Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote announced that the Nakhon Pathom-Chumphon double-track railway is set to be fully operational by August. The 421-kilometre route will offer round-the-clock services once completed.
During a recent inspection of the province’s transportation and logistics network as part of a mobile cabinet meeting in Phetchaburi, Mr. Surapong provided an update on the project. This initial phase of the south-bound double-track rail system, estimated to cost around 33 billion baht, is divided into three segments: Nakhon Pathom-Hua Hin (169km), Hua Hin-Prachuap Khiri Khan (84km), and Prachuap Khiri Khan-Chumphon (167km).
The State Railway of Thailand is overseeing the construction, which has reportedly made significant progress. The first section, including the Nakhon Pathom-Nong Pla Lai stretch (36km) and the Nong Pla Lai-Hua Hin segment (76km), is now 98% complete. Construction of the latter part is anticipated to be finished by June 15.
The second part from Hua Hin to Prachuap Khiri Khan station (84km) is currently operational. The final section covers the Prachuap Khiri Khan-Bang Saphan Noi (87km) and Bang Saphan Noi-Chumphon (80km) segments. The former is fully functional, while the latter is at 99% completion and expected to be done by next month.
The Transport Ministry has mandated that the entire system be up and running by August. This double-track railway project aims to enhance the economy and tourism by boosting logistics and transportation efficiency. It targets reducing travel times to the southern region by at least 30% and cutting down journey durations by up to two hours on various routes.
Moreover, the initiative is expected to promote energy conservation, decrease environmental impact, enhance connections to neighboring countries, and drive Thailand’s economy towards greater stability, prosperity, and sustainability, as highlighted by Mr. Surapong.
