Work to resume on Trans-Sumatra and Trans-Kalimantan railways, Oudomxay seeks more railway services, ECRL passenger services to begin in January 2027, Yangon–Mawlamyine–Yangon route train service launched, Philippines seeks US funding for Bicol rail revival, SRT launches Bangkok-Ayutthaya commuter rail service, Hanoi-Dong Dang railway project.

News

🇰🇭 Cambodia

• Major Chinese firms share expanded investment plans with PM [The Phnom Penh Post]

Prime Minister Hun Manet met with Dai Hegen, chairman of China Railway Construction Corporation (CRCC), during talks in China on expanding investment cooperation in Cambodia.

🇮🇩 Indonesia

• Prabowo orders work to resume on Trans-Sumatra, Trans-Kalimantan railways [Jakarta Globe]

“President Prabowo Subianto on Thursday instructed the government to accelerate the long-planned Trans-Sumatra Railway and Trans-Kalimantan Railway projects, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to expanding rail infrastructure beyond Java.”

• Indonesia in talks with China, Russia for Kalimantan rail [Jakarta Globe]

• KAI to restore original designs of 120 Dutch-era railway stations [The Jakarta Post]

“President Prabowo Subianto said that the restoration of historic train stations could enhance their appeal and transform them into heritage destinations that attract more domestic and international visitors.”

• Prabowo says train station revitalisation can spur tourism sector [Antara News]

• BRIN: Banten rail reactivation could boost regional economy [Antara News]

“Research by the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN) has revealed that reactivating the Rangkasbitung-Pandeglang-Labuan railway line has the potential to increase passenger and freight mobility, stimulate economic growth, and strengthen sustainable regional development.”

• KAI transitions all railway operations from B40 Biodesel to BioSolar B50 [INP]

• Luxury train introduced to boost Indonesia’s tourism [RRI]

“Nusantara Explorer is designed as a 12-car set, including sleeper cabin cars, a Grand Restaurant, a lounge, and operational support cars. The sleeper cabin concept is being developed in three categories, such as Signature Class, Advance Class, and Compact Class. Each offers a different room layout and level of privacy to suit customer needs.”

 🇱🇦 Laos

• Oudomxay seeks more railway services to boost investment [The Laotian Times]

“Authorities in Oudomxay Province, northern Laos, have announced plans to expand railway services and free up land for investment around the region’s three Laos-China Railway stations.”

• China-Laos Railway transports over 20 million tonnes of cargo [Xinhua]

 🇲🇾 Malaysia

• ECRL passenger services to begin in January 2027, cargo operations in early 2028 [New Straits Times]

• Malaysia proposes extending ECRL into Thailand to boost cross-border trade [The Sun]

“The Federal Government has decided to extend the East Coast Rail Link (ECRL) from Tumpat to Rantau Panjang and has proposed extending the railway into Thailand using the same gauge”.

• KTMB expands Southern Shuttle rail service to Paloh starting Aug 8 [The Star]

“The expansion introduces a direct rail link traversing central Johor, connecting seven stations: Paloh, Kluang, Renggam, Layang-Layang, Kulai, Kempas Baru, and JB Sentral. The full journey from Paloh to JB Sentral would take approximately 120 minutes.”

• Gemas-Mentakab rail upgrade completed at RM41.7m, says Loke [Malay Mail]

“This project is important to ensure the continuity of the East Coast railway route as it spans several states, namely Negeri Sembilan, Pahang and Kelantan. Therefore, this is a rail artery connecting the East Coast and West Coast via Gemas.”

• Senator urges Putrajaya to expedite Trans-Borneo Railway study [Daily Express]

“Senator Datuk Phoong Jin Zhe (pic) has urged the Federal Government to expedite the Trans-Borneo Railway feasibility study and begin planning a modern urban rail transit system for Greater Kota Kinabalu.”

🇲🇲 Myanmar

• Modern air-conditioned DEMU train begins service on Yangon–Pyay railway line [Eleven Myanmar]

• DEMU train service launched: Yangon–Mawlamyine–Yangon route train service launched [Myanmar International TV]

• Resumption of train service: train service of Myitkyina–Mogaung section resumed [Myanmar International TV]

🇵🇭 Philippines

• Philippines seeks US funding for Bicol rail revival [The Philippine Star]

• 159 families relocated as Mindanao Railway Project gains momentum [SunStar]

🇹🇭 Thailand

• Transport Ministry speeds up high-speed rail work [Bangkok Post]

“Bangkok-Korat line 55% complete with 2030 opening targeted, bidding for Phase 2 to start in December.”

