Double-Tracking Project [Archive]

bangyuk

22-12-03, 07:47 PM

The impending massive investment in SRT is to be welcomed - although I seem to remember seeing this anounced many times in the past. But please could someone tell me why electrification will reduce journey times?

The chronically slow speed of SRT is nothing to do with the fact that they are diesel powered, but is presumably caused by track conditions, including curves and ride quality. Sure, some types of electric traction provide better accelleration than diesel, and this is useful on lines where there are frequent stops - hardly the case in Thailand.

There are real benefits in electrification, mainly improved reliability and improved environmental performance (less emissions, particularly if, for instance, hydroelectric power is available). But the vast majority of these benefits can be gained by investment in modern high powered diesel trains, such as the new diesel multiple units operating at 200kph every day to dozens of destinations in the UK.

There is a real risk that Thailand will seek to copy other countries - who all made their investment in electrification a generation ago - instead of looking for a more modern alternative suited to the needs of SRT. Doubtless foreign companies keen to sell their services will be on hand to encourage Thailand to electrify!

Wisarut

24-12-03, 09:01 PM

Khun Bangyuk,

Well, Electrification is STILL necessary .... since it is cleaner than diesel ... and can be generated form power plants around the country or plugging with power lines from Laos ...

Hydroelectri powqer is ready available ....

Therefore, I would like to say -> Just DO it! We have waited fro electrification of the mainline since 1928 .... we waited too long after Paknam Railway was gone in 1960 and Mahachai section (Klong San - Wat Singh) was deelectrified in 1961 ...

Wisarut

08-02-04, 12:03 AM

SRT and Traffic Policy Office Discussing about the Connection between Subway-Skytrain and SRT Railway as well as 482 billion Baht Nationwide Double Tracking.
To be Delivered to Premier Thaksin Next Week
Matichon - Feb 7, 2004

Traffic Policy Office and SRT Board of Directors are discussing about the plan for constructing interchanges betweet SRT commuter network and Skytrain-Subway system.
which will have the total 8 lines in the future. Traffic Policy Office will deliver this plan to Premier Thaksin next week. SRT Director said SRT is going to expand the terminals as well as the itnerchange stations to facilitate the passenger transfers and propose the 2nd phase nationwide double tracking, starting in 2005 with the total budget of 482 billion Baht.

Furthermore, SRT will have to come up with the commuter network which use Standard Gauge (1.4351 m)
rails from the currently meter gauge rails so as to allow
EMU and Electic locomotives with the maximum speed of
160 km/hr or more to run and pick up more passengers. SRT will have to come up with the investment plan with details
to be done next week so as to submit the plan to Premeir Thaksin by the end of next week.

SRT director said if SRT is to replace the meter gauge with Standard gauge for commuter networks, it will require SRT to make massive nationwide regauging and the contruction of new giant terminals such as Rangsit, Bangsue, and Makkasan
to enable SRT to connect with Sktytrian-Subway network. SRT hopes that the budget still within the nationwide double tracking of 400 billion Baht.

For the case of the 2nd phase nationwide double tracking to be started in 2005, it will have the total budget of 482.782 billion Baht which can be catagorized as follows:

1) Northern Line -> Lopburi - Chiang Mai 700 km ->
116.900 billion Baht
2) Southern Line -> Nakhon Pathom - Padang Besar ->
990 km - 165.330 billion Baht
3) Northeastern lines ->
3.1) Kaeng Khoi - Bua Yai - Nong Khai - 609 km - 88.510 billion Baht
3.2) Map Krabao - Nakhon Ratchasima - Ubon Ratchathanee -
441 km - 51.937 billlion Baht
4) Eastern lines ->
4.1) Chacheongsao - Aranyaprathet - 194 km 42.585 billion Baht
4.2) Laem Chabang - Kaeng Khoi - 189 km - 17.520 billion Baht

SRT will deliver the data about the nationwide double tracking to MOTC to be delivered to the cabinate to be approved
..

