Start Today! Open for Service: Southern Double-Track Railway from Nakhon Pathom to Chumphon Spanning 420 km Without Stops Manager Online, June 4, 2024, 19:37
The double-track railway is progressively being completed, and the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is ready to open the Southern route from Nakhon Pathom to Chumphon, covering a total distance of 420 kilometers, starting June 4, 2024. The signaling system installation is 59.762% complete and is expected to be fully operational by 2025, which will reduce travel time to the south. Additionally, by the end of 2024, the Northeastern route from Saraburi to Nakhon Ratchasima is planned to be opened.
Ekarat Sriarayapong, Chief of the Governor's Office of the State Railway of Thailand, revealed that the SRT has accelerated the construction of double-track railways. Currently, three routes are operational: the ChachoengsaoKhlong Sip KaoKaeng Khoi Junction (106 km), the Chira JunctionKhon Kaen (187 km), and the Nakhon PathomChumphon (347.4 km) sections. The Nakhon Pathom to Ban Khu Bua and Saphli to Chumphon sections, totaling 72.6 kilometers, will now be opened, making the entire Southern route 420 kilometers long available for service from June 4, 2024.
Using the E-token electronic system for train operations, the double-track railways signaling system, which is 59.762% complete, is expected to be fully operational by 2025. This will reduce travel time and enhance connectivity to tourist routes in Prachuap Khiri Khan and Chumphon, as well as other freight transportation businesses.
Moreover, the first phase of the Northeastern double-track railway will open within 2024. This includes the Mab Ka BaoMuak Lek Mai section in Saraburi (13.2 km) and the Bandai MaKhlong Khanan Chit section in Nakhon Ratchasima (29.7 km), totaling 42.9 kilometers. The SRT is expediting other double-track and new railway projects to meet the scheduled plans.
The government and the Ministry of Transport prioritize developing the nation's transport infrastructure. Following the policy of Deputy Minister of Transport Surapong Piyachot, the SRT is accelerating the construction of double-track and new railways nationwide to enhance the efficiency, convenience, speed, and safety of the country's primary transport system. This initiative aims to facilitate public travel and freight transport across all regions, contributing to economic growth and tourism.
Once the urgent construction of seven double-track railway lines is completed, it will significantly improve travel services and freight transport efficiency. Trains will reach destinations faster without waiting for passing, doubling the SRTs train handling capacity. This will reduce logistics costs, save fuel, lessen environmental pollution, increase safety by reducing railway-road crossing accidents, and distribute economic growth opportunities to various regions, including rural and urban areas, and neighboring countries. This transformation will position Thailand as a central transportation hub in ASEAN in the near future.
Double-Track Railway and New Rail Lines: Expanding the Network to 6,926 km
Source: Thansettakij
Wednesday, June 5, 2024 05:40
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has been accelerating the development of long-distance railway projects, particularly double-track and new rail lines. This initiative is a key government policy aimed at shifting transportation from roads to railways.
Recently, the SRT has been upgrading the current rail network, mostly single-track, to double-track to enhance rail transport services, accommodating the expected increase in passengers and freight in the future. Currently, Thailands long-distance railway system operates on a meter-gauge track, spanning 4,044 km. In 2018, 91% of this was single-track, and 6% was double-track. The goal is to adjust this to 33% single-track and 65% double-track by 2024.
Current Double-Track Projects (Phase 1):
1. Chachoengsao-Khlong Sip Kao-Kaeng Khoi (106 km, 10.673 billion THB) Opened in 2019.
2. Thanon Jira Junction-Khon Kaen (157 km, 24.064 billion THB) Opened in 2019.
3. Hua Hin-Prachuap Khiri Khan (84 km, 6.939 billion THB) Opened in 2022.
Ongoing Double-Track Projects (Phase 1):
1. Map Kabao-Jira Road Junction (132 km, 27.453 billion THB) 97% complete, partially opening in July 2024.
2. Lopburi-Pak Nam Pho (148 km, 20.679 billion THB) 86.2% complete, opening in 2025.
3. Nakhon Pathom-Hua Hin (169 km, 18.502 billion THB) 98.4% complete.
4. Prachuap Khiri Khan-Chumphon (167 km, 14.935 billion THB) 98.7% complete, partially opened in December 2023, fully operational by 2024.
