Trans-Asia Rail Network & SRT

[ncr]

Re the article "Delhi-Hanoi Rail Route?"
(http://www.mekong.es.usyd.edu.au/news/transport_emails/transport_email97.htm),
mentioned on 2bangkok on 12 September 2003:

It would be interesting to know what route this proposed railway line would take through Thailand - or would it even cross Thailand at all? - and how the actual chances for an implementation of the project are. (It seems to me that this is nothing more than one of many ideas for the time being....... of course it would take lots of international cooperation between the countries of South/ Southeast Asia to make it a reality.) The article is really blurry and has close to zero facts about the railway.

So here we go with some speculations: Of course the easiest option on Thai soil would NOT be to construct a new East-West line in the Upper or Lower Northern region, but to use the existing connection through BKK, plus to add the missing parts to connect to the Burmese and Lao borders. That is, a revival of the western section of the "Death Railway" between the Three Pagodas Pass (Thai: Dan Chedi Sam Ong; Sangkhlaburi District, Kanchanaburi Province) and Nam Tok station, which was dismantled after WW II (about 150 km). And in the (North)East, closing the gap between Warin Chamrap (Ubon Ratchathani) and the Lao border at Chong Mek (about 70 km). Now that sounds quite easy!

But if you look at a map, you'll realize that we are way south with this route. From Kanchanaburi, the line would run in a northwestern direction to the Three Pagodas Pass and on to Thanbyuzayat and Moulmein (the route of the Japanese railroad during wartime, if I recall correctly). From there, the connecting line goes straight north, then west to Yangon and again north to Mandalay. Only after that are you anywhere 'near' the Indian border. And that's a substantial 900 km north of Bangkok!

In the East it would go to Pakxe in Southern Laos (with a magnificent new Mekhong bridge needed - the river is at least 1 km wide in that region!), then probably on to Vietnam's Quang Tri Province to connect with the North-South line (Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh). Still, you are more than 500 km south of Hanoi here.

A direct connection between Delhi (about 28.5 deg northern latitude) and Hanoi (about 21.0 deg N) wouldn't actually touch Thailand, whose northernmost town (Mae Sai, Chiang Rai Province) is located at only 20.5 deg N. So it would seem natural to build the line through the North of Myanmar and link to Kunming in South China, from where there already is a railway line to Hanoi via the Red River Valley. But that would mean to cross the southern chains of the Himalaya more or less at a 90 degree angle! Not sure if that would be possible at all. (Well, supposed you had unlimited funds and manpower, plus the most sophisticated technology in the world..... ) BTW, the distance between the two cities AS THE CROW FLIES is pretty exactly 3000 km! A really ambitious project.....

The same is true if we consider a more southerly route, e.g. through Chiang Mai, Louangphabang and Xam Neua - plenty of rough mountain landscapes in the way! Apart from that, would it make that much sense to build long stretches of your railway through sparsely populated areas like Northern Laos (that is, if you have other options)? After all, it's not just a matter of connecting Delhi and Hanoi, but also cities on the way.

No, maybe the most realistic approach would be the following route: Moulmein - Mae Sot - Tak - Phitsanulok - Khon Kaen - Mukdahan - Savannakhet (Laos) - Dong Ha (Vietnam) (same as the "Indochina Highway" proposal, BTW), or with an extension to Nakhon Phanom (there's also that SRT plan to build a branch from Bua Yai (Khorat) to Roi Et, Mukdahan and Nakhon Phanom, waiting to become reality one day....) an then on to Tha Kaek in Laos and Vinh in Vietnam.

Even this would still involve quite some difficulties for a railway, as far as the terrain is concerned. Especially when crossing the Phetchabun Range and climbing the edge of the Khorat Plateau (both in the area around Lom Sak, a district town and traffic junction in Phetchabun province); but also between Mae Sot and Tak, and I guess the construction of some nice new tunnels would be guaranteed!

[Wisarut]

Dear Khun NCR,

the major lines of Indian railway use Broad Gauge
(5 feet 6 inches) while the minor lines use Meter gauge.
[and only a few mountain lines for the narrow gauge]
The steel rails sholud be 50 kg/m type [or 100 Lb/Yard
according to SRT standard].

