Panthop Malakul Na Ayutthya told reporters the blueprints will be submitted to the governmental cabinet next year for final approval. One of the key points of the proposal is to allow private enterprises to invest in commercial areas surrounding the new station.
Transport Ministry deputy Omsin Chivapruck presided over a meeting of 100 interested company and government delegates last week. The meeting was held to decide how best to manage the 218-rai (86 acres) site surrounding the new station and convert it into ASEAN’s premium commerce and business zone.
The current rail terminus for public passenger trains in Bangkok is Hua Lamphong Station. The grand Italian-Renaissance style edifice marks its centenary anniversary next year. Transport officials claim moving the main railway station for the country out of central Bangkok will allow the rail network and train frequencies to grow.
Hua Lamphong serves around 130 trains every day. These operate on four main routes. One is to Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand, two to the northeast and one to the south and the Malaysian border. It also has services to local destinations like Kanchanaburi and Pattaya. 12GO ASIA sells online tickets for trains on most routes in Thailand.
Project to turn Bang Sue Station into Bangkok rail hub ramps up
News in Asia
An ambitious project to transform Bangkok’s Bang Sue Station into a hub for Thai and Asian rail services is gaining pace. The deputy-governor of the State Railway of Thailand says work on the project should begin in 2018.