Summary of Rail System Passenger Volume for the Year 2024:
Total: 542,334,503 trips
Urban Rail Systems (Bangkok and Metropolitan Area): 515,485,410 trips
Intercity Rail: 26,849,093 trips
Breakdown by Rail Lines:
Green Line: 263,955,804 trips
Blue Line: 155,329,428 trips
Purple Line: 24,497,924 trips
Airport Rail Link: 24,193,675 trips
Pink Line: 19,646,357 trips
Yellow Line: 13,704,231 trips
Red Line: 11,394,944 trips
Gold Line: 2,763,047 trips
Authority: Department of Rail Transport
Motto: "For the happiness and safety of rail travel in Thailand"
Summary of Rail System Passenger Volume for December 2024:
Total: 47,090,935 trips
Urban Rail Systems (Bangkok and Metropolitan Area): 44,720,030 trips
Intercity Rail (State Railway of Thailand): 2,370,905 trips
Breakdown by Rail Lines:
Green Line: 22,982,781 trips
Blue Line: 13,234,135 trips
State Railway of Thailand (SRT): 2,370,905 trips
Airport Rail Link: 2,074,341 trips
Purple Line: 2,017,917 trips
Pink Line: 1,708,643 trips
Yellow Line: 1,329,107 trips
Red Line: 1,027,279 trips
Gold Line: 345,827 trips
Authority: Department of Rail Transport
Motto: "For the happiness and safety of rail travel in Thailand"
The Department of Rail Transport reveals highlights of the rail system in 2025
9 approaches, 3 phases, 5 aspects
The Department of Rail Transport reveals the guidelines for the rail system in 2025, keeping an eye on the bidding for the Red Line extension, accelerating construction and opening the Pink Line extension connecting Muang Thong in 2025, and also continuing to open the Orange Line, Eastern section, by 2028.
Dr. Pichet Kunathammarak, Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport (DRT), gave a special interview to www.ThaiMOTnews.com about the guidelines for the development of the rail system in 2025, saying that the DRT has set guidelines for the development of rail transport in accordance with the governments policy, which Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, Minister of Transport, has set the concept of Transportation for Opportunity in Thailand, which is the development of the transportation infrastructure and the development of services in accordance with international standards to create opportunities and access in accordance with the policy guidelines. The rail transport system will consist of 9 approaches, 3 phases, 5 aspects with details as follows:
1. Expansion of the 20-baht flat-rate electric train policy
After the implementation of the Red and Purple Lines, the response was good, with the number of passengers continuously increasing. In 2025, the policy will be expanded to other electric train lines to reduce the burden of travel expenses for the public, improve the quality of life, and encourage people to switch to rail transport more.
2. Push for the Rail Transport Act
In 2025, the SRT will expedite the announcement of the Rail Transport Act B.E. ... as soon as possible, including various secondary laws under the Rail Transport Act, to serve as a mechanism to supervise the rail transport system to meet international standards. Currently, the Act is under consideration by the Special Committee, and the SRT has completed 17 secondary laws.
3. Accelerate the construction of the rail network
The SRT continues to focus on supervising and monitoring the development of the rail network, including dual-track trains, new routes, high-speed trains, electric trains in the Bangkok metropolitan area and its vicinity, as well as major cities in the regions, to facilitate and increase travel options. It helps reduce travel time, traffic volume and accidents on the road, and connects rail systems both domestically and internationally, making the rail system the country's primary transportation system. It is divided into the following:
Accelerate the construction of 4 electric train projects:
- Pink Line Extension, Sri Rat Station - Muang Thong Thani, a distance of 3 kilometers, currently under construction, 79.02 percent complete, scheduled to open for service in 2025. This route will facilitate people traveling to Impact Muang Thong Thani.
- Orange Line, Eastern Section, Thailand Cultural Center - Min Buri, a distance of 22.50 kilometers, with civil works completed, and Orange Line, Western Section, Thailand Cultural Center - Bang Khun Non, a distance of 13.40 kilometers. Currently, MRTA has signed a contract with BEM to construct the civil works for the western section, including installing electrical systems and providing trains for service along both the eastern and western sections. It is expected that the eastern section will open for service in 2028 and the western section in 2030.
