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.
Double-track railway, first phase with 5 routes: Why are there no additional trains running despite gradual completion and opening?
The video talks about the development of double track railway in Thailand, specifically the phase 1 project. The project was initiated 7 years ago and aimed to build 7 railway routes with a total distance of 993 km. The project is funded by the government with a budget of more than 12,000 million baht.
The video explains that the construction of several routes has been completed. The completed routes include Nakhon Pathom-Chumphon route, which is 420 km long. However, although some routes are finished, there are still not many trains running on the new tracks.
The video mentions two main reasons behind the lack of trains on the new tracks. The first reason is the delay of the signalling system installation. Even though the tracks are built, trains cannot run safely without the signalling system. The second reason is the shortage of trains. The video says that there are not enough trains available to run on the new tracks. Although there are plans to acquire new trains, it seems the plan is not finalized yet.
Last edited by Mongwin on 03/07/2024 7:27 pm; edited 1 time in total
Ku Bua Villagers Appeal to Governor, Urge State Railway to Address Concerns Over Double-Track Railway Project, Fearing Repeat of Pak Tho Subdistrict Issues
Manager Online, July 3, 2024, 19:58
Ratchaburi - Villagers from Ku Bua, Ratchaburi, have petitioned the governor to hold the State Railway of Thailand accountable for promises made. They express concerns about the double-track railway construction's impact on their traditional way of life and fear the construction of narrow, unusable bridges similar to those in Pak Tho Subdistrict.
Today (July 3), at the Ratchaburi Games Building, Provincial Hall, Mr. Prayong Phimphroh, Chief Executive of Ku Bua Subdistrict Administrative Organization, along with Mr. Adul Phimphroh, Ku Bua Subdistrict Headman, community leaders, village headmen, and over 100 villagers from Ku Bua Subdistrict, came to submit a letter regarding the railway crossing issue. They claim the State Railway has not followed through on their agreement and criticize the double-track railway construction plan for its impact on traditional lifestyles.
Several meetings have been held to find a solution, with proposals for underpasses to allow residents to commute and transport agricultural products to market. Many residents are affected, but no action has been taken. In Pak Tho District, Ratchaburi, a narrow bridge for motorcycles was constructed but is practically unusable. Villagers fear a similar situation in Ku Bua Subdistrict.
The residents gathered to present their case to Mr. Piyapong Choowong, Deputy Governor of Ratchaburi, requesting coordination to resolve the villagers' issues. Ms. Kulwalee Nop-amornbodi, Member of Parliament for Ratchaburi District 1, has also taken up the matter to address through parliamentary channels and urge the State Railway to take urgent action.
Mr. Prayong further stated that following meetings to address issues arising from the double-track railway construction in Ku Bua Subdistrict, the Subdistrict Administrative Organization has inquired about the progress of the railway crossing construction at km 105+495, near Ku Bua railway station platform, 70 meters from the original point. They have sent two inquiries to the Governor of the State Railway of Thailand in November 2023 and June 2024 but have received no response about whether the construction will proceed. This has caused concern among villagers who use this route, worried that the State Railway might close it, causing travel difficulties. Today, they submitted a letter to the Ratchaburi Governor requesting assistance in following up on this issue with the State Railway of Thailand.
Thailand's Double-Track Railway Expansion: Progress, Challenges, and Future Plans
Thailand has invested over 100 billion baht in an ambitious double-track railway project, aiming to modernize its rail network and boost transportation efficiency. The initial phase, focusing on seven routes spanning 993 kilometers, was launched seven years ago under the NCPO government.
Progress and Challenges
Despite delays due to various issues, five routes have been completed, including sections connecting Chachoengsao to Khlong Sip Kao and Kaeng Khoi, Jira to Khon Kaen, Hua Hin to Prachuap Khiri Khan, and most recently, Nakhon Pathom to Chumphon. This has opened a continuous 420-kilometer double-track route in the south.
