The "Daily News Transportation Innovation Team" reported that the Department of Rail Transport (DRT) updated Thailand's intercity rail network as of June 2024, totaling 4,044 km across 47 provinces and Bangkok, with 446 stations. The South has the most extensive rail network at 1,570 km, followed by the Northeast (1,094 km), North (781 km), East (534 km), and Mae Klong (65 km).
The remaining 30 provinces without railway access include Chiang Rai, Phayao, Nan, Mae Hong Son, Tak, Kamphaeng Phet, Uthai Thani, Chai Nat, Ang Thong, Sing Buri, Loei, Phetchabun, Nong Bua Lamphu, Bueng Kan, Sakon Nakhon, Nakhon Phanom, Kalasin, Maha Sarakham, Roi Et, Mukdahan, Yasothon, Amnat Charoen, Chanthaburi, Trat, Ranong, Phang Nga, Krabi, Satun, Phuket, and Samut Prakan.
The Ministry of Transport is pushing forward and accelerating the construction of new railway lines to cover more of the population's travel needs. For example, in the Northeast, the new Ban Phai-Maha Sarakham-Roi Et-Mukdahan-Nakhon Phanom line (355 km, double track) is under construction with 18.7% progress as of June and is planned to open in 2028. In the North, the new Den Chai-Chiang Rai-Chiang Khong double-track line (322 km, 72.9 billion baht budget) is 12.6% complete and also planned to open in 2028.
Exclusive Interview with Dr. Pichet Kunadhamraksa, Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport (DRT):
"The Direction of Rail System Development"
Accelerating M-Map 2 / Double Track Phase 2
Igniting the Economic Stimulus Plan for Investment in 2025
"Rail systems," both trains and electric trains currently in service, have significantly improved the quality of life for people in many areas. They seamlessly connect urban and suburban areas, enabling urban expansion and bringing about development in various aspects. This is the crucial role of rail system development under the supervision of the Department of Rail Transport (DRT).
Despite the existence of several operational routes, the DRT, under the leadership of Dr. Pichet Kunadhamraksa, continues to develop rail systems to cover all areas according to public demand. Action plans for developing electric railways have been established, following the master plan in both Bangkok and major provincial cities, including Phase 1 (M-Map 1) and Phase 2 (M-Map 2). The news page and website www.ThaiMOTnews.com conducted a special interview with Dr. Pichet Kunadhamraksa, Director-General of the DRT, regarding the development of electric railways and related sectors on several interesting topics, as follows:
In the second half of 2024 and continuing into 2025, how does the DRT aim to drive the rail system?
The main goal is to create a convenient, fast, safe, and affordable rail transport system, promoting rail as the country's primary transportation mode. This will lead to the integration of rail systems both domestically and internationally, improving people's lives, promoting tourism, spreading prosperity in both urban and regional areas, and stimulating the country's economy.
In terms of rail infrastructure development, the DRT focuses on supervising and monitoring the development of intercity rail networks, including double tracks, new lines, and high-speed rail, as well as developing electric rail systems in Bangkok, its vicinity, and major cities in the regions to achieve domestic and international rail integration. For electric railways, the DRT has developed a plan for 14 electric rail lines in Bangkok and its vicinity, totaling 553.41 kilometers with 367 stations, covering a service area of 680 square kilometers. Currently, 13 projects are operational, totaling 276.84 kilometers with 194 stations, accounting for 50 percent.
Anticipating the Emergence of 4 Groups under M-Map 2 with 20 More Routes
The DRT is conducting a study to develop a model for forecasting rail travel demand and developing a mass transit rail network in Bangkok, its vicinity, and surrounding areas (Phase 2 or M-Map 2). The preliminary study results prioritize the development of 20 routes with 167 stations, totaling 270.35 kilometers under M-Map 2.