Indian Railway (under the juristiction of the Ministry
of Railway - India) manages to export their locomotives [Diesel adn Electric type] to otehr countries as well as becoming
a contractors to build railway lines -> such as the double
tracking and electrification of Malaysian Railway
(from Rawang to Ipoh).

Well, merchants from Kanchanaburi are desperate for
the Rail link to Moulamien (Mau Lam Loeng in Thai) whcih allow them to export their products across Andaman Sea via
Moulamien Port ...

For the case of Mountain range [Himalaya], China Railway
(Under the jurisdiction of Ministry of Railway -China) is working
for the railway tracks from Qinghai to Tibet (Lhasa) as well as
the redesign of rolling stocks to go across the mountain range
.... I'm not so sure if Ministry of Railway (India) could manage
to do the same thing as Chinese counterpart ....

Well the Rail Link from Kunming to Hanoi is meter gauge
built by the French when Vietnam became a French Colony
Now, Ministry of Railkway (India) should get the idea what
type of railway gauge should be used from Assam (Ledo) to
Hanoi.

Err, the British and French had dreamed to buil the
railway track from Maulamien to Hue via Mae Sod - Tak - Petchabun - Nakhon Phnom - Hue. However, their dreams
have not been realized yet ...

Going from Maulamein to Phitsanulok is relatively easy
.... However from Phisanulok to Khon Kaen [or Bua Yai]
is quite difficult since Loei and Phetchabun area have lots of mountain range - even though not as high as the Northern region ..... From Khon Kaen [or Bua Yai] to Nakhon Phanom
[or Mukdaharn] is quite easy .... However, going from
Mukdaharn to Vinh via Sawannakhet [or from Nakhon Phnom
to Vinh via Tha Khaek] is quite difficult due to the montain
ranges which form the natural border between Laos and
Vietnam.

New tunnels are possible .... but Need to get the cooperation with SRT if they want to pass Thailand ....
Err, PM Vajpayee is going to visit Thailand and I guess he
will come to see Premier Thaksin and Minster Suriya to
make a discussion about such an ambitious plan - and
the relating investment ....

[Yappofloyd]

After some discussion on another thread regarding cutbacks (or delays) to the double-tracking program, I started to try to remember all the proposed/planned expansions of the SRT network that I have read about over the years.

I couldn't seem find anything on the forum on SRT 'up-country' expansion so I wish to ask what lines are planned (excluding BKK area) and when?

I seem to remember reading about the following;

1) Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai and beyond,
2) Khon Kaen to Sakhon Nakhon/Nakhon Panom or before Khon Kaen on the NE line to RoiEt and then to Sakhon Nakhon way,
3) Phi'lok to Tak and then Mae Sot onwards to Burma (as part of a future road/rail package),

Other possibilities that I think may have been mentioned at some stage;

4) Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Song,
5) High Speed South Line to Malaysia (I think now completely canned due to economics/security and Malaysia cancelled their own northern expansion),
6) Line to Phuket from south line,
7) Suphan Buri to north line???,
8) Ext. of 'death railway' from Nam Tok to 3 Pagoda's/Burmese border (mooted I think mainly from tourists),
9) Line from Khon Kaen to Phi'lok via Phechtabun? (I think I remember reading something about this as a long term plan)?

Please comment/confirm/add....

[von Hirschhorn]

1) Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai and beyond,

8) Ext. of 'death railway' from Nam Tok to 3 Pagoda's / Burmese border

Number 1: should be read: Den Chai - Chiang Rai (and further into Burma and China - one of the possible routes of the TAR = Trans Asia Railway: Singapore - Kunming)

Number 2: is wishful thinking but no sense what so ever, the only reason why the Japanese build this line in the first place - earlier the British undertook a survey but decide not to build – was war interest to keep the fortress Burma under Japanese control. (They lost despite the railway) Nowadays there’s hardly any economic / public reason in the area that justifies a railroad.