- Purple Line, Tao Poon - Rat Burana (Kanchanaphisek Ring Road), a distance of 23.60 kilometers, currently under construction. Progress 46.34 percent Scheduled to open for service within 2029
Accelerate the construction of the remaining phase 1 dual-track railway to open for service, totaling 2 projects:
- Lop Buri - Pak Nam Pho section, 148 kilometers long, construction is currently complete. Currently planning to use the electronic toll system (E-Token) while installing the full signaling system. It is expected to open for dual-track service by early 2025.
- Map Kabao - Chum Thong Jira section, 132 kilometers long, currently constructing Contract 1, Map Kabao - Khlong Khanan Chit section, and Contract 3, the railway tunnel work has been completed. SRT has opened for dual-track service already. Some areas remain. Currently, it is being proposed to the Cabinet for consideration and approval of an additional budget framework of 197.77 million baht to use for land and real estate expropriation. For Contract 2, Khlong Khanan Chit - Chum Thong Jira section, SRT is currently adjusting the construction format to reduce the impact of complaints from the people of Nakhon Ratchasima Province.
Accelerate the construction of the dual-track railway, Phase 2, Khon Kaen - Nong Khai, a distance of 167 kilometers, which the SRT signed the contract for on December 12, 2024, scheduled to start construction in April 2025.
Accelerate the construction of new railway lines, expanding the rail network, 2 projects:
- Den Chai - Chiang Rai - Chiang Khong, a distance of 322 kilometers, currently under construction, progressing 21.43 percent, scheduled to open for service within 2028, which will connect to the Chiang Khong Freight Transport Interchange Center, Chiang Rai Province, of the Department of Land Transport.
- Ban Phai - Mukdahan - Nakhon Phanom, a distance of 355 kilometers, currently under construction, progressing 8.20 percent, scheduled to open for service within 2027, which will connect to the Nakhon Phanom Border Transport Center of the Department of Land Transport.
Accelerate the construction of 2 high-speed railway projects:
- Thai - China High-Speed Railway, Phase 1, Bangkok - Nakhon Ratchasima, a distance of 253 kilometers, currently under construction. Progress 38.07 percent Scheduled to open for service within 2028
- Three-airport rail link, 220 kilometers long, is currently under consideration to amend the draft joint investment contract for the project to solve the problem of overlapping civil engineering structures with the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project, Phase 1, Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima section, Contract 4-1, Bang Sue-Don Mueang section. It is expected to be submitted to the Cabinet for consideration within January 2025.
4. Propose a request for approval for the railway network construction project
4.1 Accelerate the request for approval for the Red Line suburban railway project, the extension section, according to the master plan for rail mass transit in Bangkok and its vicinity (continuous area), Phase 2 (M-MAP2) in Group A1 (ready to proceed immediately) according to the resolution of the Land Traffic System Management Committee at the 1/2567 meeting on December 23, 2567, totaling 3 projects:
Rangsit - Thammasat University, Rangsit Center, a distance of 8.84 kilometers, which the Cabinet approved to proceed with the bidding on January 7, 2568
Taling Chan - Siriraj - Salaya, a distance of 20.50 kilometers, currently in the process of requesting opinions from relevant agencies (Ministry of Finance, Budget Bureau Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board) for submission to the Cabinet for approval.
4.2 Expedite the submission for approval of the second phase of the dual-track railway project for another 6 projects, namely:
Chum Thong Jira-Ubon Ratchathani section, 308 kilometers long
Pak Nam Pho-Den Chai section, 281 kilometers long
Chum Thong Hat Yai-Padang Besar section, 45 kilometers long
Chumphon-Surat Thani section, 168 kilometers long
Surat Thani-Chum Thong Hat Yai-Songkhla section, 321 kilometers long
Den Chai-Chiang Mai section, 189 kilometers long
Currently, we are seeking opinions from relevant agencies (Ministry of Finance, Budget Bureau, Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board) for submission to the Cabinet for approval.
