Huge investment in railways to benefit passengers, freight
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The nearly Bt200 billion allocated by the government to improve railway system and finance a five-year restructuring plan will involve the purchase of new locomotives, construction of parallel railways, as well as improvements to the existing rail track,
State Railway of Thailand (SRT) deputy governor Viroj Triampongpan said the investment budget is Bt176.8 billion and the improvements and restructuring are expected to take several years to complete.
The SRT will fully utilise its resources to improve service for passengers, starting with developing the railway service on four important routes: Bangkok-Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai-Bangkok, Bangkok-Butterworth and Butterworth-Bangkok.
The SRT will emphasise cleanliness, punctuality and friendly service, he said, adding that Wi-Fi Internet will also be available on the four routes.
He said dual track service has already begun on the Chachoengsao-Sri Racha route while a daily container-freight service, operated between Lat Krabang and Laem Chabang deep sea port, will increase from 28 trains to 30 trains in September-October, to 32 trains in November-December and 34 trains within next February.
Container-freight trains will be attached to passenger trains on several routes including the Thonburi-Prachuab Kirikhan-Thonburi, Thonburi-Lang Suan-Thonburi, Chumphon-Hat Yai-Chumphon, Bangkok-Surin-Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima-Nong Khai-Nakhon Ratchasima lines.
