The blueprint for the rail upgrade will see the tracks changed from single to twin. The committee has chosen the Pak Chong area of Nakhon Ratchasima Province to launch the project as the State Railway of Thailand already owns all the required land.
The first section is 3.5kms long and will begin close to Klang Dong Station. Chinese engineers have been tasked with completing draught plans within one month so the auction for the contract will be able to take place in August.
As no compulsory land purchases will be necessary, construction can then begin the following month. Commenting on the schedule, transport-minister Arkom Termpitayapaisit said he would be submitting it to the cabinet along with budgeting proposals.
Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima are only 300kms apart, but travel times between the two are currently five hours or more. The Thai government hopes the rail upgrade will speed up journey times and make trains a more viable option for travellers.
12GO ASIA sells tickets for trains and buses to Nakhon Ratchasima and Pak Chong. The latter is one of the closest points to the diverse attractions of Khao Yai National Park.
Thailand China agree on agenda for Nakhon Ratchasima train line
News in Asia
The committee in charge of the planned rail line upgrade from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima has agreed on a schedule. The project is a collaboration between Thailand and China and representatives say they will lay the first part of the new tracks in Pak Chong District.