Italian-Thai Development Public Company Limited (ITD), responsible for the Track-Doubling Project: Map Kabao - Thanon Chira Junction including Contract 1: Map Kabao - Khlong Khanan Chit (J.2375) and Contract 3: Tunnel Works (JV.16), has recently received an inspection visit from the Department of Rail Transport (DRT) to assess the Project’s readiness and safety.
During the visit, Project Director Mr. Sarayut Thongyot, ITD staff, officers from the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), and representatives from consulting firms welcomed Mr. Tayakorn Chandragsu, Director of the Safety Standards and Maintenance Division, along with other DRT officers who conducted the inspection in anticipation of the official train service launch on July 28, 2024.
The launch of the Northeastern Line double-track railway will mark the commencement of full railway services on the sections between Map Kabao station and Mualek station (km 134+250 - km 147+450), and between Bandai Ma station and Khlong Khanan Chit station (km 168+500 - km 198+200), totaling 42.90km. It will also include the opening of the Pha Sadet tunnels, a pair of 5.4km long tunnels with a single track in each, and the Hin Lap tunnel, a 265m single tunnel for a double-track railway. Additionally, the E-token railway signaling system will be fully implemented.
This new double-track railway is expected to greatly improve rail transport efficiency, cut travel time and costs for both public and industrial users, and enhance connectivity for tourist routes in Saraburi and Nakhon Ratchasima provinces.
(Courtesy of Department of Rail Transport)