Note: Replace the commuter network with standard gauge may or may not working ... Probbaly, the best deal is to comign up with the nationwide double tracking first and then add the commuter lines in standard gauge .... Priobably SRT should set up the subsidiaries to handle the commuter networks
as well as the system double tracking and expansion.

Note 2: The dobel track route may have to go to the detour to avoid digging up the tunnel parallel with the old tunnels ...

Note 3: The steel rails for Standard gauge should be 60 kg/m (120 lb/yard) type while the meter gauge rails should be
50 kg/m (100 lb/yard) ... the leftover rails and wooden sleepers should be sold or donated Lao Railway Authority and Chemin
de Fur Cambodge (Cambodian Railway Authority) so they can expand their rail system ... the crumbling wooden sleepers
should be sold to power steam locomotives in Cambodia as
fuel wood as well since they are running out of wood to fuel
the steam locomotives.

Note 4: Double tracking to Padang besar is a good idea
indeed even though KTMB (Malaysian Railway
Authority) seems to put the electrification and double tracking
on the hold after reaching Ipoh instead of going on to
Padang Besar. However, the governemtn should also
increase the traffic to Sugai Kolok even though th government has to take a risk from terrorist attacks ... this traffic increment will help to cement the nation though.

Note 5: We should ask foreign investors to set up the local assembly for diesel and electric locomotives as well as DMUs
and EMUs to meet surging demands for them ... Now, SRT has
to keep good old GE locomotives functioning 20 more years
by replacing the new diesel-electric engines even
though they are supposed to retire from their jobs after
40 years in services (commissioned since 1964).

Wisarut

24-02-04, 12:36 PM

Now, the latest news is that the Governemtn apporves the Double Tracking from Chacheongsao to Laem Chabang Deep Sea Port via Sri Racha Junction to enable SRT to transport moro imported and exported products faster ...

The double tracking of otehr line has been frozen .... until demands pick up

ncr

16-05-04, 06:54 PM

This was originally a private message question & answer between me and Wisarut:

Khun Wisarut,

Referring to the article

"Nationwide double tracking - Long way to get started - translated and summarized by Wisarut Bholsithi from Than Setthakij, May 13 - 15, 2004",

could you further explain the following:

3) Laying the new high-speed rail track (standard gauge) for some sections while the rest will be meter gauge double tracks

---What does that mean exactly? I cannot imagine. Standard gauge in one section and meter gauge in others? Mixed gauge? How does that work?

3) The Traffic Policy Office seems never to be aware of the gauge braking problem. Even though the new mixed gauge track some the gauge braking problems, it creates another problem--the slower speed of the high speed rail system since they did not use a dedicated system. The half-baked Acela and Akita line of Shinkansen should give the Traffic Policy Office an example of a very hard lesson for this type of problem.

---What is a 'gauge braking problem'???

[note: according to Wisarut's answer below, the correct writing for this term must be gauge 'breaking', not 'braking' and I also edited the spelling in his answer.]

Thank you,

Nils

Re: double tracking

Khun NCR,

For the cause of Gauge breaking, I assume that Traffic Policy Office won't come up with the dedicated route for most sections except the section with very difficulties (e.g. Sila At - Chiang Mai) as the way to save money.

Gauge breaking is the case where the track have VERY different gauge (e.g. Standard Gauge vs Meter Gauge, Broad Gauge vs. meter gauge) which require the rejig and retool the bogies for hours before going through the route with different gauge again
-> or having to change the train at the place where gauge breaking occurs -> very damning inconvenience.

Mixed gauge as the track from Hanoi to Dong Dang checkpoint
solve the gauge breaking problem but the train schedule will become complicated to prevent head-on collision (especially for the case for single track).

Khun NCR,

I know that Khorat people want High Speed rail system
... and the current route BKK - Ban Phaee - Kaeng Khoi - Pakchong - Nakhon Ratchasima is UNSUITABLE for gauge conversion -> especially the section from Kaeng Khoi to Pakchong.

