The double-track railway along the southern line of the State Railway of Thailand, running from Nakhon Pathom to Chumphon, has officially launched, as announced by the agency on Monday.
Ekarat Sri-arayanpong, head of the SRT governor’s office, stated that the newly opened track will enhance logistical operations along the 421-kilometer route. This improvement is expected to reduce travel times on the southern line by up to 90 minutes, making rail travel more attractive to tourists. The upgrade will also enhance overall safety, as trains traveling in opposite directions will no longer have to wait to pass each other.
The line begins in Nakhon Pathom and travels through Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, and Prachuap Khiri Khan before reaching Chumphon. It is primarily at ground level, except in urban areas where it is elevated to alleviate traffic congestion.
The line features two significant landmarks: the bridge over the Mae Klong River in Ratchaburi, which the government plans to promote as a new tourist attraction, and the new Hua Hin railway station, designed to reflect the architectural style of the old station.
The SRT has plans for additional dual-track segments, including routes connecting Khon Kaen to Nong Khai and Nakhon Ratchasima to Ubon Ratchathani in the Northeast; Pak Nam Pho to Den Chai and Den Chai to Chiang Mai in the North; and Hat Yai to Padang Besar, Surat Thani to Songkhla, and Chumphon to Surat Thani in the South.
By the completion of upgrades in 2029, Thailand is projected to have 2,370 kilometers of dual-track railways, significantly boosting the country’s logistical efficiency and attractiveness to tourists.
Mr. Ekarat also mentioned that the Pha Sadet tunnel is set to reopen next month. The country’s longest rail tunnel was closed just a day after its opening on July 28 due to concerns about dust. He noted that this decision followed a test on August 8, which indicated that excessive exhaust gases remained after a train passed through.
