The Government of Thailand has committed to spending more than USD 21 billion to expand Bangkok’s rail network linking Thailand to other countries such as China and Singapore. Such a network will make transport more convenient, reduce pollution, and is expected to drive the national economy forward in the long term.
The development will double the passenger capacity and triple the freight capacity through track doubling. In real terms, it is expected to serve more than 22 million commercial passengers annually after the upgrade, and transport more than 30 million tons of commodities. The plan also includes a USD 1.3 billion transit hub in the city.
Phase one of the 608 km rail is already under construction, whereas the second phase, which would connect to the Chinese railway in Laos, is under design. Bangkok’s new station is scheduled to open in early 2021.
(Sources: Straits Times; Railway Technology)