Therefore SRT will have to come up with the new dedicated routes
to pass the new city at Banna, Khao Yai National Park and Pakchong before ending up at Nakhon Ratchasima. The old section will be left alone for the regular, rapid train as well as the cargo trains to Laem Chabang.

After reaching Khorat, there will be new double track lines from Nakhon Ratchasima to Ubon and Nong Khai - branching out at Thanon Chira Junction (downtown Nakhon Ratchasima).

ncr

26-05-04, 01:13 AM

To summarize this again, there are three options:

1./2. Upgrade the existing meter gauge network to electrified double track with moderate 'high speed'.

3. Leave the old tracks as they are (just adding a second one, but not improving the quality), while upgrading certain sections of the network to high speed with standard gauge, as far as I understood.

Probably it was first planned to exchange the old meter gauge track into standard gauge in the respective sections, which would of course be utterly silly.... :( and now apparently in the form of adding standard gauge rails to the meter gauge tracks (=mixed gauge), which still isn't a much better solution. Why should anyone want to create such a complicated double-gauge system where you have to change trains at the end of the standard gauge section (supposed they are not 'rejigged'/put on smaller bogies there)??? Better keep a consistent system, even if it's not quite as fast (as the standard gauge within its limited sections). The other new problem, as mentioned, is that the trains cannot run as fast on the mixed tracks as they could on dedicated standard gauge high speed tracks, anyway. So it all doesn't make the slightest sense.

Nevertheless, Wisarut says this latter option is favored by the Traffic Policy Office.....

Wisarut

29-05-04, 03:12 AM

Khun NCR,

I think Traffic Policy Office has acted more like a spinning doctor - through the order directed from Minister Suriya ... Even though they PRETEND to support mass transit system but they ACTUALLY mess, spoil or even RUIN the plan - with EVIL intentions...

Wisarut

16-02-05, 11:27 AM

Double Tracking Project Cut Down from 4000 km to 800 km
Bangkok Biznews - Feb 16, 2005

After the Double Tracking Scandals, MOTC has asked SRT to
CUT DOWN the double Tracking Project from 4000 km to 800 km,
budget cut down form 400 Billion Baht to 100 Billion Baht, and Schedue Shortening from 2006 - 2012 period to 2006 - 2011 period.

The Budget allocation for 800 km double track can be allocated as follows:

1) Construction of 800 km doubel track = 75 Billion Baht
2) New Rollign Stocks and New Locos = 25 Billion Baht

There is a provision to construct the standard gauge High Speed Rail for Passenger Service while the meter gauge rail will be used for cargo transportation as well as commuter line and local lines.

Each Day, SRT has to run 376 passenger trips and 36 cargo trips ... However, the single tracks have become a limitign factor for incrasing
and speed up cargo service while cutting down the delay on cargo service can be more than 5 hour in some case -> Cargo serce money maker services of SRT since it is paid at market rate, nto the controlled rates as passenger services.

Now, SRT said they decide to postpone the cdouble trackign project from Nakhon Ratchasima to Ubon Ratchathanee (311.45 km) to be started after 2011 since there are ONLY 7 passenger trains passing all the way from Nakhon Ratchasima to Ubon each day. However, the Soutehrn route from Nakhon pathom to Surat Thani (586.9 km) is VERY lucrative route for both passengers as well as the cargo route ..

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

The following the the distance between the proposed Double trackign routes:

Sri Racha - Laem Chabang = 9.25 km
Chachoengsao - Sri Racha = 69.61 km
Chachonegsao - Klong 19 = 24.61 km
Kaeng Khoi - Klogn 19 = 82.84 km
Nakhon Pathom - Surat Thanee = 586.9 km
Lopburi - Phiotsanuloke 256.47 km

GWR

16-02-05, 12:06 PM

I guess there is more than an element of realism in this.

Just a pity that they sat on this decision until after the election. That said, the government is probably confident that no one will actually bother to monitor their promises.

Yappofloyd

16-02-05, 01:12 PM

This announcement seems silly!

