Assuming the green light is forthcoming, the projects will see the three lines upgraded to twin track. The three proposed upgrades are the 165km stretch linking Nakhon Pathom to Hua Hin, from there to Prachuap Khiri Khan and Lop Buri to Pak Nampho.
The 90km Hua Hin-Prachuap Khiri Khan line is an extension of the same track from Nakhon Pathom but is being set up as a separate project. The Lop Buri to Pak Nampho upgrade is 150kms long. The total cost of the improvements has been estimated at just over THB55 billion.
Thailand has four principal rail routes which connect the south, east and north of the country to Bangkok. There are also a few additional branch lines leading out from Bangkok.
Thai trains are not as fast as bus services, but they do get there and are a relaxing means of seeing the nation’s pastoral rural scenes. 12GO ASIA says taking a sleeper train is a cathartic experience and one that will leave passengers feeling reinvigorated at journey’s end.
Schemes to update Thailand railway infrastructure gather pace
News in Asia
Projects that will improve Thailand’s railway infrastructure are gathering speed. Transport Ministry secretary Chartchai Tipsunaree told reporters that three route improvements with a total length of 403kms will go before the cabinet for final approval on the 1 November.