Dust levels within acceptable limits in Pha Sadet railway tunnel
Source - Daily News
Wednesday, December 25, 2024 04:21
Awaiting carbon dioxide measurements, trains pass through with alert system in place
The "Daily News Transportation Innovation News Team" reports that the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has reopened the Pha Sadet and Hin Lap tunnels on the Northeastern (Isan) double-track railway line, Mab Kabaeo-Thanon Chira Junction section, last week. This follows the derailment of a cement freight train at Pha Sadet Station, Muak Lek District, Saraburi Province on December 15, 2024, which obstructed train services on the Northeastern line.
All trains on the Isan route were diverted to the Kaeng Khoi Junction-Bua Yai Junction (Nakhon Ratchasima) route, requiring them to pass through the Pha Sadet and Hin Lap tunnels. Although previously opened, the tunnels were closed due to dust entering passenger compartments.
Currently, train operations through the Pha Sadet tunnel are running smoothly with no dust issues or complaints from passengers. All trains, including fan and air-conditioned carriages, are passing through the tunnels. Both the Pha Sadet and Hin Lap tunnels are single-track double tunnels, operating in both upward and downward directions. The Pha Sadet tunnel, the longest in Thailand at 5.4 kilometers, takes approximately 5 minutes to traverse.
Measurements of dust and pollution levels within the tunnel by the Pollution Control Department, Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, and a private air quality monitoring company show that dust levels are within acceptable standards, posing no health risks to passengers.
Carbon dioxide levels are yet to be measured. The SRT will invite an independent third party, under the supervision of the Pollution Control Department, to conduct these measurements to ensure passenger safety. In the meantime, passengers need not worry as the tunnel has a carbon dioxide monitoring system that triggers an alarm if levels exceed the limit. No alarms have been triggered so far.
The Pha Sadet and Hin Lap tunnels were first opened on July 28, 2024. However, dust entered the third-class fan carriages, affecting passengers. Following a tunnel cleaning and planned reopening on August 12, 2024, dust and pollution levels remained above acceptable standards, potentially causing eye and throat irritation.
Issues with the railway switches, crucial for safe train direction changes, also caused delays. Repairs were expedited for a September 2024 reopening, which was postponed until dust and pollution levels were reassessed by the Pollution Control Department before the current reopening.
Source: Daily News, December 26, 2024 (Afternoon Edition)
## Ratchaburi Countdown! This year, the 'Railway Extradosed Bridge' lights up in spectacular fashion
**Source - Naewna Website**
**Monday, December 30, 2024 09:17**
**December 30, 2024** - A drone captured an aerial view of the colorful lights decorating the Ratprachapatana Dam along the Mae Klong River in Ratchaburi Municipality. The lights stretch for 1 kilometer from the National Museum of Ratchaburi to the "Three Eras Bridge." This display celebrates the end of 2024 and welcomes the new year, 2025. A highlight that has excited both tourists and Ratchaburi residents is the illumination of the "Railway Extradosed Bridge."
The State Railway of Thailand has illuminated this first-of-its-kind bridge in Thailand, a new landmark for Ratchaburi, in a brilliant golden yellow. The 340-meter bridge rivals the beauty of suspension bridges in Bangkok. Ratchaburi Municipality and the State Railway of Thailand have partnered to bring this joyous display to residents and tourists during the New Year holidays.
Mr. Sakchai Phisalaphon, Mayor of Ratchaburi, stated that the city is adorned with lights along the Ratprachapatana Dam, starting from the National Museum of Ratchaburi and extending to the Three Eras Bridge. The decorations include light tunnels, "HAPPY NEW YEAR 2025" signs, and gift box installations for tourists to enjoy and take photos with.
In addition, the Khao Gee Old Market Walking Street offers a variety of goods and food from evening until 10 pm. Food trucks also provide food and drinks for visitors. The countdown event will feature a concert with 90s artists such as Teh Utain, Took Viyada, Spy Paskorn (Golden Song Season 1), Boonthon Konnum, and Lada Rsiam, a father-daughter duo who will perform New Year blessings and lead the countdown.
