is expected to complete the midterm FS report by June 2027, providing the basis for appraisal procedures before the entire railway enters the construction phase from the fourth quarter of 2028.”

• French rail giant backs Vietnam’s dream of a 6-hour Hanoi-HCMC trip [VietNamnet]

• HCM City seeks USD 367 million for high-speed rail land clearance [DTI News]

• Hanoi to Ha Long Bay in 23 minutes: This is how Vietnam’s first high-speed railway will look like [VnExpress]

• Vietnam’s most beautiful railway station twins with French counterpart [VOV]

“A twinning agreement between Da Lat Railway Station in Vietnam and Trouville-Deauville Railway Station in France was signed at the French Embassy in Vietnam on May 7, creating new opportunities for cooperation in station management and operations, as well as cultural and tourism promotion between the two sides.”

• Steam trains have appeared in Quy Nhon. [Vietnam vn]

“In recent days, a steam locomotive unexpectedly appeared on the Quy Nhon – Dieu Tri railway line in Gia Lai province, attracting the attention of locals and the online community.”

News

 Cambodia

• Battambang exhibition documents Cambodia’s railways from 2011 to 2023 [Kiripost]

 Indonesia

• Bekasi deadly train crash renews railway safety concerns (archive) [The Jakarta Post]

“President Prabowo Subianto and experts pointed to level crossings as a key factor leading to the fatal collision between a Greater Jakarta commuter train and an intercity train that killed at least 15 passengers and left 88 others injured.”

• Bekasi train collision: Govt to improve railway safety at crossings [Antara News]

“The Indonesian government has earmarked Rp4 trillion (approximately US$230 million) from the state budget to improve railway safety at 1,800 crossings across Java following a deadly train crash in Bekasi on Monday.”

• Indonesia to spend Rp1,200 trillion on massive rail expansion to 2045 [Antara News]

“Indonesia plans to invest about Rp1,200 trillion to expand and revive its railway network through 2045, targeting around 14,000 kilometers of new and reactivated railway lines”.

• Indonesia plans 14,000-km rail network outside Java by 2045 [The Jakarta Globe]

“The government said rail infrastructure requirements remain substantial across the three major islands.

– In Sumatra, the existing rail network spans around 1,871 km, but an additional 7,837 km is needed to meet growing connectivity demand from a rising population.

– In Kalimantan, no operational railway network currently exists, while minimum development needs are estimated at 2,772 km.

– In Sulawesi, only about 109 km of rail line is currently available, leaving a further requirement of around 3,284 km to improve interprovincial connectivity.”

• Indonesia’s KAI: all locomotives and gensets now run on B40 [Tempo]

“PT Kereta Api Indonesia (KAI), Indonesia’s state-owned railway operator, said all of its locomotives and generator sets are now powered by B40 biodiesel, as the company prepares to adopt the higher B50 blend to further improve efficiency and sustainability in national transportation.”

• Indonesia completes debt restructuring plan for China-funded high speed train, official says [Reuters]

• Sangkuriang, the Bandung-Banyuwangi train to operate starting May 1 [Kompas]

“Tickets for the Sangkuriang train are sold from Rp 500,000 to Rp 2.5 million. There are three classes offered, namely economy, executive, and “suite class compartment.”

• Papua Governor meets with KAI Director, railway line survey in Jayapura to begin at the end of this month [SuaraNews Papua]

  Laos

• Luang Prabang Station becomes busiest hub on Laos–China Railway [Lao News Agency]

• Laos-China Railway trade reaches USD 11.7 billion as railway expands [The Laotian Times]

• Progress of key transport projects linking Việt Nam and Laos enhanced [Viet Nam News]

“Both sides will formulate a detailed and specific implementation plan for the Vũng Áng–Mụ Giạ–Thakhek–Vientiane Railway, ensuring alignment on all relevant issues and enabling early investment and execution of the project.”

  Malaysia

• KTMB expands EMUPlus service to Klang [FMT]

• KTMB rolls out special Aidiladha train to East Coast [New Straits Times]

“Keretapi Tanah Melayu Berhad (KTMB) will operate a special ‘Ekspres Lambaian Aidiladha’ service to the East Coast to meet balik kampung demand ahead of Hari Raya Aidiladha next month.”

