On June 12, 2024, at the Ministry of Transport, Deputy Minister of Transport Suraphong Piyachote met with key officials and representatives from Nakhon Ratchasima Province to finalize construction plans for the Bangkok-Korat double-track railway, emphasizing the decision not to demolish the Simathani Bridge.
The meeting included Mr. Prasert Chandraruangthong, Minister of Digital Economy and Society, Ms. Sudawan Wang Suphakit Koson, Minister of Culture, the Governor of Nakhon Ratchasima Province, and representatives from various local sectors such as the Provincial Administrative Organization, the Provincial Chamber of Commerce, and the Provincial Industrial Council. The aim was to reach a consensus on the construction guidelines for the railway passing through Nakhon Ratchasima city.
Deputy Minister Suraphong explained that the discussions were aimed at ensuring transparency and feasibility regarding the construction plans. The guidelines for the double-track railway from Map Kabao to Chira Road Junction involve creating an 8-meter-high elevated road, which will allow uninterrupted travel for residents on both sides of the railway and prevent city division or flooding.
Two main construction approaches were presented:
- Elevated Railway Passing Under Simathani Bridge: This option involves lowering the railway to pass under the Simathani Bridge for about 1,600 meters before raising it back to the elevated road without demolishing the bridge.
- Elevated Railway Crossing Simathani Bridge: This alternative entails raising the railway to cross the Simathani Bridge, potentially impacting the Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima high-speed rail project. This might necessitate relocating Korat Station or elevating the railway through Korat Station and lowering it at Jira Station.
Deputy Minister Suraphong has instructed the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to expedite the graphic design of both options for a thorough review.
The goal is to present a clear, visual representation of the plans at the next meeting, enabling local leaders to effectively communicate and clarify the details to the residents of Nakhon Ratchasima Province.
In attendance were Ms. Naphattra Kamonraksa, Secretary to the Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr. Sorapong Paitoonphong, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, Mr. Phichet Kunathamrak, Director General of the Department of Rail Transport, and representatives from the State Railway of Thailand and the Department of Highways, highlighting the collaborative effort to move the project forward.
