Deputy Minister of Transport Visits Korat to Monitor Progress on Urgent Double-Track Railway Project
Source: Manager Online
Date: Monday, July 01, 2024, 21:52
Mr. Surapong Piyachote, the Deputy Minister of Transport, along with his delegation, conducted an official inspection of the urgent double-track railway construction project from Map Kabao to Chira Junction. This visit also covered the collaborative high-speed railway project between the Thai and Chinese governments, connecting Bangkok and Nong Khai (Phase 1: Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima). The inspection took place at Nakhon Ratchasima Station to ensure the project is proceeding according to the planned schedule. Mr. Surapong also participated in a KIHA tourist train ride at Pak Chong Station and enjoyed local cuisine to promote domestic tourism. He was welcomed by Mr. Avirut Thongnet, Deputy Governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), and other SRT executives.
Mr. Surapong emphasized that the rail transport development in Nakhon Ratchasima is crucial for enhancing the overall logistics system in Thailand. Nakhon Ratchasima serves as a gateway to the northeastern region and links several key transportation projects. These include the urgent double-track railway from Map Kabao to Chira Junction and the Thai-Chinese high-speed railway project, Phase 1 from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima.
The primary goal of this visit was to monitor progress and address any obstacles to ensure timely project completion. The urgent double-track railway project spans 132 kilometers with 20 stations, starting from Map Kabao Station in Kaeng Khoi District, Saraburi, passing through Muak Lek District in Saraburi, Pak Chong District, Sikhiu District, Sung Noen District, and ending at Chira Junction Station in Mueang District, Nakhon Ratchasima. The project has a budget of 29,968 million baht.
As of now, the civil work for Contract 1 (Map Kabao to Khlong Khananchit) is 96.36% complete, slightly behind schedule by 3.64%. Contract 3 (tunnel construction) is 95.36% complete, delayed by 4.64% due to land expropriation issues. Contract 2 (Khlong Khananchit to Chira Junction) is being revised to include an elevated structure from Khok Kruat Station to Chira Junction over 16 kilometers, and budget adjustments are underway to align with the high-speed rail project from Khok Kruat to Nakhon Ratchasima. These revisions are expected to be presented to the SRT Board by August 2024. The SRT has been instructed to expedite various aspects of the project.
For Contract 1, the 900-meter overpass at Ban Tha Manow in Pak Chong is 400 meters completed, with the remaining 500 meters at-grade section in progress. The underpass at Municipal Road 9 in Pak Chong, 300 meters long, is 77% complete. Further budget approval for an additional 197.38 million baht is being sought for land expropriation, which, if approved by the Cabinet, will allow work to continue in October 2024, aiming for project completion by December 2025.
The connection between Lam Takhong Tunnel (Tunnel 3) and Khlong Phai Station, 237 meters long, is also underway and expected to be completed by 2024. Mr. Surapong then inspected the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project, Phase 1 from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima, covering 250.77 kilometers. The project, which began in 2017, is currently 33.48% complete, with 14 civil contracts, 2 of which are finished, 10 under construction, and 2 pending signing.
**Completed Contracts:**
1. Contract 1-1: Klang Dong - Pang Asok, 3.5 km.
2. Contract 2-1: Sikhiu - Kudjik, 11 km.
**Ongoing Contracts:**
1. Contract 3-1: Kaeng Khoi - Klang Dong and Pang Asok - Bandai Ma, 30.21 km (0.43% complete).
2. Contract 3-2: Muak Lek and Lam Takhong Tunnels, 12.23 km (66.32% complete).
3. Bandai Ma - Lam Takhong, 26.10 km (51.19% complete).
4. Contract 3-4: Lam Takhong - Sikhiu and Kudjik - Khok Kruat, 37.45 km (75.97% complete).
5. Contract 3-5: Khok Kruat - Nakhon Ratchasima, 12.38 km (7.62% complete).
6. Contract 4-2: Don Mueang - Nava Nakorn, 21.80 km (0.32% complete).
7. Contract 4-3: Nava Nakorn - Ban Pho, 23 km (33.46% complete).
8. Chiang Rak Noi Maintenance Depot (12.24% complete).
9. Contract 4-6: Phra Kaew - Saraburi, 31.60 km (2.62% complete).
10. Contract 4-7: Saraburi - Kaeng Khoi, 12.99 km (54.65% complete).
**Pending Contracts:**
1. Bang Sue - Don Mueang, 15.21 km.
2. Ban Pho - Phra Kaew, 13.30 km.
The SRT also reported progress on the new Nakhon Ratchasima Station to support the double-track and high-speed railway projects. The new station will feature modern facilities, including elevators, escalators, stairs, fire escapes, restrooms, monk rest areas, nursing rooms, luggage storage, ticket offices, railway staff rooms, and ample public space.
Mr. Surapong ordered the SRT to enhance transportation connectivity, positioning Nakhon Ratchasima as a central hub for travelers and tourists to other destinations in and around the province. This includes linking the urgent double-track railway and the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project, Phase 1, from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima, to various areas, improving travel convenience for the Thai public.
During the visit, Mr. Surapong and his team rode the KIHA tourist train from Pak Chong Station and sampled local cuisine, promoting the "Railside Delicacies" route. This initiative highlights famous dishes like red pork rice at Pak Chong Station, stir-fried noodles and crispy fermented fish at Nakhon Ratchasima Station, sweet corn at Pang Asok Station, and large, sweet custard apples at Klang Dong Station.
Mr. Surapong expressed confidence that the completion of the double-track railway from Map Kabao to Chira Junction and the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project, Phase 1 from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima, will significantly boost Thailand's logistics capabilities, making it competitive globally. It will also position Thailand as a regional transportation hub, enhancing the quality of life for Thai citizens through improved travel and goods transport.
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