The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has completed the track doubling of the 421 km southern main line, stretching from Nakhon Pathom, west of Bangkok, through Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan, and ending at Chumphon. This new double track runs parallel to the existing metre-gauge track and includes elevated sections to eliminate level crossings.
A new three-level station at Hua Hin has been constructed, blending with the architectural style of the original station. Additionally, the E-token electronic interlocking system along the route is currently 61 per cent complete, with full deployment expected by 2025.
This project is part of SRT’s broader strategy to expand Thailand’s railway network. SRT is also working on two new lines from Den Chai to Chiang Khong on the Laos border and from Ban Phai to Nakhon Phanom. The overall plan includes further track doubling on seven lines, including Khon Kaen – Nong Khai and Chumphon to Surat Thani, with a total investment of THB292.5 billion. Once these projects are completed by 2029, Thailand will have an extensive double-track network spanning more than 2370 km, significantly increasing the country’s capacity for freight and passenger transport, reducing travel times, and cutting logistics costs.