Thailand's Double-Track Rail Progress: 5 New Routes Ready Soon
December, 25 2020
Railway Expansion and Development Strategy
According to Pisak Jitviriyavasin, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, the government is pushing forward the railway system as the primary mode of transportation.
Key objectives:
- Increase rail transport capacity by 30 percent
- Allow private sector participation for efficient rail utilization
- Reduce logistics costs and boost cross-border connectivity
- Expand nationwide rail coverage
Ongoing and Future Projects
Double-Track Rail Projects (Completion by 2025)
- Five new lines (700 kilometers) will be completed and operational in 2025, increasing Thailand’s rail network to 4,744 kilometers from the current 4,044 kilometers, covering 47 provinces.
High-Speed Rail Projects (Ongoing)
- Bangkok - Nakhon Ratchasima
- High-speed rail linking Thailand’s airports
Upcoming Projects (Planned: 2,466 kilometers)
- Six additional rail projects in the preparation phase
Bangkok Mass Transit Expansion
By 2027, Bangkok’s metro system will have 14 lines, 367 stations, and cover 553 kilometers. This expansion aims to ease urban congestion and improve public transport efficiency.
Thailand’s Future Rail Vision (By 2028)
- Extensive rail connectivity across all regions
- Establish Thailand as a logistics and transportation hub in ASEAN
- Enhance passenger convenience and freight efficiency
- Drive economic growth along railway corridors
If all goes as planned, Thailand will soon have one of the most advanced railway networks in Southeast Asia.