• Union protests plans to move KTMB HQ from iconic building [FMT]

“It says the government’s Railway Assets Corporation, which owns the building, wants to move 478 staff to rented premises in Brickfields.”

• Fahmi: Communications Ministry to adopt ‘where there’s a track, there’s internet’ principle [New Straits Times]

• Sabah mulls Trans Borneo Railway as part of long-term transport strategy [The Star]

• Sabah conducting studies on new railway routes [Borneo Bulletin]

“…the studies also cover the feasibility of a new route from Putatan to Kota Kinabalu, extending to the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP) and up to Sepanggar Port.”

• Sabah Rail to go cashless by June [Malay Mail]

 Myanmar

• Over 100 miles of railway line being repaired in Myanmar [Eleven Media]

“The line is a 110-mile journey from Myitkyina to Moehnyin, with over 163 miles of track and 33 stations.”

• Union Transport Minister inspects Nay Pyi Taw-Toungoo railway [Myanmar News Agency]

• Monghnyin–Myitkyina railway to resume operations after 5-year hiatus [Burma News International]

 Philippines

• Mindanao Rail pre-feasibility study completed for project’s third phase [BusinessWorld]

• Faster rail build seen after completing 345 expropriations [Daily Tribune]

• The Philippines must catch the high-speed express [Manila Bulletin]

“I recently read, with great amazement, Vietnam’s plan to build its bullet train system. To me, this is the clearest signal yet of their intention to become a regional economic powerhouse.”

Singapore

• RTS Link: Malaysia hopes Singapore agrees to maintain Shuttle Tebrau temporarily [Bernama]

 Thailand

• Hook the rails south – Thailand revives Malaysia link plan [The Nation]

“Thailand pushes southern double-track rail expansion and Malaysia link revival to boost cross-border trade, logistics capacity and regional connectivity.”

• Ayutthaya station redesign to cut heritage impacts [Bangkok Post]

“The State Railway of Thailand has revised the design of Ayutthaya station on the Thai-China high-speed rail line in order to minimise the project’s impact on the city’s Unesco World Heritage sites.”

• Thai transport minister rejects three-airport rail contract changes [The Nation]

“The Thai Transport Minister has rejected a proposal from the private concessionaire, Asia Era One, to amend the contract for the high-speed rail project connecting three airports.”

• Update on Den Chai-Chiang Rai-Chiang Khong Double-Track Railway progress at 59%, advancing on Thailands longest tunnel [Thairath]

• A touch of Japan rolls into the Ayutthaya commute [The Nation]

“The KIHA 40 and KIHA 48 are giving the Don Mueang–Ayutthaya line a fresh identity, pairing low fares and commuter convenience with the charm of revived Japanese.”

• New commuter train to Ayutthaya gets mixed reaction [Bangkok Post]

• SRT cuts advance ticket sales window to 90 days [Bangkok Post]

• Rail infrastructure leads the way as 20 million commute during Songkran [The Nation]

• Sunken WWII rail station resurfaces in Sangkhlaburi after 42 years [The Nation]

• Cranky cat unfairly blamed for train’s 7-hour delay [Bangkok Post]

“Pet upset by heat causes stir for 20 minutes, but Yala-bound train had other problems.”

 Vietnam

• Vietnam breaks ground on first high-speed rail to link Hanoi and Ha Long Bay [VnExpress]

“A 120-kilometer railway with a designed speed of 350 kph broke ground on Sunday morning to cut travel time between Hanoi and Ha Long Bay by five times to 30 minutes.”

• Hyundai Rotem eyes Vietnam’s North-South high-speed railway project [The Investor]

“South Korea’s Hyundai Rotem is seeking to expand its footprint in Vietnam’s rail sector, including potential participation in the country’s planned North-South high-speed railway.”

