The Department of Rail Transport (DRT) is expediting the development of the Singapore-Kunming Rail Link as part of the government’s initiative to establish Thailand as a logistics hub within ASEAN.
To further this goal, DRT director-general Pichet Kunadhamraks led a Thai delegation to Chongqing City, China, to study its logistics system and deepen their understanding of rail transport in relation to the Singapore-Kunming Rail Link. Chongqing serves as a vital hub in China’s Belt and Road Initiative, acting as a strategic location for international logistics and transport.
During the visit, the delegation met with representatives from the New Land-Sea Corridor Operation (NLS), an organization set up by China and its partner countries under the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Demonstration Initiative. The NLS is crucial for overseeing international transport and trade routes.
The delegation also explored the Chongqing New Land-Sea Corridor, a multimodal transport route that integrates rail, sea, and road networks to connect western China with Southeast Asia. This corridor is designed to minimize the time and cost associated with moving goods.
Additionally, the group toured Tuanjiecun Railway Station and a container yard, both key components of the China-Europe Railway routes. They observed the cross-border cargo transport systems and the modern technologies and innovations utilized in the logistics sector. The visit culminated with a tour of the Chongqing Inland International Logistics Hub Exhibition Center, providing valuable insights for the development of Thailand’s rail transport system.
Mr. Pichet emphasized that the inauguration of the Laos-China railway in 2021 has revolutionized freight transport between Thailand and China. He noted a shift towards rail transportation for various goods, particularly fruits and plastics. Rail freight volume between Thailand and Laos has seen significant growth, increasing from just 2,288 tonnes in 2021 to 46,287 tonnes in 2023, and further climbing to 63,676 tonnes in 2024, which reflects a growth rate of 37.56% compared to 2023.
Currently, rail shipments from Thailand to Chongqing take only four days, a significant improvement over the two weeks required for sea transport, making rail an efficient option for high-value and perishable goods, according to Mr. Pichet. In 2023, the China-Europe rail network (Chengdu-Chongqing section), covering 110 cities across Asia and Europe, facilitated the transportation of over 430,000 TEUs of cargo.
