Thailand and Malaysia Push Forward with Rail Revival Plans

Thailand and Malaysia have renewed focus on a rail revival to strengthen cross-border transport and regional trade, aiming to finalize key agreements and reopen a crucial railway by July next year. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

Thai Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit met with Malaysian Transport Minister Loke Siew Fook in Bangkok to move forward with reopening the Sungai Kolok–Rantau Panjang railway line. The talks also addressed plans to streamline freight and passenger movement across the border.

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Officials from both countries aim to sign two Memorandums of Understanding covering rail and road transport. These MOUs are designed to simplify logistics, eliminate bottlenecks, and ensure fair road use for all transport operators.

The rail revival complements Malaysia’s East Coast Rail Link (ECRL), which is scheduled for completion in late 2026. Aligning infrastructure efforts should improve regional connectivity and cut transit delays at the border.

Thailand’s SRT and Malaysia’s KTMB will collaborate on the operational details of the reopened rail line. Both sides are also planning to implement a single customs inspection point to reduce inspection times and ease freight movement.

Rail Revival to Align with Major Infrastructure Projects

Ministers emphasized the strategic importance of the reopened railway line. This move should enhance trade efficiency, promote tourism, and stimulate development in border communities.

Transport officials are also preparing for the return of direct rail service from Bangkok to Padang Besar and Butterworth in Penang. The first trips are expected to resume by July next year.

Digital Integration and Inland Port to Support Rail Revival

In addition to the railway, the countries discussed cross-border digital integration. They aim to link digital driving licenses with ASEAN transport systems to improve regional mobility.

Malaysia also reported progress on the Perlis Inland Port (PIP) project, located near Padang Besar. The first phase of the terminal should open in 2026 and reduce congestion at the current container facility.

Source, photo: www.nationthailand.com

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