Years in row (twenty to be exactly) the Bangkok Post and other Thai papers make me happy with railroad extension plans throughout the country and abroad. Unfortunately they remain plans only or as I said before a man’s dream!
The same can be said for the Chiang Mai – Mae Hong Song extension. Everyone a bit familiar with the terrain circumstances shall admit that this will be a very expensive enterprise. (the question for what reason not asked)

[Wisarut]

Khun Yappofloyd Said:

I seem to remember reading about the following;

1) Chiang Mai to Chiang Rai and beyond,
2) Khon Kaen to Sakhon Nakhon/Nakhon Panom or before Khon Kaen on the NE line to RoiEt and then to Sakhon Nakhon way,
3) Phi'lok to Tak and then Mae Sot onwards to Burma (as part of a future road/rail package),

Other possibilities that I think may have been mentioned at some stage;

4) Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Song,
5) High Speed South Line to Malaysia (I think now completely canned due to economics/security and Malaysia cancelled their own northern expansion),
6) Line to Phuket from south line,
7) Suphan Buri to north line???,
8) Ext. of 'death railway' from Nam Tok to 3 Pagoda's/Burmese border (mooted I think mainly from tourists),
9) Line from Khon Kaen to Phi'lok via Phechtabun? (I think I remember reading something about this as a long term plan)?


1)Chaing Mai - Chaing Rai ... Well, the route has to pass the very rugged terrain ... so the altermnative route (Denchai - Chiang Rai) has come up as the replacemnt ... Now, the roal garzette has published the survey map to Denchai - Chiang Rai in 2001 with the modification of the route form the original plan of 1969 to avoid hitting into the Teak forest in Phrae (Phrae is FAMOUS for Teak wood .. even though it is not logner a logging industry there) ... We'll see the result after the survey by the end of 2005 though ... and Premiar Thaksin shoudl start teh construction immediately to PLEASE Norhterners

2) Route to Nakhon Phanom
2.1) Khon Kaen to Sakhon Nakhon/Nakhon Panom ... This one sounds good if it pass Mahasarakham to serve those college students who study aroudn Khon Kaen - Mahasarakham twin town. However so few cargo rotue woudl go there and now cargo traffic is the revenue whcih are NOT subjected to price control ....

2.2) before Khon Kaen on the NE line to RoiEt and then to Sakhon Nakhon way, -> YOU are refering to the route from Bua Yai to nakhon Phanom via Roi Ed and Mukdaharn ... This one is good for cargo since it pass Mukdaharn - important town to go Savannakhet and Danang.

3) Phisanuloke to Tak and then Mae Sot onwards to Burma (as part of a future road/rail package), ...

This one has been REQESTED by the local Phisanuloke people so as to CLOSE down Ban Dara - Sawankhaloke for good .. since Sawankhaloke is NO longer a provinal district after Sukhothai has been rising to become the privincial district.

Furtermore, thsoe who live in Phisanuloke want to be Junction of Svannabhum by promotign the railijnk between Phisanuloke and Khon Kaen for very good reason.

4) Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Song ... probably hard to be conceived unless Chaing Mai and Mae Hongsorn people have sent a strong signal to premier Thaksin that they would NO longer vote for TRT unless the cabinate has approved this line

5) High Speed South Line to Malaysia (I think now completely canned due to economics/security and Malaysia cancelled their own northern expansion),
....... Yeah ... get canned indeed ...

6) Line to Phuket from south line -> Now Sanator Phinya Chuayplopd form Surat Thani is goign to push this project again after being canned for nearly 50 year since the last time in 1956.

7) Suphan Buri to north line???, -> Suphanburi to Ban Pa Wai (Lopburi)
... Hard to be conceived unless theri is a political wil to do so ... or the worsening Southern insurgency force them to come up with the link from
Pa Wai (Special Warfar Unit) to go to the SOuth.

8) Ext. of 'death railway' from Nam Tok to 3 Pagoda's/Burmese border (mooted I think mainly from tourists), ....
Local people of Kanchanaburi would feel very frown upon if they are goign to follow the old route ... they prefer the rotue to Kanchanaburi to Tavoy via Bong Tee pass or so ...

