Thailand approves three southern double-track lines to support trade

Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat has outlined six projects under the second phase of Thailand’s double-track railway programme, describing them as essential infrastructure that must extend across every region of the country.

A total of six routes have now been presented, with a clear direction for implementation.

Three double-track routes in the South have now been approved for construction because they are fully prepared and the supporting information is complete.

Following Cabinet approval, the construction process can begin immediately.

The routes comprise Chumphon–Surat Thani and Surat Thani–Hat Yai Junction–Songkhla, covering the Surat Thani–Hat Yai and Hat Yai–Songkhla sections.

The third route is Hat Yai Junction–Padang Besar, which will help improve the efficiency of border trade between Thailand and Malaysia.

Northern and northeastern routes seek approval in principle

The other three routes are in the North and Northeast.

They comprise Pak Nam Pho–Den Chai, Thanon Chira Junction–Ubon Ratchathani and Den Chai–Chiang Mai.

The projects will be submitted for approval in principle so that the process can move forward.

Additional information had previously been prepared and submitted to the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) for consideration.

Siripong explained that the double-track railway projects would be funded through the regular state budget because they form part of the core infrastructure that the government must provide across the regions.

This differs from urban rail projects, which commonly use public-private partnerships (PPPs).

Information from the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) showed that the Cabinet had approved the second phase of the Southern Line double-track railway project, as proposed by the Transport Ministry.

The project covers approximately 502.45 kilometres and has a total budget framework of about THB106.79832 billion.

The development will extend the Southern Line network from the first-phase double-track project, particularly by addressing the limitations of the existing single-track system.

Trains travelling in opposite directions currently have to wait at stations to pass one another.

Double tracking will allow them to pass without waiting, increasing route capacity, improving efficiency, enabling smoother operations, reducing journey times and improving punctuality.

The project also covers upgrades to signalling systems to improve operational efficiency and safety, while supporting more frequent passenger and freight services in the future.

E-bidding and contract signing planned for 2027

The Hat Yai Junction–Padang Besar route will link Thailand’s railway network with Malaysia through the Padang Besar border crossing.

It will increase international rail-freight capacity, support trade and tourism, strengthen regional economic connectivity and promote Thailand’s role as an ASEAN transport and logistics hub.

Following the Cabinet’s approval, the SRT will accelerate the relevant procedures, including preparing tender documents, conducting electronic bidding, or e-bidding, evaluating proposals and submitting the procurement results in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.

Transparency, value for money and the country’s best interests will be prioritised.

The SRT expects to complete the tender and sign contracts in 2027, with the project scheduled for completion in 2033.

However, to align the railway development in Hat Yai with water-management measures and reduce the effects of flooding, the SRT has changed the design from an embankment to a viaduct along an approximately 3-kilometre section between Khlong R.1 and Khlong U-Tapao.

Viaduct design aims to reduce obstruction of water flows

The design change is intended to reduce obstructions to water flows and provide more space for drainage beneath the railway, particularly during heavy rain and when large volumes of water enter Hat Yai.

This will help reduce the impact that a railway embankment may have on drainage in the area.

Under the current approval, however, the approximately 29.22-kilometre Hat Yai Junction–Songkhla section, where encroachment issues must be resolved, will be considered at a later stage.

The project approved by the Cabinet in this round will focus on creating a continuous core network from Chumphon through Surat Thani and Hat Yai Junction to Padang Besar, supporting efficient rail connectivity between Thailand and Malaysia.

Supporting links to the Trans-Asian Railway

The New Straits Times reported on Malaysia’s role as a regional logistics hub, particularly along its northern border through the development of the Perlis Inland Port (PIP).

The facility is a national strategic project under the Twelfth Malaysia Plan (12MP), involving cooperation between the federal government, the Perlis state government and the private sector.

The new facility has been developed to replace the Padang Besar Cargo Terminal, which has reached its annual capacity of 150,000 TEUs.

Built on 202 hectares, the PIP will initially handle 600,000 TEUs a year and has the potential to increase its capacity to 2 million TEUs when fully completed.

The project will connect directly with Malaysia’s national double-track railway network and Thailand’s railway network, providing wider access to markets in ASEAN, China, Central Asia and Europe through the Trans-Asian Railway.

Source: Bangkokbiznews