There is significant growth in Southeast Asia’s (SEA) rolling stock market, driven by urban transit infrastructure development plans and increasing urbanisation. Countries across the region are investing in urban transit projects to improve connectivity and reduce travel times, which will require new rolling stock specifically designed for efficient operations.
Moving towards a fully unmanned train network
Several countries in the SEA region are implementing driverless train systems, driven by the desire to enhance efficiency, reduce congestion and improve safety in urban transportation networks. Automation also provides benefits such as increased capacity, reduced costs, improved passenger experience and greater flexibility in train operations.
The China Railway Rolling Stock Corporation (CRRC) Zhuzhou Locomotive has recently unveiled the first of eight fully automated, driverless train sets designed for the Johor Bahru-Singapore rapid transit system (RTS) Link at the Singapore Rail Test Centre in Tuas. Each four-car train set measures approximately 76 metres in length with a rated optimal capacity of 607 passengers and a maximum of around 1,087 at peak load. Running at up to 80 km per hour, the system offers a five-minute cross-border journey between Johor Bahru and Woodlands North, with peak frequencies as short as 3.6 minutes and a throughput of up to 10,000 passengers per hour, per direction. This milestone comes with system works approximately 56 per cent complete, including tracks, signalling, power and communications integration. Off-site systems integration testing will run through late 2025, followed by real-world trials on the RTS alignment into 2026. Service launch is targeted by December 2026. The system symbolises strong Malaysia-Singapore cooperation and is expected to ease congestion at one of the world’s busiest land crossings while improving regional connectivity.
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has delivered the first two C810D driverless, rubber-tyred crystal mover train sets for Singapore’s Sengkang-Punggol Light Rapid Transit (SPLRT), in May 2025. Currently, these train sets are undergoing testing ahead of a scheduled launch later in 2025. Each two-car set is 23.5 metres long and can accommodate about 210 passengers (36 seated). The new fleet falls under two contracts signed in 2022-23 totalling about $400 million. These C810D trains feature fully automated GoA4 operation using Kyosan automated people mover (APM) signalling and retain the recognisable crystal mover exterior while optimising onboard systems for streamlined maintenance. The upgraded rolling stock will help the SPLRT system meet increasing ridership demand, enhancing reliability, capacity and operational flexibility.
Furthermore, Alstom has delivered three fully driverless Innovia APM R train sets to be deployed on the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) Aerotrain, an APM system. The APM system spans 1.2 km and covers two stations. The deployment of the new rolling stock is part of a project aimed at upgrading the infrastructure of the system. The scope of work includes the supply of a communications-based train control (CBTC) system. A joint venture of IJM Construction Sdn Bhd and Pestech Technology Sdn Bhd is Alstom’s partner in this project. The project has been financed by Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB).
Procurement plans and collaborations
The SEA countries are also partnering with international manufacturers and suppliers to acquire advanced rolling stock and technology. For instance, Thailand’s rapid transit systems are introducing new rolling stock and advanced metro trains for urban lines. To this end, CH. Karnchang has signed a major contract worth approximately THB 6.8 billion to upgrade and expand the mass rapid transit (MRT) Blue Line in Bangkok. The deal includes procurement of 21 additional rolling stock units, with integrated signalling and communication systems installed onboard, upgrades to the central communication system and improvements to the remote control system, among others. Signed in November 2024, the contract spans 1,260 days of operation post-execution. This upgrade supports the anticipated surge in passenger traffic linked with the opening of the MRT Orange Line extension from 2028, which will interconnect with the Blue Line. CH. Karnchang is actively involved across multiple rapid transit infrastructure upgrades in Bangkok, reflecting its strategic role in expanding and modernising the city’s mass transit systems.
In parallel, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has approved a THB10.5 billion project to procure 182 new air-conditioned coaches. This order, expected to be SRT’s largest, includes sleeping cars and first- and second-class coaches for special and express trains on routes such as Bangkok to Chiang Mai, Ubon Ratchathani, Trang and Nakhon Si Thammarat. Following board approval in December 2024, the proposal awaits final clearance from the Ministry of Transport and Thailand’s cabinet board. Bidding is projected to conclude by 2026, with deliveries beginning in 2028.
Vietnam is embarking on an ambitious plan to achieve domestic rolling stock self-sufficiency by 2030-45, including local production of locomotives, passenger coaches, electric multiple units and train components. Vietnam’s national railway operator (VNR) estimates the following demand between 2030 and 2050: approximately 261 locomotives, 1,000 passenger coaches, 7,000 freight cars, 1,500 urban rail cars and 1,100 high-speed train cars. However, full locomotives still require import components. To meet these goals, VNR proposes joint ventures with foreign partners, preferential pricing, tax incentives for equipment imports and funding mechanisms such as government investment to finance factory development and technology transfer. This road map marks Vietnam’s transition from assembly-dependent production towards a localised, integrated rail manufacturing industry.
In a key development, BEML Limited has signed a memorandum of understanding with SMH Rail, Malaysia’s largest rolling stock producer, to develop rolling stock market across Southeast Asia and Africa. Together, both firms plan to pool resources in manufacturing, maintenance, repair and overhaul, and in the design, engineering, integration and supply of tailor-made rolling stock solutions for client-specific requirements. The agreement also encompasses joint sourcing of aggregates and subsystems, technology sharing and collaborative strategy development to enhance market competitiveness and cost optimisation.
Moving ahead
The rolling stock market in SEA offers significant growth opportunities driven by urbanisation, government investments and the push for sustainable transportation. However, addressing challenges like high costs and lengthy approval processes is crucial to maximise the market’s potential. Going forward, to attain self-sufficiency in domestic rolling stock production, a multi-pronged approach is needed, focusing on strengthening local manufacturing capabilities, fostering innovation and promoting collaboration between the public and private sectors.
