THE board of State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has approved the final three projects in the second phase of its track doubling programme, which will see capacity enhanced on seven lines at a total cost of Baht 292.5bn ($US 8.1bn).
The final three projects will cost a total of Baht 149.6bn and comprise:
- Chumphon - Surat Thani (168km)
- Surat Thani - Hat Yai - Songkhla (324km), and
- Denchai - Chiang Mai (189km).
SRT will now further develop the projects and by October submit its report for approval by the Thai cabinet. By May 2025 it is hoped to obtain the royal decree necessary for land acquisition, which following surveys and valuation would take place between June 2026 and May 2027.
Tendering for civil works contracts is due to take between November 2024 and May 2025. Construction is expected to be completed in 2031.
The three projects would be funded by the Thai government as well as domestic and international loans. Providing a second track is expected to cut journey times by at least 30%.
This latest package follows three projects approved by the SRT board earlier this year, comprising a total of 634km and costing Baht 113.1bn.
The 281km Pak Nam Pho - Denchai project will cost Baht 81.1bn, and comprises 235km at grade, 40km on viaduct and 5.2km in tunnel. It will serve 36 stations and three container terminals.
The Baht 44.1bn Jira Junction - Ubon Ratchathani project is 308km in total, with 292.6km at grade and three viaduct sections totalling 15km. It will serve 35 stations. Overbridges, underbridges and wildlife crossings will be built to reduce the impact on local communities.
Work on the 45km Hat Yai - Padang Besar line is expected to cost Baht 7.9bn. Most is at grade except for two sections on viaduct with a combined length of 4.6km. It will serve three stations.
Environmental impact assessment (EIA) reports for the three construction projects have been approved by the National Environment Board, enabling work to start once cabinet approval is received.
The cabinet has already approved the 167km Khon Kaen - Nong Khai project costing Baht 29.7bn.
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