• Vietnam’s $67BN gamble on high-speed rail [The B1M]

• Three standard-gauge railway lines connecting China: Scale and investment roadmap. [Vietnam VN]

“Vietnam is accelerating the planning of three strategic railway lines connecting with China, with a total investment of over 203.2 trillion VND for the main lines, promoting cross-border trade.”

• Vietnam Railways to launch AI-powered dynamic ticket pricing from May 1 [SGGP]

News

 Cambodia

• Railways await green light for economic growth [Cambodianess]

“Railways remain underused in Cambodia. The government has been trying to promote the sector over the past decade but passenger transport is still dominated by road and air.”

 Indonesia

• Whoosh ticket sales reached 145,000 during Eid holiday period : KCIC [Antara News]

• Danantara aims to complete Whoosh debt restructuring by mid-2026 [Jakarta Globe]

• Surabaya to Probolinggo now reachable by SuPasPro Commuter, fares start at Rp 8,000 [Jawawa]

• President Prabowo wants all train stations to be modernized [Antara News]

  Laos

• Laos-China Railway raises fares across all routes starting 1 April [The Laotian Times]

• Lao government pushes Laos-Vietnam rail link to access sea trade routes [Vientiane Times]

“The government has given the National Assembly a detailed description of the plan to build a railway linking Laos and Vietnam, aiming to give Laos direct sea access and boost regional connectivity.”

• China-Laos Railway steps up simplified customs clearance procedures [China Daily]

  Malaysia

• Tracks done: All 519km ECRL laid from Kota Bharu to Gombak, testing begins ahead of 2027 launch [Malay Mail]

“The track laying of the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) for the entire Kota Bharu, Kelantan to Gombak, Selangor alignment, covering 519 kilometres (km) has been completed.”

• Sabah Railway Department launches internal probe after recent runaway train incident [Malay Mail]

 Myanmar

• Myanmar travellers ride the rails as fuel prices rise [AFP]

“Myanmar’s ageing railway stations are bustling with life, crowded with passengers as surging fuel prices due to the Mideast war drive commuters to choose trains over costly planes and cars.”

 Philippines

• BEYOND THE PNR TRACKS: The trillion-peso railway question (Part 3) [Daily Tribune]

“Long before the North–South Commuter Railway (NSCR) became a multibillion-peso megaproject, the Philippines already had a rail backbone.

The system began with the Ferrocarril de Manila–Dagupan railway in 1892, linking Manila to Pangasinan.”

• The lost railway system of the Philippines (YouTube) [mikxqs]

 Thailand

• Thailand’s mediocre master plan for rail development [Future Southeast Asia]

“Thailand is spending billions of baht in double tracking its antiquated metre-gauge railway network, which will not significantly improve train speeds. Meanwhile, Vietnam’s grand master plan is making Thailand’s plan look mediocre by comparison. Here is what Thailand is planning, and what they should do instead.”

• Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project risks delay, may miss 2030 launch [The Nation]

“The project, implemented in cooperation between the Thai and Chinese governments and using Chinese high-speed rail technology throughout, has so far achieved a cumulative progress of 52.4%, lagging 28.2% behind the target of 80.73%.”

• SRT adds special train services for Songkran holiday travel [The Nation]

“The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is preparing to add a total of six special trains, comprising 22 trips, to accommodate public travel during the 2026 Songkran festival.”

• SRT reviews loss strategy as oil prices soar and costs outpace income [The Nation]

• Chiang Mai train station sees surge in passengers as fuel crisis bites [Citylife Chiang Mai]

 Vietnam

• Construction of Hà Nội–Quảng Ninh high-speed railway set to kick off on April 12 [Viet Nam News]

• Vietnam, China sign cooperation agreement on planning two railways [VietnamPlus]

“Vietnam and China have signed a technical cooperation agreement on planning two standard-gauge railways Hanoi – Dong Dang and Hai Phong – Ha Long – Mong Cai, marking progress in bilateral railway connectivity.”

• Vietnam, France step up cooperation on high-speed rail [DTI News]

“Vietnam and France are seeking to expand cooperation in railway development, particularly high-speed rail, following talks in Paris between officials and industry representatives.”

