Suraphong Orders SRT to Accelerate Revenue Generation, Open Southern Line in August
On May 30, 2024, Deputy Minister of Transport Suraphong Piyachote inspected the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to assess progress on various initiatives and reinforce policies aimed at boosting revenue and addressing financial losses. The overarching goal is to improve connectivity between rail and other transportation modes, reduce costs, and enhance Thailand's logistics competitiveness.
Key Points:
Infrastructure Development:
Several double-track railway projects are underway or completed, including the Chachoengsao Junction - Khlong Sib Kao - Kaeng Khoi and Jira-Khon Kaen Road Junction projects.
The southern double-track line (Nakhon Pathom - Chumphon) opened in December 2023, and is expected to fully open (420 kilometers) in August 2024.
The Northeastern (Isan) line's Bandai Ma-Khlong Khanachit section is set to open in late 2024.
New double-track lines are planned for Den Chai-Chiang Rai-Chiang Khong and Ban Phai - Maha Sarakham - Roi Et - Mukdahan - Nakhon Phanom, with additional lines under consideration.
The Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project (Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima) is progressing, with service expected by 2028.
Procurement of Locomotives and Rolling Stock:
The SRT plans to acquire 113 locomotives, 17 electric (battery-powered) locomotives, and 184 diesel rail cars to enhance passenger and freight services.
Tourism Promotion:
The SRT is preparing to launch a new tourist route (SRT Royal Blossom) using renovated carriages from Japan, expected to begin service in August 2024.
Technology for Improved Service:
Advance ticket booking is now available up to 90 days in advance for 32 trains, with plans to extend this to all trains with seat reservations.
A One ID One Ticket system is being discussed to integrate train and bus ticket reservations.
The Ministry of Transport and SRT are confident that these projects will significantly improve transportation services, offering greater convenience, speed, safety, and connectivity for the public.
Plan for the Opening of the Southern Double-Track Railway: Nakhon Pathom - Chumphon Section
- Nakhon Pathom Station - Switch No. 126 (1 km): August 12, 2024
- Nakhon Pathom Station, Switch No. 126 - Ban Ku Bua Station (57 km): June 4, 2024
- Ban Ku Bua Station - Hua Hin Station (111 km): December 15, 2023
- Hua Hin Station - Prachuap Khiri Khan Station (84 km): May 18, 2022
- Prachuap Khiri Khan Station - Saphli Station (153 km): December 15, 2023
- Saphli Station - Chumphon Station (15 km): June 4, 2024
Total Distance: 421 km
(Information as of May 31, 2024)
On June 4, the "Southern Line" double-track railway will open an additional 72 km, urging the "Northeastern Line" to open in July 2024.
Daily News, May 31, 2024, 21:10
Transportation Innovation
In June, the double-track railway Khon Kaen-Nong Khai will be up for auction. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) pushes to present the board with another 5 routes. On June 4, an additional 72 km of the Southern Line double-track railway will commence operation. The installation of the signaling system along the entire route is expected to be completed by May 2025. The SRT is urged to open the first phase of the Northeastern Line, a 43 km section, by July this year.
Mr. Pichet Kunathammarak, Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport (DRT), revealed that the meeting of the Intercity Railway Project Monitoring and Driving Committee No. 1/2024 acknowledged the progress of the Phase 1 double-track railway construction projects and new lines under construction. The preparation for bidding for the Khon Kaen-Nong Khai double-track railway project, covering 167 km, is set for June 2024. Additionally, the approval of five more double-track railway routes totaling 1,123 km was discussed. These include:
1. Pak Nam Pho Den Chai
2. Chira Junction - Ubon Ratchathani
3. Hat Yai Padang Besar
4. Chumphon - Surat Thani
5. Surat Thani - Hat Yai - Songkhla
These will be proposed to the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) board for consideration before being submitted to the Ministry of Transport, prioritizing the projects accordingly.
Mr. Pichet further stated that the meeting also reviewed the detailed plans for the Southern double-track railway from Nakhon Pathom to Chumphon, spanning 421 km. Currently, the double-track railway from Ban Kubua Station to Saphli Station, covering 348 km, is operational. An additional 72 km will be opened from the afternoon of June 4, 2024. This includes the southern part of Nakhon Pathom Station (Switch No. 126) to Ban Kubua Station, a distance of 57 km, and from Saphli Station to Chumphon Station (including tracks 1 and 3 at Chumphon Station), a distance of 15 km. This brings the total operational double-track railway to 420 km, utilizing the E-token system for safe railway operations. The remaining 1 km around Nakhon Pathom Station is expected to open on August 12, 2024. The signaling system installation for the Nakhon Pathom-Chumphon double-track railway (Contract 7) is 59.762% complete and expected to be finished by May 2025. Full operation of the Southern double-track railway will follow.