The Northeastern line, from Map Kabao to Chira Road Junction, faces ongoing construction challenges, particularly with land expropriation and bridge and tunnel construction. The signaling and telecommunication systems for all lines are also behind schedule.
The Northern line, connecting Lopburi to Pak Nam Pho, is expected to be completed in October 2024. However, progress has been slower than planned, and signaling systems remain incomplete.
Phase 2 and New Lines
Despite these setbacks, the government is forging ahead with Phase 2, which includes seven new routes totaling 1,479 kilometers and an investment of 275 billion baht. Bidding for the Khon Kaen - Nong Khai section is underway, with construction expected to start in early 2025.
In addition, two new lines are under construction: the Den Chai - Chiang Rai - Chiang Khong line in the north and the Ban Phai - Maha Sarakham - Roi Et - Mukdahan - Nakhon Phanom line in the northeast.
Rolling Stock and Environmental Concerns
The existing fleet of locomotives and carriages is aging and insufficient to meet the demands of the expanding rail network. While new procurements are planned, the policy direction has been shifting, causing delays and uncertainty. The government is considering hybrid and electric vehicles to align with Bangkok's growing mass transit system and reduce pollution.
Looking Ahead
The completion of these projects will significantly expand Thailand's railway network to over 7,193 kilometers, covering 47 provinces. The government aims to make trains the backbone of Thailand's logistics system, offering a cost-effective and environmentally friendly transportation alternative.
However, challenges remain in ensuring timely project completion, acquiring sufficient rolling stock, and coordinating policies for a seamless transition to a modern and efficient railway system.
Construction Company Agrees to Widen Curve on Bridge Over Railway After Residents' Complaints
Manager Online - July 4, 2024, 05:34
Ratchaburi - The construction company building the smallest overpass bridge over a railway in Thailand, which even motorcycles can't pass each other on, has agreed to widen the curve on the bridge to allow vehicles to turn after significant complaints from residents.
Recently, the State Railway of Thailand put up signs closing the railway crossing at Moo 5, Pak Tho Subdistrict, Pak Tho District, Ratchaburi Province, effective from July 10, 2024, and directing residents to use the overpass bridge instead. However, the overpass does not meet the needs of residents using motorcycles to cross the railway.
The curve on the bridge is so narrow that motorcycles can't turn down smoothly, requiring several adjustments and lifting the rear of the bike to make the turn, causing significant inconvenience. Residents requested that the State Railway widen the curve on the overpass to allow motorcycles to turn or construct a tunnel under the railway. They also asked not to close the ground-level crossing during the improvements, especially during rush hours in the morning and evening when many people use the route.
Today (July 3), Kanit Sila, Deputy Chief of the Damrongtham Center of Pak Tho District, inspected the situation with the construction contractor, Pak Tho Subdistrict Mayor Itthikorn Lenwari, local leaders, and affected residents. The meeting concluded with the following decisions:
1. The construction company will widen the curve on the bridge to allow motorcycles to turn smoothly.
2. The construction company will temporarily close the crossing for 3-4 days to install railway tracks, but only after the curve on the bridge has been widened.
3. Residents who want a permanent railway crossing with a barrier should submit their request to the Pak Tho Subdistrict Municipality, which will forward it to the district and then to the province for coordination with the State Railway of Thailand.
Pak Tho Subdistrict Mayor Itthikorn Lenwari stated that the municipality is not ignoring the issue and is actively working to resolve it quickly by coordinating with various agencies. If there are budget issues preventing the permanent barrier installation, the municipality is willing to use its own funds to install a permanent barrier for residents' convenience.
The construction company representative clarified that only the State Railway of Thailand has the authority to close or cancel the railway crossing. Residents request the State Railway to install a barrier at the crossing since a permanent closure would cause significant inconvenience to the thousands of motorcyclists using the route daily. They unanimously prefer a barrier to a complete closure.
After the discussion, the construction workers began removing the closure signs.
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