• “Central Heritage Connection Journey” train unveils new exterior design [SGGP]

“The train’s new design is crafted to present a modern appearance while preserving a strong sense of heritage. Its exterior stands out with the dreamy purple Hue emblematic of Hue City, harmoniously blended with the light grey tones that reflect the modern and dynamic character of the coastal city of Da Nang. The brand logo is highlighted in bronze-gold.”

• The ‘train track’ cafe in Hue train station is causing a sensation. [Vietnam VN]

“This cafe, which also serves rice cooked in clay pots, has become a sensation by using an old train engine as its focal point, located within the Hue train station. Customers can enjoy their drinks while watching trains go by.”

Hello from Phan Thiet. I needed a beach break, so I got the train here from Ga Sài Gòn. The Saigon-Phan Thiet train is a good option if you are short on time but want a beach break.

[Phan Thiet Station]

I don’t have any travel plans by train for the next month, but I have been planning research trips for 2026. In addition to revisiting some familiar lines, I am planning to visit the Philippines, Sumatra, and more lines in Java.

This month’s news is overshadowed by the freak accident involving a train from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani. 32 passengers lost their lives when the train was hit by a falling crane on the high-speed rail construction site. Another crane accident happened the following day with a crane collapsing at a elevated highway project. Both crane accidents were by the same contractor.

News

Welcome to the January 2026 edition of Southeast Asia Railway News!

I started the year in style by getting the train from Phnom Penh to Kampot on News Years Day. I did this trip in 2024, and I was happy to do this trip again.

[At Phnom Penh Station.]

I will be making some changes to this newsletter in 2026, starting with a new domain. This newsletter is now at southeastasiarailways.com, so the monthly news will be archived there. This will be more of a content site and less of a newsletter, but if you are subscribed by email you will still get emails about new posts.

southeastasiarailways.com will be a resource for all railways in Southeast Asia, with links to the official sites and where to buy tickets.

This site will also post trip reports and other travel articles about Southeast Asia railways. I plan to make this open for others to post, so you are welcome to submit your own trip report (including trips from years ago).

As an example, I have written up a review of a trip I took in Thailand last month:

Train Review: Lop Buri to Bangkok (Hua Lamphong) Commuter No. 304

One of the problems of writing travel guides is that the information goes out of date eventually. There is a need to differentiate between a guide that gets updated and a report that is kept as a permanent record.

For example, in 2024 I rode the diesel train from Gemas to JB Sentral. I took this trip knowing that this service would end once the line was fully electrified between Kuala Lumpur and Johor Bahru.

This train service (the Southern Express) was terminated on January 1, and my article has gone from being a guide to a historical archive of a bygone era.

This is something I am especially aware of for my Rail Vietnam project. I took a ride on the Lao Cai to Hanoi service knowing that this service will eventually end. In December 2025, Vietnam broke ground on the Lao Cai-Hanoi-Haiphong standard-gauge railway project (link in the news section below). This train will be fast enough to not require sleeper carriages. I wrote a review of the service and I also have a Hanoi-Lao Cai train guide which just lists the facts of the service.

If you are new here, you can subscribe to posts by adding your email here (and unsubscribe anytime).

Here is the usual round-up of rail news in Southeast Asia for the previous month.

News

Cambodia

• In need of a revamp of Cambodian Railway! [Khmer Times]

Indonesia

• Private investment, public burden: Indonesia’s ‘Whoosh’ lesson [Fulcrum]
“Indonesia’s first high-speed train project is historic but its government now has to prevent it going off the rails as costs spiral and boomerang onto the state and taxpayers.”

• Whoosh high-speed train projected to make loss for next 5 Years [Tempo]

• China and Russia are interested in working on a railroad network project outside Java [VOI]

• A total of 644,556 foreign tourists explore Indonesia by train throughout 2025 [VOI]

• Community Protests Demolition of UNESCO World Heritage Railway Bridge in Anai Valley [Kompas]
“Several communities of train enthusiasts, transportation advocates, historians, and cultural heritage supporters have rejected the plan to dismantle the railway bridge in the Lembah Anai area of West Sumatra, which is part of the UNESCO World Heritage.”