Mayor Sakchai further highlighted the illumination of the Railway Extradosed Bridge, which is as beautiful as any bridge in Bangkok. Numerous tourists have been visiting to take photos, videos, and share their experiences. The Ratchaburi railway line is part of the original western railway of Siam, which later became part of the southern line. It was built during the reign of King Chulalongkorn (Rama V) and overseen by the Ministry of Public Works, then led by Krom Khun Phitthayalap Phruetthithada.
Construction began in April 1900 and was completed in March 1902. The route starts from Bang Kok Noi station, westwards near Khlong Maha Sawat, crosses the Tha Chin River at the Saowapha Bridge, reaches the Mae Klong River bank at Ban Pong, turns south along the river, and crosses the Mae Klong River in Ratchaburi city at the Chulalongkorn Bridge before continuing to Phetchaburi. The railway track is 1 meter wide and 151 kilometers long. This route required the construction of three railway bridges:
1. Taling Chan Canal Bridge
2. Tha Chin River Bridge (Saowapha Bridge)
3. Mae Klong River Bridge in Ratchaburi (Chulalongkorn Bridge)
The Mae Klong River Bridge in Ratchaburi, built in 1901, has three 50-meter sections, totaling 150 meters in length. At that time, it was the longest railway bridge in Siam. King Chulalongkorn named it Chulalongkorn Bridge after himself and officially opened the railway on June 19, 1903.
Currently, a double-track railway is under construction, along with a new Mae Klong River railway bridge. This Extradosed Bridge combines cable-stayed and concrete bridge technology, running parallel to the original Chulalongkorn Bridge. This new bridge is the longest extradosed railway bridge in Thailand and has become a new landmark for Ratchaburi.
Transport Ministry Unveils 600 Billion Baht Project, Pushing for Cabinet Approval in 2025 for 'Red Line Train - Double Track - High-Speed Rail - Motorway' Investments
Source - Manager Online
Wednesday, January 01, 2025 07:06
Suryong Unveils Transport Ministry Investment Projects for Trains, Expressways, and Motorways, Pushing for Cabinet Approval in Early 2025, Totaling 600 Billion Baht, with the Red Line to Thammasat University Rangsit Ready, Awaiting Approval for Phase 2 of the Double-Track Railway and the Thai-Chinese High-Speed Train from Korat to Nong Khai.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Mr. Suriya Jungrungreangkit, revealed that in 2025, the Ministry of Transport is preparing infrastructure investment projects expected to be presented to the Cabinet (Cabinet) in early 2025. These include rail system investment projects, with the most ready being the Red Line Suburban Train Project, Rangsit - Thammasat University, Rangsit Center section, with a distance of 8.84 km and an investment value of 6,473.98 million baht. This project will be presented to the Cabinet to request a review of the Cabinet resolution and adjust the budget framework, which has already been reviewed by relevant agencies and is awaiting inclusion in the Cabinet meeting agenda since December 2024.
The request to review the Cabinet resolution and approve the combined project of the Red Line Suburban Train (Red Line) Taling Chan - Salaya section, including 3 additional stations (Rama 6 Bridge Station, Bang Kruai - EGAT Station, and Ban Chim Phli Station), and the Light Red Line Suburban Train Project, Taling Chan - Siriraj section, to be procured as a single contract, with a total distance of 20.5 km and a project value of 15,176.21 million baht.
Currently, it is under consideration by relevant agencies such as the Bureau of Budget and the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC).
In addition, there is the construction project for Phase 2 of the double-track railway, consisting of 6 routes, which has passed the process of seeking comments from relevant agencies. The Bureau of Budget has approved the project, while the Ministry of Finance has coordinated internally and initially acknowledged its approval. The NESDC is awaiting the process of presenting the project to the NESDC board for consideration. From preliminary discussions, the NESDC Secretary-General has acknowledged the plan and reasons for implementing Phase 2 of the double-track railway project.
"In 2025, the Ministry of Transport will drive the development of infrastructure projects according to plan, including projects under study and design, and projects under construction must be expedited to be completed on schedule," said Mr. Suriya.
