Waiting for Pollution Control Department's Approval, Rechecking Air Quality
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has completed cleaning the Phasadet and Hin Lap tunnels, eliminating cement dust. They have also conducted simulated train runs to test for smoke/odor, as well as overall readiness and safety. Initial findings show no locomotive exhaust, dust, or odor. Pollution levels are within normal limits, not exceeding standards that would affect passengers.
The SRT is coordinating with the Pollution Control Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, to conduct further air quality and pollution tests within the tunnels. It is expected that the department will conduct inspections around October 2024. The exact date for opening the tunnels to train traffic remains uncertain, pending the results of these inspections. If pollution levels are within normal limits, service can resume immediately, along with expedited repairs to switches on both sides for safe train operations.
The Department of Rail Transport (DRT) has proposed opening the tunnels only to air-conditioned trains initially. This proposal requires further consideration to assess the overall impact on northeastern train services if air-conditioned trains use the tunnels while non-air-conditioned trains use the old route. However, this also depends on the Pollution Control Department's inspection results. If pollution levels are acceptable, there will be no need to separate train services, and all trains can return to using the double-track system.
The Phasadet and Hin Lap tunnels are part of the northeastern double-track railway project, Mab Ka Bao- Chum Tang Thanon Chira section. The Phasadet tunnel is the longest in Thailand, spanning 5.4 kilometers. The SRT opened it to train service on July 28, 2024, but dust entered the third-class fan carriages, affecting passengers and their belongings.
Subsequent cleaning and a planned reopening on August 12, 2024, were unsuccessful due to excessive dust and pollution levels exceeding standards, potentially causing eye irritation and sore throats for passengers. Additionally, switches on both sides, crucial for changing train directions, were not fully operational. The tunnel opening was postponed to September 2024, but currently, no trains are allowed inside.
Source: Daily News Newspaper, September 24, 2024 (Afternoon Edition)
Veeris begins on-site inspection of Northeast railway line, accelerates dust and smoke solutions for "Pha Sadet Tunnel," expects to open by end of November 2024
Manager Online, 8 October 2024, 14:04
The Governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) conducted an on-site inspection of the Northeast railway line, revealing that the Pha Sadet Tunnel is accelerating solutions to dust and smoke problems, with an expected opening by the end of November. The Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project has progressed to 36%, while the World Heritage issue of Ayutthaya Station is still in the HIA process. All parties are requested to plan for the utilization of various projects for maximum benefit, aiming to establish Thailand as the center of rail transport in ASEAN.
Mr. Veeris Ammarapala, Governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), revealed that Mr. Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, has ordered the acceleration of on-site inspections to monitor the progress of various key projects in accordance with government policies, in order to push for concrete results as soon as possible. On October 7th, he, along with the SRT management team, visited and listened to the progress of various operations, including the problems faced by workers on the Northeastern Line (Bangkok - Nakhon Ratchasima - Khon Kaen - Udon Thani - Nong Khai). He received briefings on the plans for various key projects such as the Red Line Commuter Train Project, the cooperation project between the governments of Thailand and China for the development of a high-speed rail link connecting Bangkok - Nong Khai, the Double Track Railway Phase 1 project (Map Kabao - Thanon Chira Junction), the Double Track Railway Phase 2 project (Khon Kaen - Nong Khai), and the new railway line project (Ban Phai - Nakhon Phanom).
Regarding the Thai-Chinese railway, the overall construction progress is currently at 36%. Concerning the World Heritage issue of "Ayutthaya Station," the HIA report has been submitted to the Cultural Heritage Subcommittee for consideration according to the process and procedures. It is currently being proposed to the National Committee on the World Heritage Convention.
For the double-track railway construction project, Map Kabao - Thanon Chira Junction section, in the area of the Pha Sadet Tunnel where there are problems with dust and smoke, coordination is currently underway with the Pollution Control Department to measure the standard criteria. It is expected that the tunnel will be reopened for service around the end of November 2024.
Mr. Veeris said that he received a briefing on the Centralized Traffic Control (CTC) system located at Khon Kaen Station, which functions to control the signaling system covering the area from Thanon Chira Junction Station to Khon Kaen Station. This system can also automatically generate timetables and perform automatic route setting to replace the SRT's traditional train control system. Currently, the SRT has this CTC system at the Bang Sue Grand Station and Khon Kaen Station. In the future, there will be additional construction to cover the entire railway operation area nationwide.
Regarding the Khon Kaen Railway Market Development Plan, he received a briefing on the commercial land development project in the area of Khon Kaen Railway Station, which aims to generate income for the organization. In addition, he visited the Udon Thani area, Nong Takai Station yard, which is an important point for domestic freight transport for the Udon Thani Industrial Estate and nearby areas. In the future, it will also be a freight hub in the upper Northeast. This on-site visit to gather feedback will incorporate all the opinions from railway personnel into collaborative work practices. It will also address various welfare aspects for SRT employees to boost morale in both central and regional offices.
"I have assigned executives to help plan the utilization of various projects, especially the Double Track Railway Phase 1 project, which will be completed soon, to ensure maximum value and benefit. I would also like to thank and encourage all personnel who have worked with dedication and ensured the safety of service users," said Mr. Veeris.
Railway Announcement: No More Passenger Trains at 'Phasadet Station'
Source: Khaosod
Wednesday, October 16, 2024, 07:46
Saraburi - The stationmaster at Phasadet Railway Station announced that by the end of November, passenger trains may no longer pass through Phasadet (Jor Por Ror Phasadet), as the dual-track railway tunnel is expected to have completed the cleaning process, including dust and odor removal. Only freight trains will continue to use this route, along with occasional tourist trains. On October 25, the station will hold a private merit-making ceremony with monks. Until the end of November, tourists still have the chance to visit Phasadet to pay respects, take photos of the passing passenger trains, before they stop running through this point.
Source: Khaosod Newspaper, October 17, 2024, Afternoon Edition
The Phra Sadet Tunnel is nearly ready to open. Air quality assessments are being finalized, and test runs will be conducted 1-2 more times before it officially opens.
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