Laos

• Laos–Vietnam railway construction to begin in 2026, operations targeted for 2030 [The Laotian Times]
“The strategic route will connect Vientiane to Vietnam’s Vung Ang Port, giving Laos critical access to maritime trade routes for the first time. The project is being implemented as a public–private partnership between Petroleum Trading Lao Public Company (PTL) and Vietnam’s Deo Ca Group JSC.”

• Lao travellers hop on China-Laos Railway for refreshing New Year journeys [The Star]

Malaysia

• KL–JB ETS3 debuts with four-hour journey, hailed as major relief for commuters [Malay Mail]
“The inaugural operation of the Electric Train Service 3 (ETS3) between Kuala Lumpur and Johor Baru today is a huge relief for the people of Johor and regular public transport users who have been waiting a long time for a direct train service between the two locations.”

• Pricier than buses, cheaper than flights: How does Malaysia’s JB-KL electric train compare to other options? [CNA]

• ETS is complete, but does that make the KL–SG High-Speed Rail obsolete? [Newswav]

• Review: Electric Train Service (ETS) from Johor to Kuala Lumpur [The Milelion]

• ECRL passenger train sets arrive in Kuantan [The Star]
“The first passenger train sets for the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) have arrived in Malaysia, marking a major milestone for the 665km rail project as it moves closer to the testing and commissioning phase.”

• Butterworth station RM30m upgrade to start early 2026 – improved waiting areas, multi-level lobby, escalators [Paultan]

• Ewon welcomes study on Putatan–KKIP–Sepanggar rail link [The Borneo Post]
“Deputy Chief Minister III Datuk Ewon Benedick has welcomed the implementation of a Feasibility Study and Preliminary Design for a railway system linking Putatan to the Kota Kinabalu Industrial Park (KKIP) and Sepanggar Port.”

• Tanjung Aru-Beaufort train ride a great way to see Sabah [FMT]
“This century-old service offers views of rustic villages, tropical rainforests, winding rivers and traditional settlements.”

Myanmar

• RBE and BEL trains launch on Mandalay-Lashio route [Myanmar News Agency]

• Charter train for the Taunggyi-Pawmu journey available [OneNews Channel Myanmar]
“The Taunggyi-Pawmu round-trip sightseeing charter train will be arranged for travel companies, travel agencies and private schools, Myanmar Railways has announced.”

Philippines

• North-South rail project attracts PH, Japanese, French firms [Inquirer]
“Big Japanese, French, and local infrastructure companies have shown keen interest in operating and managing the government’s North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) project, a 147-kilometer system that will run from Clark International Airport in Pampanga to Calamba in Laguna.”

Singapore

• What next for the high-speed rail from KL to Singapore? [The Straits Times]
“When KTM finally unveiled its Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bahru electric train service (ETS) on Dec 12 – after around seven years of construction – one thing was greeted with a collective sigh: the long journey time of nearly 4.5 hours.”

Thailand

• Three-airport high-speed rail hit by fresh delay as contract change with CP must wait for new Cabinet [The Nation]
“The three-airport high-speed rail project has been dealt another setback after the dissolution of the House of Representatives on December 12, pushed the current Cabinet into caretaker status, meaning it can no longer approve projects or make decisions that create long-term binding obligations.”

• SRT closes Aranyaprathet station in Sa Kaeo amid border clashes [The Nation]

• Analyzing the major mission of the new Governor of the State Railway of Thailand, including the stalled mega-projects worth 830 billion baht [Future Southeast Asia]

• thaitracks.com is a new site by Richard Barrow from thaitrainguide.com. thaitracks.com is a user-friendly way to search for train timetables and schedules in Thailand.

Vietnam

• Lao Cai–Hanoi–Hai Phong railway line breaks ground on five stations [SGGP]
“Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son on Friday attended the ground-breaking ceremony for five stations as part of the Lao Cai–Hanoi–Hai Phong railway project in the northern province of Lao Cai.”