Khun Wisarut,

so rather than prosecuting people for corruption, implementing increased transparency and accountability in tendering and payments; the much needed plans of double tracking of the national network is being cut by 80%. :mad:

Or is it about too many 'mega-projects' and not enough money? Or are BKK some urban transport projects (eg. Pink Line) which support housing development projects (some proposed by companies assoc. to major decision makers) being prioritised over national network expanansion? Obviously, we want both.

I would have thought that with increased trade with China and ASEAN area, that the North (Phi'lok to Chiang Mai) and NE lines (Korat to Nong Khai) would have been a good strategic investment.

And what happened to proposed network expansion to Chiang Rai (Mae Sai/Chinag Seng future?) and from Koen Khean to the E (NakornPhanom way?) for Vietnam link?

Wisarut

16-02-05, 01:30 PM

Khun Yappofloyd,

Well, this kind of cut is sugested by Ministry of Finace so as to minimize the budget constrain ... ONLY the line which hhave STRONG Demand will become double tracks line FIRST ... and the traffic alogn Northeastern routes is still too low to justfy the double tracking in the first 5 years (2006 - 2011)

The strong demands from Laem Chabang as well as the Southern line have compelled the government to start the double track from Chachoengsao to
Laem Chabang, Kaeng Khoi - Klong 19 - Chachoengsao as well as Nakhon Pathom to Surat Thani (the biggest chunk of all)

The government wil change theri mind if they get the pressure from thsoe farmers who live in Upper Central region to push the doubel track project from Lopburi to Phitsanuloke and Isan folks to push teh douhnle trackign to Nakhon Ratchasima .. Eventually, the have to approved teh delayed Denchai - Chaing Rai route as well as the doule track form Chaing Mai to Lamphun
to please Premeir Thaksin

White Nancy

16-02-05, 03:05 PM

Wisarut

16-02-05, 03:40 PM

Probably so ... but Those Khorat People will keep pushing this High Speed Railway Project so hard since most MPs of Khorat coem from Ai Suwat's faction ...and Ai Suwat faction has invited otehr Isan factions to joint with the faction so as to push this high speed rail project forward ...
Pork Barrel indeed ...

Wisarut

16-02-05, 10:47 PM

Now, Thai Railfans from Southern Isan region feel OUTRAGED that the double trackign form Khorat to Ubon Ratchathanee has been POSEPONED due the th reason that ther are ONLY 7 trains between Nakhon Ratchasima and Ubon Ratchathani ...

Thai Railfans from Ubontell me that the Government are INSINCERE on the supporting mass transit system and he pointed out that the governemtn has bene tellign a BIG LIE to the public at large including Bangkok Biznews because ther are actually 28 Trains that goes from Ubon to Khorat ... a LOT mroe than the governemtn's claims

ncr

17-02-05, 08:46 AM

And isn't it a faulty logic anyway? I mean, maybe there are few trains because it is only a single track.... and if it was double track, they could substantially increase the train frequency and thus provide a real alternative to the road. As for Southern Isan, it has quite a big population number and density (and it seems people like to use the railway, probably because it's cheap, at least in third class), so that would well be worth giving it a try. The potential is there, definitely.

But of course this government is insincere about mass transit systems.... :mad:

Yappofloyd

17-02-05, 12:54 PM

Exactly, it is faulty logic and stupid!

Increase the capacity, increase the frequency and quality of stock and SRT will get increased patronage. And get some of those dodgy buses/trucks off the roads.

TRT made some political mileage of the double-tracking corruption scandal during the election linking it to the Dem.s. It seems very disingenious to cut the budget if it was already allocated.

Could be a brief 'honeymoon period' for TRT in Isan on this issue given previous promises to expand transport links in Isan.

Yappofloyd

17-02-05, 01:16 PM

Can anyone answer this one?

If SRT say there is not a case for double tracking in the northeast, where is the justification for a high speed rail line from Bangkok to Korat? Or is this about to get quietly put to one side, now the election is over?

