RTRDA and Blue Engineering S.r.l. in Cooperation on Innovation and Rail Technology Development

Following the official visit of Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit who led a delegation of government officials from Ministry of Transport to Italy from May 20 to 21, 2024, the official visit focused on collaboration in transportation sectors especially railway development. The delegation met with many Italian technological companies to discuss matters of mutual cooperation.

On June 13, 2024, the Rail Technology Research and Development Agency (Public Organization), or RTRDA, entered a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Blue Engineering S.r.l. from Italy to enhance innovation and development in railway technology in Thailand. The signing ceremony was graced by Dr. Julathep Kajornchaiyakul, President of RTRDA, and Mr. Mohamed Juma Eid, Chief Executive Officer of Blue Engineering S.r.l., serving as co-signatories. Distinguished representatives from both organizations, including Dr. Chotchai Charoenngam, Chairman of the Board of Directors of RTRDA, and Mr. Michele Straniero, Vice President of Blue Engineering S.r.l., witnessed this momentous occasion. Also in attendance were distinguished guests from the Italian Embassy, the Italian Trade Agency and KURail Kasesart University.

Prior to the signing of the MOU, a technical discussion was held between both parties. Mr. Mohamed Juma Eid delivered a presentation on the capabilities and technologies of Blue Engineering S.r.l., emphasizing their expertise in the railway, automotive, and aerospace industries, as well as their extensive R&D activities. As one of the leading technology frontier companies globally, Blue Engineering S.r.l. offers advanced solutions in design, engineering, and management, particularly in railway-related turnkey projects. He emphasized the company's honor in collaborating with RTRDA for technology transfer, highlighting it as their core business. The Chairman of RTRDA, Dr. Chotchai Charoenngam, also highlighted the importance of technology transfer in railway systems from Italian expertise to advance Thailand's rail infrastructure. With Thailand's national objective to increase local content in railway systems, this collaboration represents a significant step forward. Additionally, following the Ministry of Transport's policies, RTRDA has been actively engaged in a research and development initiative focused on upgrading third-class coaches with air conditioning systems to enhance passenger comfort and electric locomotives for green transport. This partnership has the potential to expand these initiatives, encouraging sustainable local development and the adoption of modern railway technology. He also emphasized the ongoing opportunities for both parties to contribute to the overall progress of Thailand's railway sector and Asian region in the near future. Following the signing of this MOU agreement, two parties are embarking on a collaborative journey aimed at envisioning a future where rail transportation is safer, more sustainable, and technologically advanced. The MOU truly represents a significant step forward in realizing this vision and making a positive impact on Thailand's rail sector, promoting sustainability and technological advancement.

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