The 6 routes of the Phase 2 double-track railway project have a total distance of 1,310.84 km and a total investment of 297,926 million baht. The routes include: Pak Nam Pho - Den Chai (280.54 km, 81,143.24 million baht investment), Chum Tang Thanon Chira - Ubon Ratchathani (307.60 km, 44,095.36 million baht investment), Hat Yai Junction - Padang Besar (44.50 km, 7,772.90 million baht investment), Chumphon - Surat Thani (168.20 km, 30,422.53 million baht investment), Surat Thani - Hat Yai Junction - Songkhla (321.00 km, 66,270.51 million baht investment), and Den Chai - Chiang Mai (189.00 km, 68,222.14 million baht investment).
There is also the cooperation project between the governments of Thailand and the People's Republic of China to develop a high-speed rail system to connect the region, Bangkok - Nong Khai (Phase 2: Nakhon Ratchasima - Nong Khai), with a distance of 357.12 km and a value of 341,351.42 million baht. This project is currently in the process of being submitted to the Ministry of Finance and NESDC for approval and is expected to be submitted to the Cabinet for approval by early 2025.
There are also expressway and motorway projects that are in the process of seeking comments from relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Finance and NESDC, before being presented to the Cabinet. These include the Chalerm Ratcha Expressway - Eastern Outer Ring Road Project (formerly N2), with a distance of 11.3 km and an investment value of 16,960 million baht. The Bureau of Budget has already submitted its comments, and it is awaiting comments from the Ministry of Finance and NESDC.
Other projects include the Phuket Expressway Project Phase 1, Kathu - Patong section, by the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) Phuket, or the Patong Tunnel Project, with a distance of 3.98 km and a value of approximately 16,190 million baht, and the intercity motorway (motorway) Outer Ring Road Project, Bang Bua Thong - Bang Pa-in section (M9), with a distance of 35 km and a value of 16,986 million baht.
Source - Daily News
Thursday, January 02, 2025 07:47
Transportation Innovation News Team
Climate change is impacting the entire world, including Thailand. In 2024, major floods occurred in many areas. This article focuses on the State Railway of Thailand's (SRT) double-track railway tunnel project on the northern line, Den Chai - Chiang Rai - Chiang Khong section, a 323 km route with a budget of 72.9 billion baht. This project includes 4 tunnels. How will they cope with flooding???
Information from the SRT provides the answer: They have studied the natural environment, observed current and future water flow patterns, and learned lessons from the northern floods, which occur almost every year. As a result, every tunnel has both internal and external drainage systems. Design standards for flood prevention have been implemented both during and after construction. Drainage systems are installed in the main tunnels, cross passages, and equipment rooms. These systems work in conjunction with waterproofing membranes to prevent groundwater from seeping through the concrete structure into the tunnels, reducing water pressure and preventing damage to the tunnel structure.
For external tunnel drainage, the design prevents rainwater from flowing back into the tunnel. The tunnel level is sloped to drain water from one end to the other. The external tunnel drainage design is integrated with the overall railway drainage system, considering the water flow direction throughout the surrounding area. In addition, there are safety measures during construction, including water pumping stations from the tunnel walls or inside the tunnel to the outside, and sediment basins to control water quality before it is discharged into natural canals.
Mr. Phongphon Siriyothin, Doi Luang Tunnel Manager of Ch. Karnchang Public Company Limited, spoke about one of the four tunnels in Contract 3, Chiang Rai - Chiang Khong section. He explained that the designers used 100-year rainfall data and 100-year seismic data, the most severe in the past century, to design the Doi Luang tunnel to accommodate rainfall and prevent flooding, with a safety margin of approximately double. During the Chiang Rai floods in September 2024, even though an 80-year-old villager said they had never experienced such heavy rain and flooding, the Doi Luang tunnel had no flooding problems, proving its ability to cope.
He detailed the construction process: The first stage involves creating drainage channels on the sides of each tunnel with a slope to allow water to flow out. In addition, there are pumps to help accelerate drainage at the front of the tunnel. During rainfall, water often enters the tunnel through cracks in the mountain. Once the tunnel excavation is complete, a drainage pipe system is installed on both sides, along with a large drainage pipe in the middle of the tunnel. Before the concrete structure is closed, water from the sides flows into the central pipe and out of the tunnel to a natural water source.
