The first battery-powered locomotive manufactured by China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) Dalian Co. Ltd was launched here on Wednesday to aid Thailand's efforts to improve its railway service while cutting carbon emissions.
Testing of the locomotive was conducted successfully by the State Railway of Thailand at the Bang Sue Grand Station in Bangkok.
Speaking at the testing ceremony, Thai Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob said that Thailand is encouraging the use of renewable energy, which is environmentally friendly, to replace the use of fuel in the country's transportation system, as part of the efforts to achieve Thailand's commitment to reduce annual greenhouse gas emissions by 20 to 25 percent by 2030.
Saksayam also spoke highly of the cooperation between Thailand and China on railways.
"Thailand and China have been cooperating in various aspects of railway development," he said, "Thailand hopes to develop railway technology cooperation with countries around the world including China, and the success of this test marks significant progress in the battery-powered locomotive project."
Nirut Maneephan, governor of the State Railways of Thailand,
