On April 18, 2024, Thailand’s Ministry of Transport, in cooperation with the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), is set to present the second phase of its ambitious dual-track railway project. This phase includes the Chumphon-Surat Thani-Hat Yai-Songkhla line, spanning 489 kilometers, with a proposed budget of 90 billion baht. Additionally, six more lines are being pushed through the Cabinet for approval within the year.
The expansion of the Red Line suburban railway project, encompassing three routes totaling 21,760.25 million baht, has been submitted to the Cabinet Secretary. These routes are Rangsit-Thammasat University (Rangsit Center) at 6,473.98 million baht for 8.84 km, Taling Chan-Salaya at 10,670.27 million baht for 14.8 km, and Taling Chan-Siriraj at 4,616 million baht for 5.7 km.
Transport Deputy Minister Surapong Piyachoti announced that the bidding for these projects is anticipated between May 2024 and January 2025, with construction starting in February 2025 and operational by January 2027. The Taling Chan-Salaya route will feature six stations, including Rama 6 and Bang Kruai-EGAT. The Rangsit-Thammasat University (Rangsit Center) section will have four stations, while the Taling Chan-Siriraj section will have three.
Moreover, the dual-track railway’s second phase will promote six additional routes, with the Khon Kaen-Nong Khai line, covering 167 km at 29,748 million baht, already approved for bidding. Three other lines – Pak Nam Pho-Denchai, Chira Junction-Ubon Ratchathani, and Hat Yai-Padang Besar – have been endorsed by the SRT board, with the Chumphon-Surat Thani and Surat Thani-Hat Yai-Songkhla lines awaiting approval.
This strategic expansion reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing Thailand’s railway infrastructure, aiming to improve transportation efficiency and connectivity across the country.