• Vietnam Railways Corporation unveils upgraded coaches, digital tools [VietnamPlus]
“The Vietnam Railways Corporation (VNR) inaugurated a carriage modernisation project in Hanoi on December 19, refurbishing 162 passenger coaches across its national network at a cost of more than 60 billion VND (2.3 million USD).”

• North–South high-speed railway project to break ground in late 2026 [VOV]
“Vietnam plans to break ground on its flagship North–South high-speed railway project by the end of 2026, the Ministry of Construction said, as authorities accelerate preparations for one of the country’s most ambitious infrastructure projects.”

• Vinspeed to survey HN–Quảng Ninh high-speed railway [Viet Nam News]
“The proposed Hà Nội–Quảng Ninh railway would run from the National Exhibition and Convention Centre in Hà Nội to the Forest Park area of Việt Hưng Ward in Quảng Ninh Province, opposite the Vinhomes Hạ Long Xanh urban area.”

• Vietnam Railways adds 11 extra southern services for Tet [DTI news]

• The Hanoi Train – The half-day Hanoi to Bac Ninh excursion train [Rail Vietnam]
“The Hanoi Train is a special excursion train that travels from Hanoi to neighbouring Bac Ninh province and back again. The trip takes three and a half hours with some stops on the way.”

Train 304 from Lop Buri to Bangkok (Hua Lamphong) is a commuter train service with 3rd class seats. This train stops at more stations than the express services.

Train 304 departs from the old Lop Buri station in the city centre. I took this trip in December 2025, a few days after Lop Buri 2 Station had opened. The new Lop Buri station is about 9 km from the city centre, and it serves the express trains on the Northern Line. If you want to get a faster train to Bangkok, there is a shuttle service at Lop Buri that will take you to the new station.

Lop Buri Station now only serves Commuter and Ordinary class trains, which was ok with me.

[Lop Buri Station destination board.]

Tickets for these trains are bought on the day of travel at the station, and they are much cheaper than the express trains. The ticket from Lop Buri to Bangkok cost 28 THB (0.88 USD). The ticket shows Lop Buri 1 as the station, though Lop Buri is also used.

Train 304 departs Lop Buri at 8:00 am and arrives at Bangkok Hua Lamphong at 10:30 am. The total distance is about 146 km.

The seats are non-reclinable bench seats.

There are also straps for standing passengers, which are required on some services during peak hours.

It wasn’t until later on in the trip when I checked out the other carriages that I noticed that some seats were padded.

There are no food and drink services onboard, but food venders get on and off during the trip.

The train also has a western-style toilet onboard.

The train began is service for the day in Lopburi so there was no delay in departure. South of Lopburi you can see where the line splits for the bypass to Lop Buri 2 Station.

The train travels through the broad plains of Central Thailand, and the occasional mountain among the green rice fields in December makes for beautiful scenery. I also appreciate that the windows open on these trains, and most people prefer the windows open (when it is not raining).

[Somewhere in Saraburi Province.]

The train stops at many small station along the way that the express trains to and from Chiang Mai pass through.

[Ban Moh Station.]

One of the main stops on this route is Ayutthaya. This was the only station where you will see western tourists, and you should visit if you have never been.

[Ayutthaya Station.]

Between Ayutthaya and Bangkok you can see the construction of the Bangkok – Nong Khai high-speed railway.

[Bangkok – Nong Khai high-speed railway construction.]

Outside of Bangkok, the train stops at Rangsit Station. This the current northern terminus of the SRT Dark Red Line.

[Rangsit Station.]

Train 308 follows the same path of the SRT Dark Red Line, but it goes to Bang Sue Junction instead of Krung Thep Apiwat Central Terminal (the central station of Bangkok). Train 308 then continues from Bang Sue Junction towards Hua Lamphong.

[Crossing the San Saep Canal on the way to Hua Lamphong Station.]

Our train stopped short of the station while waiting for another train, and in the end it was delayed by about 10 minutes.

[Train 304 at Hua Lamphong Station.]

Even though the commuter train is slower, I like that it departs from Lop Buri Station and that it arrives at the classic Hua Lamphong Station.

[Bangkok Hua Lamphong]