SRT Expands with New Double-Track Segment
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has recently upgraded a section of the Northern Line, between Khok Kathiam and Pak Nam Pho stations, featuring double tracks to enhance rail traffic capacity to and from the North.
In an effort to improve the Northern Line's handling capabilities, this double-track upgrade is part of a larger project. The project aims to upgrade a portion of the line, from Ban Klap station in Saraburi to Pak Nam Pho in Nakhon Sawan, and includes the construction of a central traffic control center in Nakhon Sawan and a freight container yard at Khao Thong station.
The 148-kilometer route covers 19 stations and five halts, including the Thailand-longest elevated railway section, spanning 19 kilometers between Ban Klap and Khok Kathiam stations. A new station, Lop Buri 2, is set to open alongside Highway 366 in December.
The project has been divided into three contracts: Contract 1, which includes the 32-km section between Ban Klap-Khok Kathiam and construction of the Lop Buri 2 station; Contract 2, covering the Tha Khae to Pak Nam Pho, 116-km section; and Contract 3, installing a modern signalling system, scheduled to be completed by January next year.
As a result of the double-track section being now operational, the SRT will adjust the schedules of five Northern Line trains starting on Friday. These include Rapid Train 102, Ordinary Trains 207, 210, 211, and Local Train 408.
Investing in rail infrastructure upgrades can bring about increased capacity, improved schedules, and enhanced safety, though challenges such as cost and complexity, as well as environmental and social concerns may arise. For instance, double-tracking allows for more frequent and faster train services, reduced travel times, and direct services between major cities.
In light of this, the project extends beyond the dual-track upgrade and encompasses the development of a central traffic control center and a freight container yard, aiming to boost industrial activities in the Northern Line. Furthermore, the potential growth in the automotive and finance sectors can be facilitated by the enhanced transportation capacity provided by this project.