9) Line from Khon Kaen to Phisanuloke via Phechtabun? (I think I remember reading something about this as a long term plan)? ->> Thsi one is also requested by the local people of Phisanuloke so they can reign at the supremacy as the intervhange of Suvannabhum ... However, they also will have to support the route from Khn Kaen to Nakhon Phanom and Mukdaharn via Sakhon Nakhon so that Khonkaen wil bne the heart of Isan and rival Khorat and Udon for this matter.

[Yappofloyd]

Khun von Hirschhorn & khun Wisarut,

Thank you for your replies and info., especially Wisarut given your detail. However, remember I am asking the forum, you, to confirm what lines are planned to be built.

So can you pls confirm SRT future expansion plans, if there are any beyond what you have already replied.

von H., I agree with the Chiang Mai to MHS topo. difficulties (I used to live in CM 25yrs ago) but obviously this one keeps popping up including most recently a year ago on 18/01/04 by the MHS Tourist Business Assoc (see 2BKK rail section). Unlikely, but it would make a great scenic railway!

Also, on the Nam Tok - 3 pagodas ext. I am in complete agreement with you. You mentioned the Pan Asia railway as part fo the Chian Rai link and it reminded me to check the UNESCAP (UN regional office) website for an update.

To my surprise I found that the Nam Tok - 3 pagodas is actually part of the Trans-Asia plan, http://www.unescap.org/TTDW/common/TIS/TAR/thailand.asp, which was a big surprise as when I look at all of the Trans-Asia info a couple of years ago I thought that the Burma link was to go Mae Sai way. I also thought that there was a Laos/Vietnam and Cambodian link in the plan but they may well be a part of another process.

So I am now a bit confused on SRT obligations/plans as part of Pan/Trans Asian railway. :confused:

Note: the gen Trans-Asia railway page is here; http://www.unescap.org/TTDW/index.asp?MenuName=TheTrans-AsianRailway

[Yappofloyd]

Actually, I just found the more relevant map (http://www.unescap.org/TTDW/common/TIS/TAR/aseancorridormap.asp) and report (http://www.unescap.org/TTDW/common/TIS/TAR/aseancorridor.asp) which shows 6 potential new international links.

I am going to start another thread for queries on this....

[Yappofloyd]

This thread arises from queries on another thread about new planned SRT routes. The TAR is being auspiced thru the UNESCAP (UN regional office) under an intergovernmental agreement framework.

The proposed Thailand/ ASEAN section is shown on this map (http://www.unescap.org/TTDW/common/TIS/TAR/aseancorridormap.asp) and detailed report (http://www.unescap.org/TTDW/common/TIS/TAR/aseancorridor.asp). I note that there was an earlier (2003) discussion on the forum in the Malaysia section (http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/archive/index.php/t-70.html).

The map shows 6 potential internatial links to be built however one would assume that most likely only 3 would be built;
1) China either via Laos (more likely) or Chiang Rai/Burma,
2) Cambodia via Aranprathet,
3) Burma via Nam Tok (which is perhaps strange as Mae Sai may be better?).

I found a couple of dated articles on the China (http://en.ce.cn/Industries/Transport/200411/05/t20041105_2197493.shtml) and Vietnam (http://english.vietnamnet.vn/social/2003/10/141447/) sections but nothing more recent/detailed.

I am wondering if anyone has up-to-date info on this project and specifically if the Thai Govt. has finalised routes and SRT plans for implementation (if any)?

