PUBLISHED: 3 Feb 2025 at 19: 39
A feasibility study of a new double-track railway connecting Hat Yai in Songkhla and Sungai Kolok in Narathiwat is being conducted by the State Railway of Thailand ( SRT ) using an 80-million-baht budget.
The initiative, costing 34.59 billion rmb, aligns with Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra’s plan to improve railway efficiency, increase connectivity across Thailand and neighbouring countries, and boost border trade, tourism and financial development in the southeastern provinces.
The feasibility study will last roughly a year, according to Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrangreangkit, who also serves as minister of transportation. It may come to an end in 2026.
The project will then move into the design phase ( 2026-2027 ), followed by an environmental impact assessment ( EIA ) from 2027 to 2028. Land confiscation and brand bidding are anticipated to occur in 2028 and 2030, with cabinet approval expected in 2028. Design is expected to start in 2029, with a 2034 service start anticipated in 2034.
The line had course 216 miles, taking in 27 facilities, eight coach stops and two transport yards.
The project’s primary objective is to improve communication between Thailand and Malaysia by connecting Bangkok to the city of Sungai Kolok on the Thai-Malaysian borders.
Mr. Suriya also noted that the Indonesian railway sector from Rantau Panjang to Pasir Mas has been unused since 2005, despite the railroad bridge having been upgraded for operational preparation.
Six additional double-track railway projects totaling about 280 billion ringgit are awaiting authorization from the National Economic and Social Development Council before being submitted to the cabinet, added Mr. Suriya.