Five double-track railway routes, three of these to the South, are set to open this year with the aim of cutting journey times and escalating logistical efficiency, the federal government said yesterday.
The government is definitely expediting its improve of the rail system nationwide to function the country’s expanding transport system, according to Anucha Burapachaisri, the government spokesman and deputy secretary-general to the leading minister.
Key to the improvement will be reduced journey times afforded from the dual tracks that will no longer require 1 train to stop to create way for another.
Mr Anucha said a double-track railway is not only more secure but will decrease freight transport costs and improve the nation’s competitiveness.
Seven double-track train routes, 985km in all, are being implemented, one of which has been wholly completed — the 106-km Chachoengsao-Klong Sib Kao junction-Kaeng Koi Junction route, which was opened up in 2019.
A second 187-km stretch, from Thanon Jira Junction to Khon Kaen, opened up two years ago with its one remaining imperfect section to be opened up by the end of the year.
The other five are also to become completed this year. These are Lop Buri-Pak Nam Pho (145km), Mab Kabao-Thanon Jira Junction (135km), Nakhon Pathom-Hua Hin (169km), Hua Hin-Prachuap Khiri Khan (76km) and Prachuap Khiri Khan-Chumphon (167km).
Three routes covering Nakhon Pathom and Chumphon are in the upper South.
Mr Anucha said that as soon as open, a new line will also cut the particular Bangkok to Hua Hin travel period from five to two hours.