[Wisarut]

Actually, I have seen the hard copy of that UN Trans Asia railway plan in Thammasart University Library (Rangsit Campus) ... however, the Library is CLOSED for renovation right now .. and they will open that library again in may 2005 .... :(

However, the Cambodian railway as well as Thai Eastern line are REQUIRED to be under rehabilitation to meet the following standard:

1) 20-Ton Axle Load
2) At Least 120 KPH Maximum Speed
3) 100-Lb/yard (50 kg/m) welded rails
4) Concrete sleeper (Steel sleeper for the iron Bridge) - No more wooden Bridge and wooden sleepers.
5X Thicker Ballast

I'll wait and see if the MOTC and Ministry of Railway (Burma) are going sign the agreement to make the connection betwen Namtok and Tavoy for both cargo and passenger transportation. Same can be said to SRT and Rothae Ploeng Nasi Krung Kamphuchathibodee (Royal Cambodian Railway) and Vietnam Railway

[GWR]

Amazing how many folk like to indulge their boyhood trainset fantasies in adult projects. Take one Oskar Schiller for example:- http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showpost.php?p=3456&postcount=1
This really is pipedream run riot, but I can imagine the likes of Big Jiw being absolutely mesmerised by this kind of stuff. Of course, the irony is that they wouldn't be seen dead riding a train. Even the Cabinet Meetings 'On a Train' usually involve the big knobs being flown and limoed in thru the nearest airport

[Yappofloyd]

Amazing how many folk like to indulge their boyhood trainset fantasies in adult projects. This really is pipedream run riot, but I can imagine the likes of Big Jiw being absolutely mesmerised by this kind of stuff.

GWR, your a legend and yet again another interesting site. Much thanks.

The Bering Strait rail-link is a favourite and I read an article a few years ago from some other Institute (similar big-project idealism without much political/economic reality) proposing the same thing. It would be amazing if in, 50 years, one could travel by train(s) from Patogonia in Argentina to Cape Town or Edinburgh.

Of course, some of the Euro-Asia links proposed are being gradually built.

However, the site undermines much of the good basis of some of the ideas by suggesting Maglev for the Bering Link or suggesting that rail will bring peace to the Occupied Territories in Palestine!

[ncr]

Well, realistic or not, at least you'll have to admit that it's far nicer than any pro-automobile site.... ;)

[GWR]

^Agreed^
I suspect that freight movement is the key to these developments.

In Scandinavia there is apparently not much call for thru' trains between Stockholm and Oslo. On the other hand, the Channel Tunnel services probably work because they involve city center to city center travel, without the inevitable travel to & from airports and then waiting for departure etc; so time competition is possible on some routes. However, I can't imagine the average business traveller travelling from Vladivostock to San Francisco by train.

An ex- Canadian Pacific loco engineer tells me that CP are moving vast quantities of freight between the Pacific and the Atlantic ports to avoid the limited Panama Canal or journeys around Cape Horn.

I also note that on today's radio news, the Japanese have just completed the boring of the World's longest land rail tunnel. The actual Shinkansen line itself will take another seven years to complete. And it seems many Japanese are upset by the enormous cost of this project. But NCR has a point. If it was a road project, the road/auto/oil lobby would make damn-sure that no one rocked the boat

[Yappofloyd]

Was in the UN the other day and got some brief info...

1) Aran. to Poipet (Thai - Cambodia) expected by 2006,
MOTC signed MOU with Cambodia already.
2) Nong Khai to Vietiane (Thai - Laos) expected by 2008.

Apparently these two are thought to be priorities and thus the dates said to be realistic. Collecting an update paper shortly and will post any relevant info.

[Wisarut]

Explanation of Pheng's Doubel Tracking Projects
Than Setthakij - Nov 10-12, 2005

Pheng is askign for Public-Private Joint venture on the following projects:

1) Khon Kaen - Kalasin - Mukdaharn - Nakhon Phanom [New Line]
2) Khon kaen - Bua Yai Double tracking
3) Nogn Khai - Khon Kaen double tracking
4) Kaeng Khoi - Lum Narai - Bua yai Double tracking
5) Ban Phachi - Wiharn Daeng [New Bypass route]
6) Chachongsao - Klong 19 - Wiharn Daeng double tracking
7) Chachongsao - Sri Racha - Laem Chabang double tracking
8) Nakhon pathom - Nong Pladuk - Suphan buri double tracking
9) Suphanburi - Ang Thong - Ban Phachi line [new line]
10) Khorat (Thanon Jira) - Ubon doubnel tracking
11) Map Krabao - Nakhon ratchasima - Khorat (Thanon Jira) double tracking
12) BrailwayBriedge across Mekhong heading to Danang Port in Vietnam

This would includes the mixed gauge (1.000 & 1.435 meter) in the same
way as the track form hanoi to Dong Dang Checkpoint to China

[Yappofloyd]

An update but the pertainent info is "....and it would probably take two more decades to realise the completion of the whole link".