• Transport Ministry to propose Bangkok–Phitsanulok high-speed rail [The Nation]

“The Ministry of Transport has announced that its 2027 work plan includes preparations to seek Cabinet approval for a new high-speed rail project covering the Bangkok–Phitsanulok section.

The Bangkok–Phitsanulok section forms part of the Bangkok–Chiang Mai high-speed railway project.”

• Ministry pushes Chumphon-Ranong rail [Bangkok Post]

“The Transport Ministry has pushed for the Chumphon-Ranong double-track railway project, describing the 110-kilometre route as a missing link needed to connect Thailand’s rail network with an Andaman Sea port.”

• Thailand to push double-track rail to support lower Northeast economy [The Nation]

“The Thanon Chira Junction–Ubon Ratchathani double-track railway is one of the megaprojects included in Phase 2 of the double-track railway development plan, but it has yet to receive investment approval.”

• Fast train to nowhere [Bangkok Post]

“Delays to the proposed high-speed rail linking three airports have not diminished interest in the EEC.”

• SRT launches Bangkok-Ayutthaya commuter rail service [Khaosod English]

“The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) will launch its new air-conditioned suburban rail service, SRT BANGKOK CONNEX (BNEX), linking Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal and Ayutthaya from 1 August, with fares starting at 30 baht.”

• Si Sa Ket station to undergo renovations [Bangkok Post]

“Si Sa Ket Railway Station will undergo upgrades to its forecourt, fountain plaza and passenger facilities as authorities prepare for the 44.1-billion-baht Phase 2 double-track railway linking Thanon Chira Junction and Ubon Ratchathani.”

• From repairer to builder: Thailand’s DEMU bid for rail industry leap [The Nation]

“Thailand is developing a new generation of rail technology through a prototype Diesel Electric Multiple Unit (DEMU), which aims to improve passenger services while building domestic capability in the railway industry.”

• Steam train returns as SRT launches special holiday trips to Ayutthaya [Thai PBS World]

• Kanchanaburi backs heritage bid for Kwai bridge and Death Railway [The Nation]

• Hua Lamphong gets a free flea market this August [Time Out Bangkok]

“Vintage finds, street food and free gigs take over Bangkok’s historic station for MY Playground from August 21-23.”

🇻🇳 Vietnam

• The Hanoi-Dong Dang railway project, costing over $5 billion, is about to be implemented. [Báo Tiền Phong]

“According to the pre-feasibility study report completed by the Ministry of Construction , the line starts in the area north of Yen Vien station (Hanoi), ends at Dong Dang border gate (Lang Son), with a total length of approximately 138 km, passing through Hanoi, Bac Ninh and Lang Son.”

• Two new national railway lines added to the plan. [Vietnam VN]

“The Ministry of Construction has just adjusted the Railway Network Planning for the period 2021-2030, with a vision to 2050, adding two new railway lines: My Thuy – Lao Bao and Thai Nguyen – Tuyen Quang – Lao Cai.”

• Prioritize investment in railway lines connecting China and Laos. [Hà Nội Mới]

“The recently revised railway network plan for the period 2031-2030, with a vision to 2050, has outlined the following orientations: the Vietnamese railway network will connect across Asia, connect Asia and Europe via the Chinese railway at the Huu Nghi border gate in Lao Cai and Mong Cai; connect with ASEAN via Laos at Mu Gia and Lao Bao; and connect with Cambodia at Moc Bai and Loc Ninh.”

• From Hue to Phong Nha: Vietnam’s new tourist train to launch September 1 [Tuoi Tre News]

• Railways reinvent themselves with tourism, heritage trains [VietnamPlus]

“One of the most notable successes is the premium Hoa Phuong Do (Flamboyant Flower) train operating between Hanoi and Hai Phong city. Since entering service in May 2025, the train has completed nearly 3,000 trips and carried around 1.33 million passengers.”

• Hanoi plans revamp of 131 historic railway arches [DTI News]

“Hanoi plans to restore and repurpose 131 historic railway arches along Phung Hung Street as themed cultural, commercial and public spaces while preserving their heritage.”