These routes are divided into 4 groups: (1) A1: Necessary/Ready routes (can be implemented immediately) with 4 routes, 31 stations, and a total distance of 51.40 kilometers; (2) A2: Necessary/Preparation Required routes (expected to be implemented by 2029) with 6 routes, 41 stations, and a total distance of 51.45 kilometers; (3) B: Potential routes that have passed the feasibility study in M-Map 1 or are new routes with sufficient passenger volume to be developed as electric rail systems, with 10 routes, 95 stations, and a total distance of 167.50 kilometers; and (4) C: Feeder routes with 26 routes and a total distance of 389.50 kilometers.
Additionally, the DRT is pushing for the implementation of the Red Line suburban railway project's 3 routes: 1. Rangsit - Thammasat University Rangsit Center, 2. Taling Chan - Salaya, and 3. Taling Chan - Siriraj, aiming for service commencement by 2027. For intercity trains, the current intercity rail network covers 4,044 kilometers across 47 provinces. On June 4, 2024, the Southern Double Track Line, Nakhon Pathom - Chumphon section, opened for service, totaling 420 kilometers, making travel to the South faster and more convenient, reducing travel time by an average of more than 2 hours.
Many More Double Tracks Await!!!
Dr. Pichet, Director-General of the DRT, mentioned the progress of the double-track rail system, stating that there are 2 double-track projects under construction: Map Kabao - Chumtang Thanon Chira section and Lop Buri - Pak Nam Pho section, which are being expedited for service commencement.
For Phase 2 of the double-track project, the Cabinet approved the construction of the Khon Kaen - Nong Khai section, totaling 167 kilometers, on October 16, 2023. Currently, it is in the bidding process and is expected to start construction within 2024.
The remaining 6 projects in Phase 2 are divided into 3 projects approved by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) Board on February 22, 2024: 1) Pak Nam Pho - Den Chai section, 2) Chumtang Thanon Chira - Ubon Ratchathani section, and 3) Hat Yai - Padang Besar section. The other 3 projects were approved by the SRT Board on June 19, 2024: 4) Chumphon - Surat Thani section, 5) Surat Thani - Hat Yai Junction - Songkhla section, and 6) Den Chai - Chiang Mai section. Currently, the SRT has submitted these to the Ministry of Transport (MOT), and the DRT compiled the proposal for the MOT on July 5, 2024. Next, the MOT will submit it to 3 relevant agencies (Ministry of Finance, Bureau of Budget, and National Economic and Social Development Council) for their opinions before the Cabinet's consideration. It is expected that bidding and construction can begin within 2025.
How will the development of the Phase 2 double-track rail project transform Thailand's rail system?
Firstly, in terms of service, the focus remains on upgrading standards to international levels, providing convenience, connecting travel for people, meeting service demands, enabling people to reach their destinations quickly, conveniently, cleanly, safely, on time, and at reasonable prices, catering to all groups and reaching all areas.
Currently, there is a development of an advanced train ticket booking system for up to 90-180 days in advance for 58 trains, covering special express trains, express trains, rapid trains, tourist trains, and special passenger trains on the Northern, Northeastern, Eastern, and Southern lines, starting from today onwards. This aims to provide convenience during festivals and long holidays and respond to the needs of users in planning their trips in advance. Additionally, there is the development of air-conditioned 3rd class trains for comfort during long journeys, along with the installation of Wi-Fi systems at stations and on trains, ensuring the systems do not interfere with train operation signals.
Regarding passenger transport, the SRT currently operates the SRT Royal Blossom tourist train, which is a refurbished air-conditioned Hamanasu train from Hokkaido Railway Company (JR Hokkaido) in Japan. The train features extra-wide windows for scenic views, onboard entertainment, and food and beverage services, enhancing travel and domestic tourism potential. This will be a significant factor in creating jobs and distributing income to local communities, aligning with the government's policy.
Furthermore, fare rates and initial entry fees have been set to ensure equal access to rail transport for everyone, supporting the 20 baht flat fare policy for electric trains, reducing the burden of expenses for the public and improving their quality of life. This policy is currently implemented on the Red and Purple lines, and the government intends to extend it to other routes in the future.
