The Transport Ministry plans to invest nearly 300 billion baht to expand a series of dual railway tracks in the upcoming year. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced the initiative to expedite the second phase, which comprises six dual-track railway projects.
These projects total 1,312 kilometers in length and have an estimated combined budget of 298.06 billion baht. Currently, they have received approval from the Budget Bureau and are pending review from the Finance Ministry and the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC). Feedback from these agencies is expected by the end of this month, with a cabinet approval anticipated in January, according to Mr. Suriya.
The six railway routes include Pak Nam Pho-Den Chai (281 km, 81.14 billion baht), Chira Junction-Ubon Ratchathani (308 km, 44.1 billion baht), Hat Yai-Padang Besar (45 km, 7.9 billion baht), Chumphon-Surat Thani (168 km, 30.42 billion baht), Surat Thani-Hat Yai-Songkhla (321 km, 66.27 billion baht), and Den Chai-Chiang Mai (189 km, 68.22 billion baht).
In addition, the second phase of the high-speed railway project connecting Bangkok and Nong Khai, which spans 357.12 km with a budget of 341 billion baht, is under evaluation by the Finance Ministry and the NESDC. The review is expected to conclude within two months, with bidding likely to commence within the next year.
Furthermore, the ministry has provided updates on the construction of a dual-track railway linking Khon Kaen and Nong Khai in the northeastern region. A contract worth 28.67 billion baht was recently signed by State Railway of Thailand (SRT) governor Veeris Ammarapala and CHO Thavee-AS Construction, a joint venture.
This project is part of the government’s strategy to enhance logistics development and improve rail transport efficiency and connectivity with neighboring countries such as Laos and China. It will involve the construction of a new track alongside the existing one, covering 167 km, and will include 14 stations, four stopping points, three freight terminals, and advanced signal and telecommunication systems, with completion expected by 2028.
