Thailand's rail network expansion: High speed trains mooted for Hua Hin, Phitsanulok and Trat

 

Picture: Daily News

 

A senior transport ministry official told a meeting yesterday that Thailand was pressing ahead with plans to revolutionize the country's rail networks.

 

More dual track and high speed lines are both promised and in the pipeline and by 2023 700 kilometers will be added to the network.

 

In addition by 2027 14 lines and hundreds of stations will be operational on Bangkok's network.

 

Deputy at the transport ministry Phisak Jitjitwiriyawasin was talking at "Rail Asia 2020" about "Thailand's Rail Developments" at Makkasan airport link station. 

 

 

He said that in the past rail played a small role as road transport was stressed. 

 

But this resulted in an unbalanced network that did not take into account population densities. 

 

Now was the time to invest in rail for both passengers and cargo. 

 

With the help of foreign investment the revolutionizing of Thailand's rail services would bring employment, increase overseas trade, spur tourism and expand the economy.

 

Phisak said that at present the Thai rail network reaches 47 provinces (Thailand has 77) and covers 4,044 kms - this is not enough.

 

By 2023 five new dual track projects will add 700 kms to the network.

 

Two High Speed Rail Networks are now being built  - Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima and the three airport rail link from Don Muang to U-Tapao via Suvarnabhumi (plus Si Racha and Pattaya). 

 

Six more high speed rail lines are being considered, he said, mentioning three: Bangkok to Hua Hin, Bangkok to Phitsanulok and an extension of the three airport link from Rayong to Trat via Chanthaburi. 

 

If all the high speed networks become a reality 2,466 kms will be added to the Thai railways. 

 

Regarding Bangkok and surrounding areas Phisak said that 14 lines encompassing 367 stations and 353 kms of track will be finished by 2027.  

 

Source: Daily News

 

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Anyone know how much of the Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima and the rail link from Don Muang to U-Tapao has been built?

For the first one, 3.5km. Second one, AFAIK, 0km. 

I have seen what high speed rail did to the existing network and finances of railway companies.

Thailand would be better off to heed the Japanese advice, don't, it will never be profitable, but will also eat away any profits from the existing network.

Thailand would invest in the existing network and make it double track, buy new rolling stock, upgrade tracks to 175 km/h, build new lines cross country and not only to/from Bangkok.

Forget the "high speed rail", too expensive to build, to maintain and to operate, besides eating away profits from the metre gauge railways.

Every train over 80km/h is high speed for Thailand. That's why they are always babble about this topic.

And as above mentioned, no high speed railway is profitable, worldwide. Why should Thailand with its poor population an exception? HiSo's are flying or driving Mercedes....

3 hours ago, hansnl said:

Thailand would invest in the existing network and make it double track, buy new rolling stock, upgrade tracks to 175 km/h, build new lines cross country and not only to/from Bangkok.

 

Of course, officials here generally refer to a 175 km/h line as "high speed", which greatly confuses the issue.

6 hours ago, webfact said:

With the help of foreign investment

Yep there we go, the truth.

Successive governments have failed to invest in rail infrastructure due to money being diverted to other more important things.

3 hours ago, hansnl said:

I have seen what high speed rail did to the existing network and finances of railway companies.

Thailand would be better off to heed the Japanese advice, don't, it will never be profitable, but will also eat away any profits from the existing network.

Thailand would invest in the existing network and make it double track, buy new rolling stock, upgrade tracks to 175 km/h, build new lines cross country and not only to/from Bangkok.

Forget the "high speed rail", too expensive to build, to maintain and to operate, besides eating away profits from the metre gauge railways.

You forget one of the reasons for doing large scale projects in LOS. Hint- the Hopewell rail/ expressway project.

 

In a sensible world not one inch of hi speed rail would be laid in LOS. Of course they need to double track all of the existing railway .

Cost would be prohibited. Probably an invitation will go out to CCP to get involved, much like the unofficial annexation of Cambodia.

Along with literally thousands of U-turn bridges going over the railroad tracks.???? Thailand is now the hub of U-turn bridges over railroad tracks while they continue installing traffic lights on all the major highways that everybody uses on a daily basis causing horrendous traffic, air pollution, accidents etc. etc. on an otherwise clear highway. Can't fix stupid. ????