Regarding freight transport, another revenue stream for the SRT, the Director-General of the DRT believes that the SRT is accelerating efforts to encourage businesses in the South to transport more goods by rail to reduce truck transport and lower costs. This involves developing and improving the Sapli container yard in Chumphon province as a distribution and transportation center for the South, equipped with amenities and security measures such as lighting, CCTV, container lift trucks, and security personnel. The aim is to promote Chumphon as a hub for distributing goods transported by rail from the South to Laos and China, helping reduce transportation costs for businesses. Additionally, there is an adjustment of freight train schedules and a reduction in transport time by expediting the procurement of passenger train cars and freight wagons to support the opening of double-track lines, increasing the country's capacity and providing convenience to the public.
In terms of safety, the focus is on providing rail services with international safety standards. The goal is to reduce risks and losses from rail travel and build public confidence in the service. Technologies like AI cameras are being utilized at railway crossings, initially installed in areas with frequent accidents to improve detection and prevention in the future. Complaints and reports of railway crossings can be submitted through the "DRT Crossing" application.
Efforts are also underway to install standard barriers, close illegal crossings, and eliminate all level crossings. Elevated railways, overpasses, and underpasses with fences along the entire route are being constructed, contributing to accident reduction at level crossings, and the design of passenger passages between platforms as underpasses or overpasses with facilities for people with disabilities to reduce the risk of accidents involving pedestrians at stations and provide convenience for users.
Additionally, railway design in areas passing through communities is being implemented in the form of short-span bridges instead of ground-level tracks. This offers better drainage, prevents flooding, reduces accidents at railway crossings, and contributes to safety. The DRT also collaborates with relevant agencies to establish risk prevention measures for construction accidents and ensures construction is carried out with the highest safety considerations to avoid loss of life and property. Additionally, standards for drainage infrastructure are being developed, and measures are in place to reduce risks to the rail system.
In terms of the environment, the focus is on reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The amount of greenhouse gases reduced from mode shifting is being assessed and traded as carbon credits, generating revenue for service providers to invest in future infrastructure. The main emphasis remains on promoting rail transport instead of personal cars to reduce carbon dioxide and PM2.5 emissions, along with supervision and inspection to ensure rail vehicles do not emit black smoke or air pollutants exceeding the specified standards. Research and development in rail transport are also being conducted to reduce pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, such as exploring alternative energy sources for locomotives. Additionally, contractors are being supervised and monitored to ensure compliance with dust prevention and mitigation measures, especially during the construction of various routes.
"The DRT hopes that with determination, dedication, and the government's clear policy to develop the rail system as the primary mode of transportation for the country, it will be able to create convenience, safety, and become the main choice for travel and transportation, helping reduce logistics costs, environmental pollution, promote tourism, stimulate Thailand's economy, distribute urban growth, and build the country's long-term competitiveness," concluded the Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport.
"EP.6 User Satisfaction with the Rail Transport System"
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has gathered data on user satisfaction with various aspects of the rail transport system, both within stations and on trains. This includes services provided, safety, quality of facilities, dissemination of information, reliability/timeliness of train services, value for money of ticket prices, and ticket/token systems. The data has been collected from service providers, including SRT, the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), the Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTSC), and the Airport Rail Link (ARL).
Rail Department Survey: Purple Line Less Satisfied
Source - Thairath, Thursday, July 18, 2024 04:36
On July 17, 2024, Mr. Pichet Kunathamraks, Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport (DRT), revealed that the DRT has compiled satisfaction survey results from rail transport system users in various aspects, both within stations and on trains. These include service, safety, quality of facilities, information dissemination, reliability of train service schedules, value for money of fares, tickets, and tokens.
The data was collected from the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), State Railway of Thailand (SRT), SRT Electrified Train Co., Ltd. (SRTET), Airport Rail Link (AERA 1), and Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited for the year 2023.
The satisfaction ratings of rail transport system users, out of a maximum score of 5, are ranked as follows:
1. Airport Rail Link: 4.52
2. MRT Blue Line: 4.46
3. Red Line: 4.43
4. Green Line: 4.35
5. Gold Line: 4.26
6. Passenger trains: 4.04 (Social service trains: 4.12, Commercial trains: 3.97)
7. MRT Purple Line: 4.01
However, in 2024, the DRT will conduct its own comprehensive satisfaction survey of rail transport system users in various aspects.