4.3 Expedite the submission for approval of the second phase of the Thai-Chinese high-speed railway project, Nakhon Ratchasima-Nong Khai section, 357 kilometers long
5. Study the development of the rail mass transit system in the next phase
The Ministry of Transport has presented this to the Land Traffic Management Committee meeting. At the 1/2567 meeting on December 23, 2567, as follows:
5.1 Study the development of a secondary mass transit system, connecting the Phahon Yothin Transportation Center area in Chatuchak and Km. 11, which has a plan to develop the Baan Puea Thai project.
5.2 Study the design of a rail mass transit system in regional cities in Chiang Mai and Nakhon Ratchasima provinces, and review the design in Phuket province.
5.3 Promote the development of a railway network connecting industrial estates to increase the volume of rail freight transport, reduce logistics costs, and promote the rail system as the country's primary transportation system. According to the master plan for developing a railway network to cover and connect areas nationwide and support multi-modal transportation seamlessly (R-MAP), currently studying the suitability and will proceed with detailed design in 4 locations according to the urgent R-MAP plan (2023 - 2027), namely:
World Lamphun Industrial Estate
Green Industrial Estate EGAT Mae Moh Phase 1, Mae Moh Station - CY EGAT Mae Moh
WHA Eastern Industrial Estate, Rayong
Amata City Chonburi Industrial Estate
5.4 Study new railway routes to increase capacity and create economic opportunities Along the following routes:
Train connecting 2 airports (Thanun - Phuket and Thap Put - Krabi)
Double-track train, Kanchanaburi - Ban Phu Nam Ron
Double-track train, Suphan Buri - Nakhon Luang - Chum Thang Ban Pachi
Train supporting Land bridge, Chumphon - Ranong
6. Develop the rail system, connecting Thailand, connecting the world
Accelerate the Thai - Laos connection by connecting the new Mekong River railway bridge to facilitate travel and transport of goods between Thailand and Laos, including preparing the area and facilities for the Natha Station cargo transfer center
Accelerate the Thai - Malaysian connection by promoting the development of the southern double-track train, expanding the railway network to Malaysia
Increase the efficiency of transport connecting Thailand - Cambodia by emphasizing the railway transport connection To facilitate rail freight transport across the Thai-Cambodian border
7. Increase rail transport efficiency
Prepare to push forward the development of 3 electric train projects that have been transferred from Bangkok, namely:
Silver Line, Bang Na - Suvarnabhumi Airport, 19.70 kilometers long
Blue Line, Din Daeng - Sathorn, 9.50 kilometers long
Gray Line, Watcharapol - Thonglor, 16.30 kilometers long
Set up a Feeder system to connect the rail system with other transport systems, facilitating access to the rail transport system
Gradually introduce air-conditioned passenger cars to replace hot trains
Accelerate the procurement of locomotives and wheels to support dual-track trains to increase the country's capacity and provide further convenience to the public
Promote private sector investment in passenger and freight transport in the PPP Modified Gross Cost format to reduce the government budget burden, enable the State Railway of Thailand to set a fair and appropriate fare policy, reduce the SRT's losses, and ensure that the public receives good and fast service
Establish rail transport standards, such as rail transport vehicle inspection standards, drainage system standards for rail infrastructure projects
Solve accident problems at illegal crossings Through the mechanism of the joint committee for consideration of permission requests and solutions to railway and road intersection problems
Evaluate the quality of rail transport stations to meet standards
Establish criteria for setting freight rates, rail utilization fees, and rail transport service fees to encourage entrepreneurs to use rail freight services more
Increase the efficiency of rail freight transport between ICD Lat Krabang and Laem Chabang Port
Support the reduction of greenhouse gases in the rail transport sector by using clean and environmentally friendly energy
Develop the Thai rail system in line with the people's way of life by organizing areas for selling OTOP products and good things along the railway, helping to support the Soft Power policy by offering Thai wisdom products to increase income for the community
Stimulate the tourism economy through the IGNITE Thailand policy with the rail transport system by bringing the Royal Blossom and KIHA trains to provide tourist train services
The Ministry of Transport, through the Department of Rail Transport, is committed to moving forward and driving plans and projects on the rail system to develop infrastructure and services to meet international standards, connecting networks with other countries so that Thailand can become a regional transportation hub, increasing the countrys competitive potential in a sustainable way, leading to convenient, safe, punctual, and reasonably priced transportation, the Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport concluded.