At the front of the tunnel, slopes are created in layers, and each layer has drainage pipes that drain into natural water sources. Concrete layers are used in areas with steep slopes to prevent landslides onto the railway tracks and to keep water out of the tunnel. For the upper part, which is soil and not concrete, HDPE geomat sheets are used to reinforce the soil with a mesh and grass seeds are sown on the geomat sheets to allow grass to grow and cover the area, helping to prevent erosion and restore the natural environment.
Meanwhile, Mr. Pichet Kunadhammarak, Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport (DRT), emphasized that Thailand's location near the equator, in a tropical zone with 6-7 months of rain per year, is a factor contributing to natural disasters that affect the country's rail system every year. These include flooding of railway tracks and landslides, which lead to service disruptions and damage to rail infrastructure. The SRT spends a significant budget each year on repairs. Therefore, the DRT has collaborated with Kasetsart University to study and develop drainage standards for rail infrastructure and measures to mitigate risks to the rail system.
The study focuses on railway lines with recurring floods, landslides, and subsidence. Ten high-risk locations were selected for structural design in case of disasters. Examples from other countries were also studied, including the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United States, India, Australia, and China, to develop recommendations, prevention methods, and solutions to reduce risks to the rail system. This includes developing an action plan for short-term, medium-term, and long-term solutions, as well as drainage standards for rail infrastructure, risk prevention guidelines, and an emergency response plan.
The study will be completed in November 2025 and submitted to the SRT and relevant agencies to be used as guidelines or applied in conjunction with other future projects, such as double-track railway projects and high-speed rail projects, to design railway structures that can withstand disasters in the event of heavy rainfall, reducing the risk of damage and increasing safety for users.
It's not enough to use the same design settings. The 100-year average for floods and earthquakes must be doubled to strengthen the railway tunnel against the turmoil of climate change.
Source: Daily News Newspaper, January 3, 2025 (Afternoon Edition)
**Suriya Showcases 13 Rail and Expressway Projects Slated for Cabinet Approval in 2025**
*Isranews, Saturday, January 4, 2025, 3:00 PM*
Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, has revealed 13 flagship infrastructure projects expected to be proposed to the Cabinet in 2025. Key projects include three Red Line rail extensions, Phase 2 of the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail (Nakhon Ratchasima-Nong Khai), and Phase 2 of six dual-track railway projects. On the expressway front, three major projects are in the pipeline: the Phuket Expressway, Chalerm Mahanakorn Expressway extension, and the Bang Bua Thong-Bang Pa-in Motorway.
According to *Isranews* (www.isranews.org), on January 4, 2025, Suriya outlined the Ministry of Transport's readiness to move forward with these major infrastructure investments. Among the proposed rail projects, the most advanced is the Dark Red Line suburban railway extension (Rangsit - Thammasat University, Rangsit Center), covering 8.84 km with an investment of 6.47 billion baht. The project has completed all necessary approvals and awaits Cabinet inclusion, alongside plans to consolidate procurement for additional Red Line segments, including Taling Chan-Salaya and Taling Chan-Siriraj, totaling 20.5 km at an investment of 15.18 billion baht.
The six dual-track railway routes under Phase 2 span 1,310.84 km, requiring a combined investment of 297.93 billion baht. Key routes include Pak Nam Pho-Den Chai (280.54 km), Chira Junction-Ubon Ratchathani (307.60 km), Hat Yai-Padang Besar (44.50 km), Chumphon-Surat Thani (168.20 km), Surat Thani-Hat Yai-Songkhla (321.00 km), and Den Chai-Chiang Mai (189.00 km).
Suriya also discussed the progress of the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project, Phase 2 (Nakhon Ratchasima-Nong Khai), which spans 357.12 km with an estimated cost of 341.35 billion baht. The project is under review by the Ministry of Finance and the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) and is expected to gain Cabinet approval in early 2025.
Furthermore, the proposed expressway and motorway projects include:
1. **Chalong Rat Expressway-East Outer Ring Road (N2 Section):** 11.3 km, 16.96 billion baht.
2. **Phuket Expressway (Phase 1: Kathu-Patong):** 3.98 km, 16.19 billion baht.
3. **Bang Bua Thong-Bang Pa-in Motorway (M9):** 35 km, 16.99 billion baht.
Suriya emphasized the ministry's commitment to expediting both ongoing and new infrastructure projects to meet development timelines and ensure efficient implementation.
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