The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has announced the completion of the dual-track rail system spanning 421 kilometers from Nakhon Pathom to Chumphon, which will commence operations on August 12, 2024. This significant development is part of a broader initiative to enhance the efficiency of Thailand’s rail transport, making it a key mode of transportation across the country.
Ekarat Sirarayanpong, Chief of the Governor’s Office of the SRT, revealed that this initiative aligns with the policy directives of Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote. The policy mandates the acceleration of dual-track and new rail line construction projects nationwide to ensure they are completed as scheduled. The goal is to boost the rail transport system’s efficiency, facilitating both passenger travel and freight transportation across all regions of Thailand.
The SRT recently completed a thorough inspection of the newly constructed 1-kilometer section between Nakhon Pathom Station and the Nakhon Pathom switching point. The inspection confirmed that everything is in order, and the dual-track rail system is now ready for seamless operation from Nakhon Pathom to Chumphon, covering a total distance of 421 kilometers.
In addition to the track system, the SRT is progressing with the installation of an electronic token system (E-token) to manage train operations during the signal system setup. The installation has reached 61.323% completion, with full implementation expected by 2025. This new system will reduce travel time for passengers and enhance connectivity with key tourist destinations in Prachuap Khiri Khan and Chumphon, as well as other freight transportation businesses.
The dual-track rail project from Nakhon Pathom to Chumphon is pivotal in connecting Southern Thailand. The new meter-gauge rail line runs parallel to the existing line, starting from Nakhon Pathom Station and passing through Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, and Chumphon provinces. The route traverses key economic zones and tourist spots in the lower central region, such as Cha-am and Hua Hin, and serves as a gateway to the south.
The project’s infrastructure mainly consists of at-grade rail embankments and elevated tracks through urban areas. Notably, the new Hua Hin Station is an elevated, three-story station designed to complement the architectural style of the original Hua Hin Station. Additionally, the project includes the construction of Thailand’s first extradosed railway bridge over the Mae Klong River in Ratchaburi, avoiding the need for bridge piers in the river and creating a new landmark for the province.
Ekarat added that beyond the southern dual-track rail project, the SRT is also advancing two new rail line construction projects: the Den Chai-Chiang Rai-Chiang Khong route and the Ban Phai-Mukdahan-Nakhon Phanom route. These projects are progressing as follows:
- The Den Chai-Chiang Rai-Chiang Khong line has three contract sections: Den Chai-Ngao (103 km), progressing at 12.038%; Ngao-Chiang Rai (132 km), progressing at 15.055%; and Chiang Rai-Chiang Khong (87 km), progressing at 11.507%.
- The Ban Phai-Maha Sarakham-Roi Et-Mukdahan-Nakhon Phanom line has two contract sections: Ban Phai-Nong Phok (180 km), progressing at 9.512%, and Nong Phok-Friendship Bridge 3 (175 km), progressing at 0.184%.
Additionally, the SRT is preparing to launch seven more dual-track rail projects in the second phase of its expansion, including the Khon Kaen-Nong Khai route. Preparations for the bidding documents are underway. Other routes, such as Pak Nam Pho-Den Chai, Thanon Chira Junction-Ubon Ratchathani, Chumphon-Surat Thani, Surat Thani-Hat Yai Junction-Songkhla, and Hat Yai Junction-Padang Besar, are currently in the data preparation stage, awaiting project approval. The Den Chai-Chiang Mai dual-track project is also under review, with environmental impact assessments in progress.
Ekarat concluded by stating that once the urgent dual-track projects and new rail lines are completed, the SRT will have dual-track coverage across more than 50 provinces, with a total length exceeding 2,370 kilometers by 2029. This expansion will increase the country’s dual-track rail proportion by tenfold, reaching 65% of the total rail network from the current 6%. The enhanced rail system will support increased freight and passenger capacity, reduce travel times by 1 to 1.5 hours, and eliminate delays caused by train crossings, significantly lowering logistics costs and improving safety at rail-road intersections.
Importantly, these dual-track rail projects will drive Thailand’s growth on multiple fronts, promoting social opportunities and economic development in rural and urban areas, and seamlessly connecting with neighboring countries. The SRT is confident that this dual-track rail development will bolster the nation’s economic and tourism growth, improve the quality of life for Thai citizens, and transform Thailand’s transport system into a regional hub in ASEAN.