Mr. Pichet also mentioned the acceleration of the Northeastern double-track railway's opening, specifically the Map Kabao-Khlong Khanan Chit section, which is 97% complete. The remaining part awaits additional expropriation funds, pending Cabinet approval. This concerns the descent area at Muak Lek and other sections. The first phase, from Map Kabao Station to Muak Lek Station (utilizing the new tunnels, Tunnel 1 (Phasadj Tunnel) and Tunnel 2 (Hin Lap Tunnel)), and from Bandai Ma Station to Khlong Khanan Chit Station, totaling 43 km, is expected to open in July 2024.
As for Tunnel 3 (Lam Takhong Tunnel), the SRT is preparing to construct an additional 237 meters of railway to connect with the existing track, expected to be completed and operational by the end of 2024. The meeting also expedited the double-track railway construction for the Lopburi-Pak Nam Pho section, particularly Contract 1, Ban Klab-Khok Kathiam, which is 92% complete. A clear completion timeline is required to prepare secondary public transportation (feeder) systems to connect with the new Lopburi Station, expected to be operational by the end of 2024.
Mr. Pichet concluded that the civil works for Phase 1 of the double-track railway construction have progressed significantly, with the signaling system installation underway as planned. The Ministry of Transport emphasizes expediting these projects to enhance transportation efficiency, reduce travel time, increase safety, and support greater passenger and freight transportation. This will also help reduce logistics costs and improve the country's competitiveness.
State Railway of Thailand (SRT) Board Approves Five New Routes for Double-Track Railway Phase 2, Totaling 224 Billion Baht
Thansettakij News
June 2, 2024 | 15:58
The Department of Rail Transport (DRT) has pushed forward the proposal for Phase 2 of the Double-Track Railway project, covering five routes with a total budget of 224 billion baht. The new proposal is set to be presented to the SRT board soon. The bidding process for the Khon Kaen-Nong Khai section is expected to start this June. The progress of Phase 1 of the double-track railway construction has also been updated.
Mr. Pichet Kunathammarak, Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport, revealed after chairing the 1/2024 meeting of the Intercity Rail Project Monitoring and Steering Committee that the meeting acknowledged the progress of Phase 1 of the double-track railway construction and new routes currently under construction. Additionally, preparations for the bidding process for the Khon Kaen-Nong Khai double-track project, covering 167 kilometers, are underway for June 2024.
The meeting also acknowledged the proposal for five additional double-track railway routes, totaling 1,123 kilometers with a budget of 224.899 billion baht, which will be submitted to the SRT board for further consideration before being presented to the Ministry of Transport. The SRT was assigned to prioritize these projects.
The five routes in Phase 2 of the double-track railway project are:
1. Pak Nam Pho - Den Chai: 281 km, 81.143 billion baht
2. Thanon Chira Junction - Ubon Ratchathani: 308 km, 44.103 billion baht
3. Hat Yai - Padang Besar: 45 km, 7.9 billion baht
4. Chumphon - Surat Thani: 168 km, 24.294 billion baht
5. Surat Thani - Hat Yai - Songkhla: 321 km, 67.459 billion baht
Mr. Pichet further stated that today's meeting reviewed the details of the southern double-track railway plan from Nakhon Pathom to Chumphon, a total of 421 kilometers. Currently, the section from Ban Kubua Station to Saphli Station, covering 348 kilometers, is operational, with an additional 72 kilometers set to open from June 4, 2024.
The newly opened sections will include:
- South of Nakhon Pathom Yard (Switch No. 126) to Ban Kubua Station: 57 km
- Saphli Station to Chumphon Station (including the area in front of Chumphon Station, tracks 1 and 3): 15 km
This will make a total of 420 kilometers of operational double-track railway using the E-token system for safe operation. The remaining section of approximately 1 kilometer in Nakhon Pathom Yard is expected to be operational by August 12, 2024.
The installation of the signaling system for the southern double-track railway (Contract 7) is currently 59.762% complete and is expected to be finished by May 2025, after which the full southern double-track railway will become operational.
The meeting also expedited the opening of the northeastern double-track railway from Map Kabao to Khlong Khanan Chit, which is currently 97% complete, pending additional expropriation funds under consideration by the Cabinet. The remaining construction at Muak Lek's descent ramp is expected to open the first phase of the double-track from Map Kabao Station to Muak Lek New Station and from Bandai Ma Station to Khlong Khanan Chit Station (totaling 43 kilometers) by July 2024.
Simultaneously, the opening of Tunnel No. 3 (Lam Takhong Tunnel) is underway, with 237 meters of additional railway to connect with the existing tracks. This is expected to be completed and operational by the end of 2024. Furthermore, the construction of the double-track railway from Lopburi to Pak Nam Pho, especially Contract 1 from Ban Klab to Khok Krathiam, is over 92% complete, with a clear completion timeline set to ensure readiness for the new Lopburi Station by late 2024.
The first phase of the double-track railway construction has made significant progress in civil works and is currently speeding up the installation of the signaling system to meet the planned schedule. The Ministry of Transport emphasizes the importance of this project to reduce travel time, enhance safety, support increased passenger and freight transport, reduce logistics costs, and improve the country's competitive edge.
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