Transport Ministry Observes Tengjun International Land Port, Comprehensive Logistics Center in Yunnan, Aims to Enhance Thailand-Laos-China High-Speed Cooperation
Source: Manager Online
Monday, July 22, 2024, 17:07
Sutthipong Leads Rail Department Team to Observe Tengjun International Land Port, Comprehensive Logistics Center in Yunnan, Aims to Enhance Thailand-Laos-China High-Speed Cooperation
Today (July 22, 2024), Deputy Minister of Transport Sutthipong Piyachoti, accompanied by Assistant Secretary to the Minister of Transport Napathara Kamonraksaa, Deputy Permanent Secretary of Transport Sorapong Phaitoorayapong, Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport Pichet Koonathammakrak, and other relevant ministry officials, visited Tengjun International Land Port's logistics center in Yunnan Province, China. This center is an intelligent operations hub, smart warehouse, and multi-modal freight transportation center via rail and road, aiming to enhance rail logistics cooperation and extend the capabilities of the Thailand-Laos-China high-speed rail.
Sutthipong stated that Tengjun International Land Port is a significant comprehensive logistics center in Yunnan, located about 55 kilometers south of Kunming, covering over 1,500 rai with an investment value of 11 billion yuan. The port plans to construct an intelligent operations center, smart warehouse, multi-modal rail and road freight center, bonded logistics center, and international procurement center, comprising 16 projects. Currently, six projects are completed and operational. Additionally, the intelligent cold chain warehouse began trial operations in July 2024, capable of handling vegetables, fruits, durians, and mangosteens from Thailand, requiring temperature-controlled containers for transportation.
After the visit, Sutthipong and his team held a discussion with the Chinese side, led by Yunnan Province's Director of Transportation Xia Jun Song, along with representatives from relevant agencies. Both sides exchanged information and views on transportation and logistics development between Thailand and China, particularly utilizing the China-Laos railway, which can connect to Thailand in the future.
Tengjun International Land Port is one of the 17 recognized ports in the "Intergovernmental Agreement on Dry Ports" by the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), with the international port code CNKML. Its key feature is being a comprehensive logistics service center with infrastructure supporting various transportation modes, especially road and rail connections. Additionally, it is the first entry point for the Laos-China railway into Kunming, with the railway distance from Boten station approximately 800 kilometers, taking about 6-8 hours due to waiting times for passenger trains to pass. Currently, there are 5-6 Laos-China railway freight trains arriving at Tengjun International Land Port daily, each with 15-25 containers.
Sutthipong noted that Tengjun International Land Port's rail and road logistics center covers 194 rai, with an investment of 790 million yuan. It is a first-class freight station and the only station seamlessly connected with a Chinese government station. It is one of China's 12 pilot projects for multi-modal transportation, featuring three rail tracks for cargo handling: two continuous tracks and one dead-end track, equipped with 5 rubber tire rail-mounted container gantries (RMG) with a lifting capacity of 40.5 tons each, and 6 reach stackers. The center also includes outdoor container yards, platform warehouses, and comprehensive office buildings.
"This visit has highlighted the potential and opportunities for developing logistics cooperation between Thailand and China, particularly utilizing the China-Laos-Thailand railway to reduce costs and enhance efficiency in freight transportation between the two countries. We hope to collaborate with the Chinese side in developing seamlessly connected infrastructure and logistics systems in the near future," Sutthipong said.
Director-General Pichet Koonathammakrak stated that the visit to Tengjun International Land Port demonstrated the potential for rail transport connections between Thailand, Laos, and China, especially utilizing the China-Laos railway to enhance freight efficiency between the two countries. The Department of Rail Transport is ready to cooperate with the Chinese side in developing rail transport systems and related infrastructure to support efficient logistics connections between Thailand and China.
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