New Double-Track Projects (Northern and Northeastern Lines):
1. Den Chai-Chiang Rai-Chiang Khong (322 km, 85.345 billion THB) 6.6% complete, operational by 2028.
2. Ban Phai-Mukdahan-Nakhon Phanom (355 km, 66.848 billion THB) 2.3% complete, operational by 2027.
Planned Double-Track Projects (Phase 2):
1. Khon Kaen-Nong Khai (167 km, 29.748 billion THB) Construction to begin in 2024.
2. Pak Nam Pho-Den Chai (281 km, 81.143 billion THB)
3. Hat Yai-Padang Besar (45 km, 7.900 billion THB)
4. Thanon Jira Junction-Ubon Ratchathani (308 km, 44.103 billion THB) Awaiting re-approval.
5. Chumphon-Surat Thani (168 km, 24.294 billion THB)
6. Surat Thani-Hat Yai-Songkhla (321 km, 67.459 billion THB)
7. Den Chai-Chiang Mai (189 km, 56.837 billion THB)
Future Study Plans:
12 new double-track routes, totaling 2,419 km, such as:
1. Mae Sot-Tak-Kamphaeng Phet-Nakhon Sawan
2. Nakhon Sawan-Ban Phai, Khon Kaen
3. Ubon Ratchathani-Chong Mek
4. Kanchanaburi-Ban Phachi Junction, Ayutthaya
5. Kanchanaburi-Ban Nam Pu Ron
6. Map Ta Phut-Rayong-Chanthaburi-Trat
7. Chumphon-Ranong
8. Surat Thani-Don Sak
9. Surat Thani-Tha Nun, Phang Nga
10. Thap Put-Krabi
Completion of these projects will expand the total rail network to approximately 6,926 km, increasing the number of provinces with railway access from 47 to 61. This will offer an economical and safe travel option, improving travel and transport quality, and fostering business, trade, investment, and tourism, especially in provinces without prior rail access.
Source: Thansettakij Newspaper, June 6-8, 2024 Edition.
Last edited by Mongwin on 09/06/2024 5:12 pm; edited 1 time in total
MoT solutions for Simathani flyovers: no demolition of the flyover but the double tracking need to go under the flyover since demolition of flyover will worsen the traffic jam in Khorat city by 50% for at least 3 years before the tunnel could come to replace the demolished flyover
MoT solutions for Simathani flyovers: no demolition of the flyover but the double tracking need to go under the flyover since demolition of flyover will worsen the traffic jam in Khorat city by 50% for at least 3 years before the tunnel could come to replace the demolished flyover
Korat Residents Demand Demolition of Simathani Bridge for Elevated Railway Construction
Source: Matichon Online
Date: Thursday, June 06, 2024, 12:10
Korat residents are fed up! They demand that the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) demolish the Simathani Bridge and build an elevated railway through the city. In preparation, they are mobilizing to welcome the traveling Cabinet.
Background:
In a recent meeting with the Nakhon Ratchasima Province Land Traffic System Management Sub-Committee, Mr. Sorapong Paitoonphong, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, along with representatives from the SRT, the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP), the Department of Rail Transport, the Department of Highways, and others, discussed the ongoing issue of the Simathani Bridge demolition.
Key Points from the Meeting:
1. Civil Engineering and Traffic: Concerns include sharp slopes, vertical curves, corrections to nine railway intersections, and drainage.
2. Economy and Investment: Considerations include construction value, impact on construction time, maintenance, and traffic problems during construction.
3. Environment: Issues involve community separation, aesthetic impacts, weather, noise, and vibration.
The studies indicated that not demolishing the bridge scored 94.90 points out of 100, while demolition scored 85.80 points. The bridge still has a lifespan of 10 years. However, demolition and the construction of an underpass on National Highway No. 2, Mittraphap Road, would lead to significant traffic congestion, with a bottleneck queue length of 738 meters and over three hours of waiting time, especially during festivals. The tunnel construction would take about three years, causing further inconvenience and requiring an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which would delay high-speed and double-track railway projects by approximately 24 months. Thus, continuing construction without demolishing the bridge was deemed the best option.
Community Reaction:
Today, Mr. Prapoj Thamprathip, a member of the Provincial Administrative Organization Council (PAO) of Nakhon Ratchasima, met with Mrs. Nittaya Chittangbunya, community president of District 4, and over 100 residents living near the railroad to address their concerns. The community is worried that not demolishing the bridge will negatively impact their future way of life and goes against the consensus of Korat residents. They prefer an elevated railway passing through the city and demolishing the Simathani Bridge to ease the route for large vehicles.
Official Response:
Mr. Prapot revealed that the Nakhon Ratchasima Provincial Administrative Organization approved a resolution urging the SRT to adjust the construction pattern for the city section, citing impacts on social, economic, urban landscapes, and drainage. Despite this, the Ministry of Transport maintains its stance on not demolishing the bridge, leading to a five-year conflict, project delays, and increased budget due to rising construction material costs. Korat residents are firm in their demand for an elevated railway through the city. They warn that if their resolution is not followed, there will be a significant protest when the traveling Cabinet visits on July 1-2.
'Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party' Prepares to Hold MP Meeting Next Week to Discuss Budget Bill 68 and Referendum Law | Daily News
Source: Daily News website
Thursday, June 06, 2024, 13:44
The spokesperson of the RTSC (Ruam Thai Sang Chart Party) revealed that the party is preparing to schedule a meeting with its MPs next week to discuss the draft Budget Bill for 2025 and the Referendum Law, emphasizing advising the government on allocating a budget to stimulate the economy and improve quality of life while reflecting the needs of the people.
On June 6, Mr. Akkaradech Wongpitakroj, MP for Ratchaburi and spokesperson for the RTSC, stated that on the same day, there will be a meeting of the House of Representatives' coordination committee (government whip) to prepare for the consideration of the draft Referendum Act and the draft Budget Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2025. In this regard, the RTSC party will schedule a meeting of its MPs next week to prepare for the debate on both draft bills.
Mr. Akkaradech further mentioned that in the draft Budget Act, the party will debate to advise the government on necessary matters, particularly the economy. The party emphasizes that MPs should reflect the people's needs through the parliamentary mechanism in the budget bill debate, focusing on allocating more budget for economic stimulation and improving the quality of life for the people. The party will focus on advising the government and on continuing important projects initiated during the tenure of Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha, such as the "Khon La Khrueng" economic stimulus project and necessary infrastructure projects like dual-track railways and motorways, urging the government to expedite their implementation.
"Importantly, during the parliamentary recess, the party's MPs have been visiting areas according to the policies of the party leader and secretary-general, which has allowed them to understand the people's needs. This is a good opportunity to use the budget debate mechanism to reflect the people's needs to the government," said the RTSC spokesperson.
MoT solutions for Simathani flyovers: no demolition of the flyover but the double tracking need to go under the flyover since demolition of flyover will worsen the traffic jam in Khorat city by 50% for at least 3 years before the tunnel could come to replace the demolished flyover
Nakhon Ratchasima Residents Hold Signs Opposing the Construction of the Fun Railroad
Source: Naewna Website
Saturday, June 08, 2024, 19:51
On June 8, 2024, at the railway crossing on Suebsiri Road, in the Nakhon Ratchasima Municipality, Mr. Praphit Nuamkhoksung, advisor to the Nakhon Ratchasima Urban Community Committee, along with business representatives, community leaders, and local vendors, held signs stating, "Double-track railway through Korat must demolish the Simathani Bridge to elevate the railway only," and, "Demolish Simathani Bridge to elevate the double-track railway through Korat for the economy of Korat." The signs were to express the public's stance, which is that the State Railway of Thailand should proceed with the construction of the double-track railway according to the original plan unanimously agreed upon by Korat residents on December 27, 2019. This plan, approved when Mr. Wichian Chantharanothai was the governor of Nakhon Ratchasima, involved constructing an elevated railway 5 meters high from the bypass road to Jira Community Station, a total distance of 5 kilometers, and replacing the Simathani intersection bridge with an underpass.
The dispute with the Ministry of Transport arose over the reasons provided that the construction of the double-track railway from Map Kabao to Jira Junction, passing through downtown Nakhon Ratchasima at Mittraphap Road crossing, would require demolishing the Simathani Bridge and building an underpass, a process expected to take three years and disrupt traffic on Mittraphap Road, the main route to Nakhon Ratchasima. Despite ongoing debates about the benefits and drawbacks of demolishing the Simathani Bridge, business and public sectors in Korat insist that the railway must be elevated through the city, including demolishing the Simathani Bridge at the Mittraphap Road crossing, to avoid affecting the livelihoods and economy of Korat residents.
Mr. Praphit Nuamkhoksung stated that Korat residents are united in opposing the "Fun Railroad" model, which involves an undulating railway path through the city, especially at the Suebsiri Road crossing in the city center. This construction would include a fenced-off area and a U-turn point, splitting the city into two sides and disrupting travel and commerce. Therefore, they demand an entirely elevated railway route and the demolition of the Simathani Bridge for the future of Korat's next generations.
In the past, the Simathani and Hua Thale bridge crossings created significant hardship for the local population. The current plan to block off the Suebsiri Road crossing will only exacerbate the situation. Consequently, all involved Korat residents have resolved that only an elevated double-track railway will suffice. If the authorities ignore the voices of Korat residents, the final recourse will be to file a petition with the Administrative Court.
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