Free Rides Boost Ridership on First Day, Aiming to Reduce PM2.5
Source - MGR Online
Saturday, January 25, 2025 18:51
Mr. Pichet Kunadhamraks, Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport (DRT), revealed that the initiative to offer free travel on the rail mass transit network from January 25th to 31st, 2025, has resulted in a significant increase in ridership. This 7-day measure aims to promote public transport usage, reduce private car usage, and mitigate PM2.5 air pollution, aligning with the Ministry of Transport's policy.
On the first day (January 25th), a surge in passengers was observed, particularly on the Red Line commuter train service. Ridership increased by 34% compared to the same period last week. A total of 11,949 passengers used the Red Line, with 11,300 on the northern section (Bang Sue - Rangsit) and 959 on the western section (Bang Sue - Taling Chan).
First day! 1.63 million passengers use free rail service under measures to reduce PM2.5 dust in Bangkok and surrounding areas
Source - Siam Rath website
Sunday, January 26, 2025 19:10
The Department of Rail Transport (DRT) revealed that on the first day of the government's free rail service initiative to reduce PM2.5 dust in Bangkok and its surrounding areas, a total of 1.63 million passengers used the service, a 45.29% increase compared to the average Saturday ridership over the past three weeks of January 2025.
Today (January 26, 2025), Mr. Pichet Kunadhamraks, Director-General of the DRT, revealed that yesterday (January 25, 2025) was the first day of the free public transportation initiative, which includes all rail lines and Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) bus routes, from January 25-31, 2025, for a total of 7 days. This initiative aims to reduce PM2.5 dust caused by vehicles in Bangkok and its vicinity, following the order of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra.
A total of 1,634,446 passengers used the rail system, a significant increase of 45.29% compared to the average Saturday ridership over the first three weeks of January 2025. The details are as follows:
1. Airport Rail Link: 68,903 passengers (an increase of 14,049 passengers or 25.61% compared to the average).
2. Suburban railway (Red Line): 35,705 passengers (an increase of 8,951 passengers or 33.46% compared to the average).
3. Chalerm Ratchamongkhon Line (Blue Line): 451,251 passengers (an increase of 124,247 passengers or 38.00% compared to the average).
4. Chalong Ratchadham Line (Purple Line): 59,160 passengers (an increase of 13,361 passengers or 29.17% compared to the average).
5. BTS Green Line (Sukhumvit and Silom Lines): 857,878 passengers (an increase of 270,591 passengers or 46.07% compared to the average).
6. Gold Line: 18,691 passengers (an increase of 10,966 passengers or 141.95% compared to the average).
7. Nakhon Ratchasima Line (Yellow Line): 63,796 passengers (an increase of 30,687 passengers or 92.68% compared to the average).
8. Pink Line: 79,062 passengers (an increase of 36,619 passengers or 86.28% compared to the average).
When ranked, the Gold Line saw the highest increase in ridership at 1.42 times the average of the past three Saturdays. This was followed by the Yellow Line and Pink Line, which saw increases of 92.68% and 86.28%, respectively. These three lines are considered feeder lines, passing through residential areas and connecting to main rail lines.
Mr. Pichet added that the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) operated a total of 215 intercity trains, serving 75,303 passengers, comprising 31,850 passengers on commercial trains and 43,453 passengers on social trains. This represents a decrease of 3,116 passengers or 3.97% compared to the average Saturday ridership over the past three weeks.
Overall, on January 25, 2025, there were a total of 1,709,749 passengers using the rail system, an increase of 506,355 passengers or 42.08% compared to the average Saturday ridership over the past three weeks.
Mr. Pichet concluded that it is a positive development that the public is increasingly using the environmentally friendly rail system, which helps reduce the use of personal vehicles and carbon monoxide emissions, contributing to lower air pollution and PM2.5 levels. As tomorrow is the first Monday of the week, a high volume of passengers is expected during peak hours in the morning and evening, despite the government and Bangkok's promotion of work from home (WFH). The DRT has coordinated with rail service providers to increase service frequency during peak hours and is monitoring passenger volume at various stations to adjust service frequency and add ticketing channels as needed to accommodate the public's travel needs. This aims to ensure that rail users experience convenient, fast, and safe travel.
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