Trans-Asian railway network moves closer ACHARA ASHAYAGACHAT (Bkk Post 03/11/05)

Asia-Pacific countries have finalised a draft of an agreement that many hope will provide a realistic basis for the construction of an integrated rail link from Asia to Europe, and even to Africa. The Trans-Asian Railway Network will complement the Asian Highway Network, which came into force in July this year.

Kim Hak-Su, executive secretary of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (Unescap), hailed the agreement as "ushering in a new era of cooperation and creating a partnership for regional integration". The agreement will be presented to the 62nd session of the Unescap commission, to be held in Indonesia next April, for adoption followed by a signing ceremony in November, said Barry Cable, Unescap director of transport and tourism.

It needs at least eight member states to ratify it to take effect. With ratification, the agreement would supercede any national legislation and internal rules and regulations impeding the implementation of the agreement would need to be amended, Mr Cable said. The agreement was the outcome of three-day discussions among transport officials from across the region who agreed that it could play a catalytic role in the construction and upgrading of railway lines in Asia, he said.

The Trans-Asian Railway Network comprises more than 80,000km of rail routes of international importance, linking 27 countries in the region. It aims to offer efficient transport services for the movement of goods within the region and between Asia and Europe, and also provide improved access for landlocked countries to its major ports.

Significant commitment has been seen in the past year, including pledges to construct rail links between Thailand and Laos and India and Nepal, Mr Cable said. "One of the key features of the draft agreement is that landlocked countries should have inland ports with a sort of one-stop service for customs and goods clearance like we have at sea ports. For example, Nong Khai has the potential to be developed as an inland port for landlocked Laos," he said.

However, there remained approximately 1,000km-long missing links - mostly between Thailand and Burma, Burma and Bangladesh, and Cambodia and Vietnam - and it would probably take two more decades to realise the completion of the whole link, he said. The Singapore-Kunming route might be achieved sooner, he said. It has received financial pledges from several organisations, such as the Asian Development Bank, to finance the Bangkok to Cambodia part of the route for completion within the next few years.

The Trans-Asian Railway project was initiated in the 1960s with the objective of providing a continuous 14,000km rail link between Singapore and Istanbul, with possible onward connections to Europe and Africa. The link offers the potential to greatly shorten the distances and reduce transit times between countries and regions, while being a catalyst for the notion of international transport as a tool for trade expansion, economic growth and cultural exchanges.

[Wisarut]

Khun gwmss15, Look at the revisedSRT Megaprojectsand you'll see

The list of Megaproject for SRT - Phase 1 (Revised)

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The list of Megaproject for SRT - Phase 1 (Revised)
From Manager daily - Feb 10, 2006

1) BKk Mass Transit routes:
1.1) Red Line Commuter (Rangsit - Mahachai)
1.2) Pink Airport Link (Taling Chan - Bangsue - Phayathai) -
extension of the constructed Airport Link)

2) Phase 4-5-6 Track Rehabilitation to fit into 20 ton axle load with 100 Lb/yard steel rails, 25-30 cm thick Ballast, monoblock concrete sleepers and the foundation PINS.

2.1) Phase 4: For cargo trains in the North and South

1) Phisanuloke - Ban Dan (108.28 km - North)

2) Bangsue - Talingchan - Ban Chimplee (17.22 km - South) including the reinforcement of Rama 6 Bridge with Carbon fibers to 20 Ton axle load.

