In a bid to enhance accessibility for passengers with disabilities, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has embarked on a significant initiative. Aekkarat Sriarayanpong, head of the office of the SRT governor, announced that the organization is currently in the process of renovating 10 passenger carriages explicitly designed to cater to the needs of disabled travelers. These carriages, originally put into service back in 2012, are undergoing a thorough refurbishment to ensure compliance with accessibility standards.
As disclosed by Mr. Aekkarat, the renovation project is progressing swiftly, with the first two refurbished carriages set to be operational by the month’s end. Subsequent phases of the project are slated for completion in the coming months, with three carriages scheduled for April, two for May, and the remaining two earmarked for October. The focus of these renovations is to prioritize passenger safety and comfort, with particular attention given to the needs of individuals with disabilities. Among the enhancements being made are the installation of closed-system toilets, platform ladders, and escalators, all geared towards facilitating a seamless travel experience for disabled passengers.
Furthermore, Mr. Aekkarat highlighted that the SRT already boasts 115 CNR Special Express Train carriages equipped to accommodate people with disabilities. These specialized carriages serve various destinations across the northern, northeastern, and southern train routes, further underscoring the SRT’s commitment to inclusivity in public transportation.
Looking ahead, SRT governor Nirut Maneepan revealed plans for continued renovation efforts, with 16 second-class carriages earmarked for refurbishment in the upcoming year. This ongoing commitment to accessibility reaffirms the SRT’s dedication to ensuring that all passengers, regardless of physical ability, can avail themselves of safe and comfortable travel experiences on Thailand’s railways.