🚆 Exciting news from Thailand! The government is expediting the construction of their double-track train system project to become a major cargo and passenger rail transport hub in the region. Stay tuned for updates on this game-changing development! 🌟🚂 #ThailandRailPlan #RailwayExpansion #SingaporeKunmingRoute
The Thai government has decided to expedite the construction of its double-track train system project. This move is in line with their plan to transform Thailand into a notable cargo and passenger rail transport hub in the region. The project is set for completion by 2027 and will serve the recently established Singapore-Kunming route.
New Network and Its Connections
The fresh rail network promises to link the regional route that connects Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Laos, and China. This information was confirmed by the Department of Rail Transport director-general Pichet Kunathammarak. To ensure the new regional rail link opens as scheduled in 2027, Thailand will need to hasten the construction of the second phase of its double-track railroad and the new Thai-Lao friendship bridge.
Progress on the First Phase
The first phase of the new train system is set to complete next year. Upon completion, the total length of its double-track railway will extend to 627km, according to Mr. Pichet.
Second Phase Plans
Plans for the second phase include the construction of a 168km section from Chumphon to Surat Thani at a budget of 24 billion baht. Additionally, a 321km section will run from Surat Thani to Hat Yai district in Songkhla, costing around 57 billion baht. A further 45km section will link Hat Yai to Padang Besar in Malaysia, at a rough estimate of 6.6 billion baht.
To facilitate the planned connection of the double-track rail services through Thailand, construction of these three sections, spanning a total length of 1,479km, will need acceleration. Work on the Hat Yai-Padang Besar section is expected to kick off first, pending cabinet approval.
Second Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge
Meanwhile, the Department of Highways has completed a feasibility study for the construction of a second Thai-Lao friendship bridge in Nong Khai. Plans for designing the new bridge, equipped to accommodate the double-track railway, are in progress.
Unlike the first Thai-Lao bridge that caters mainly to car transportation across the Mekong River, this new bridge will primarily serve the transnational double-track rail services. The construction timeline for the bridge is estimated to be three years, with work anticipated to start by early 2025 and finish by early 2028. The bridge will be designed to accommodate the standard track gauge of 1.435 metres.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the main aim of the Thai government’s decision to expedite the construction of its double-track train system project?
The Thai government aims to transform Thailand into a significant cargo and passenger rail transport hub in the region. This rapid construction effort supports the execution of the newly established Singapore-Kunming route.
2. What is the progress and plan for the new double-track train system project?
The first phase of the double-track train system project is set to complete by next year, extending the railway to 627km. The second phase plans include the construction of three sections, totaling 1,479km. It will commence with the 45km section linking Hat Yai to Padang Besar in Malaysia, pending cabinet approval.
3. What is the purpose and timeline of the second Thai-Lao friendship bridge?
The second Thai-Lao friendship bridge in Nong Khai is primarily designed for the transnational double-track rail services. After completion of the feasibility study, the construction of the bridge is anticipated to start by early 2025 and finish by early 2028. The design of the bridge will accommodate the standard track gauge of 1.435 meters.
