Gateway to Isaan to receive transportation upgrade

[webfact]

Gateway to the Northeast to receive transportation upgrade

NAKHON RATCHASIMA, 22 December 2014 (NNT) - The Minister of Transport has announced after his visit to Nakhon Ratchasima over the weekend that he will continue the development of the dual-track railway and other rail improvement projects in the Northeast of Thailand.

According to General Prajin Juntong, the province has already requested a budget of 5.9 billion baht for the improvement of highways and roads around tourist spots as well as the development of bike lanes.

The Minister said the transportation upgrade in Nakhon Ratchasima is important as the province is the gateway to the northeastern region. It is expected to reduce traffic congestion and boost the economy in the northeastern region.

The Minister reaffirmed the continuation of the dual track railway project which, he said, would contribute to faster and higher train capacity, cost reduction and safety for travelers.


-- NNT 2014-12-22

[khwaibah]

How about an upgrade for the rest of issan and not just to Korat. The rail line from Korat to Ubon sucks as do the majority of highways threwout the region.

[KhunBENQ]

For Korat to Ubon there exist plans.

But don't ask me about the priority/time frame.

I lost overview.

I am in the late 50s and would be happy to experience a high speed ride from Khon Kaen to the east coast in my lifetime

[SlyAnimal]

I hope this means they'll fix that stretch of road going east of Korat where it changes to 2 lanes then unexpectedly back to 1 lane 50m later (with practically no warning), or something like that.

It seemed like a very confusing/dangerous piece of road the first time I drove on it, as it seemed like other cars were on coming on my side of the road.

Edit: Actually my wife tells me that's in Sarakham, near Payakhaphum Phisai. So I guess my most hated road feature on the way to/from Bkk probably won't get an upgrade.

[Tuskfish]

I hope that involves fixing the road over that mountain?!

Can't remember exactly where it was but we drove from Udon Thani to Rayong once and about half way was a killer mountain road.

The highway was mostly good for whole 700km trip but that mountain road was really dangerous!

[godden]

Won't hold my breath.

[SantiSuk]

I hope that involves fixing the road over that mountain?!

Can't remember exactly where it was but we drove from Udon Thani to Rayong once and about half way was a killer mountain road.

The highway was mostly good for whole 700km trip but that mountain road was really dangerous!

You're talking about the Kabinburi Hills on Highway 304. Totally daft to have two lane traffic for 5 miles when there are fast divided highways (that's "dual carriageways" to us quaint Brits) on either side. I know it's an extension of Khao Yai National Park, so the history is probably one of environmental protection, but 5 miles in a massive park must surely be doable without destroying habitat.

[KhunBENQ]

Did we drift away from the topic just a bit (from railway to road)

Extending 304 to all four lane, and making the up/downhill safe is top of the list for roadworks.

Lets hope it will not remain paperwork.

This short hill passage is simply too much for most Thai drivers.

I had the displeasure to watch the wreck of a bus being removed where 14 school children died.

(more than a one hour wait)

Still some utensils, toys, shoes lying around in the coppice.

Edited December 22, 2014 by KhunBENQ