3) Thung Song - Ban Ton Don (99.2 km - South)

2.2) Phase 5: for Cargo trains in Northeast esp Kaeng Khoi - Bua Yai Bypass route

Kaeng khoi - Kaeng Suea Ten (34.55 km)
Suranarai - Bua Yai (190.1 km)
Thanon Jira - Bua Yai (79.22 km)

2.3) Phase 6: for Cargo train to Nong Khai - Friendship Bridge
Bua Yai - Nong Khai (275.6 km)

3) Kaeng Khoi - Klong 19 - Chachongsao - Sri racha Double tracking (177 km)
with the extra 3 km Traingle track at Chachongsao, Kaeng Khoi and Ban Phachi
-> 5.235 billion Baht [with cost overrun to 6.710 billion Baht and the extension from
4 years to 6 years due to delays] for 120 kph Max Speed with 20 ton axle load)

This one is to solve the congestion of Laeb Chabang routes which has already 24 trips a day for the route between Lad Krabang ICD - Laem Chabang ALONE -> creating the serious tension between Eastern Railway commuters/intercity trains and Cargo trains to Laem Chabang -> waiting for explosaion at any second unless double tracking has been in place.


3.1) Chachoengsao - Sri Racha (69.61 km)
3.2) Chachoengsao - Klong 19 (24.61 km)
3.3) Klong 19 - kaeng Khoi (82.84 km)
Total for the first 3 = 177.06 km

3.4) Trangles at Ban Phachi - Kaeng Khoi - Chachongsao = 3 km


3.5) Sri Racha - Laem Chabang (9.25 km) -> could be added later as requested in Phase 2

// ---------------------------------------------

Double tracking after Kaeng Khoi - Sri Racha Double tracking

1) North
1.1) Lopburi - Sila At = 354.71 km
1.2) Chiang Mai - Lamphun = 22.21 km
1.3) Lamphun - Tha Chumpoo = 37.32 km
(total 414.24 from 418 km)
2) South
2.1) Chumporn - Lang Suan = 64.77 km
2.2) Surat Thani - Na Sarn = 38.68 km
2.3) Lang Suan - Surat Thani = 101.72 km
2.4) Chumporn - Thung Pradoo - 129.93 km
(total 335.1 km from 336 km -> very closed)

3) Northeast
3.1) Map Krabao - Pak Chong = 45.63 km
3.2) Muang Phon - Ban Phai = 30.06 km
(total 75.69 km - from 76 km -> very closed)

// ----------------------------------------------

MOTC is also asking SRT to study on High Speed Trains on the following routes whcih to be done as megaproject

1) Bangsue - Ban Phachi - Kaeng Khoi - Khorat [Thanon Jira Junction] (already study though -> Highspeed DMUs Preferred over High Speed EMUs
to avoid costly electrifications unit the demands have compelled SRT to
do so), with 250 kph Max speed and stop placeat Bangsue - Ayutthaya - Saraburi and Khorat (Thanon Jira Junction) ;)

2) BKK - Chaing Mai (to PLEASE the Great Leader) :eek:



Note: The railway that Link Pak bara Port and New Songkla Port would be separated projects with a joint venture between SRT and
Port Authority and Foreign Partners .... which has been FIXED to Chinese Firms and it is possible that Singaporean banks would be
creditors -> be askign Temasek to Purchase/Takeover Port Authority of Thailand (!)

[Wisarut]

For the case of Doubel tracking with regauging according to PPP, it will be as follows;

The Plan for Double Tracking, Reguaging and new Lines
Khao Sod - 21 may 2008

Double Trackings with Reguaging:
1. Nakhon Ratchasima - Thanon Jira - Khon Kaen - Nong Khai
2. Nakhon Ratchasima - Pakchong - Kaeng Khoi
3. Thanon Jira - Ubon Ratchathani
4. Nong Pladuk - Kanchanaburi
5. Nong Pladuk - Suphan Buri
6. Ban Phachi - Den Chai
7. Kaeng Khoi - Klong 19 - Chachongsao - Laem Chabang

Regauging
1. Kaeng Khoi - Ban Phachi (regauging ONLY)

New Lines (with double tracking):
1. Suphanburi - Ban Phachi
2. Kanchanaburi - Bong Tee - Dawei
3. Den Chai - Chiang Rai - Chiang Khong.