Regards.

A query on the Korat HSRL in reference to the article below (from the website).

"Consultants competing for high speed train project - translated and summarized by Wisarut Bholsithi from Manager Daily, September 28, 2004
SRT will hire the consultant by the end of October 2004 and then they will take 4 months to study the high speed railway before submitting the plan to the government."

Which consultants were hired and are they on time to finish the study in the next month?

Wisarut

17-02-05, 01:22 PM

Yes, Pure Stupidity to plrease the vested interests (Jeh Kiaw, Ai Suriya)INDEED

The list of Doubel track scandal are also including:

1) Chachongsao - Satthaiph (Main line) uses 70 Lb/yard rail insterad of
80 Lb/yard rail according to the TOR. Only the section closed to the interchange will be 80 lb/yard rail. The Passing Loop and the dead end used the worm out 70 lb/yard rail instead of the brand new 80 lb/yard.

2) The section from Sri Racha to Laem Chabang use 60 lb/yard rail instead oof 80 lb/yard rail ... ONLY the passing loop and the dead ends hidden in the bush got 80 Lb/yard rail

3) Khao Cheejan - Map Taphut use the worn out 60 lb/yard rail instead of 80-100 lb/yard rail -0 ONLY the passing loop and the dead ends got 80 Lb/yard rail

4) The Souther track at bang Bumru is usign 70lb/yard rail instead of eitehr 80 lb/yard rail or 100 lb/ yard rail ... ONLy the unused track (track 4) got 80 lb/yard rail

5) Lopubri - Track 1 uses 100 Lb/yard rail while Track 2 (the main track) uses 80 Lb/yard rail ... Track 3 (Passing loop) used 50 Lb/yard (the old and worn out rail dated back to 1930's) Track 4-54 also that old 50 Lb/yard rail... However Track 6 is the New 80 Lb rail even thoug it is NOT used at all ...

ncr

17-02-05, 05:33 PM

Yes, Pure Stupidity to plrease the vested interests (Jeh Kiaw, Ai Suriya)INDEEDKhun Wisarut, who is Jeh Kiaw?

Wisarut

17-02-05, 10:24 PM

Jeh Kiaw? She is a godmothger who run intercity bus service with the HQ in Khorat ... and the intercity bus between BKkand Khorat is runnign aroudn the clock ... :D

Tower 43

17-02-05, 11:52 PM

I am not surprised that the SRT is cutting down the double track plan given how long it took to get the Hua Mark to Chachoengsao section completed. I believe the original date for that completion was 1997 or 1998.

Seems like the SRT always tries to eat the whole elephant at one time and consequently everything is delayed and little is actually accomplished. Maybe if they established some real priorities they might get somewhere. The consultants must enjoy working for the SRT as all they do is wait for another call to do another study because nothing ever get completed.

What puzzles me is that the SRT does not extend some of the passing loops to say 5 kilometers and operate them from a centralized location. Continuing to operate switches and signals from each station just does not make sense with the technology available today. With Centralized Train Control the passing loop could begin at a station or between stations.

The SRT could be selective on which of the passing loops to extend to minimize construction costs and maximize operating efficiencies. Over time they would have a double track railroad if really needed. Controlling operations from a central location would necessitate changes in operating rules and that could result in additional improvements in their operation.

Wisarut

18-02-05, 11:13 AM

Yeah, SRT is trying to Fxxk elephant but get fxxxed by elephant instead :D

If the double track project was cutdow just by a half ... NOT by 80%, the complains form Isan people woud NOT go so loud

Wisarut

21-02-05, 09:15 AM

The follow is the detailed plan for doubnel tracking

1) Speeding up the Phase 4-5-6 track rehabilitation with the initial
invesment of 1 billion Baht from the total invesmtent of 20 billion Baht
Phase 4 (227 km):
Southern line (4A): Bang Sue - Talingchan - Ban Chimplee (17 km)
Northern line (4B): Phitsanuloke - Ban Dan (110 km)
Phase 5 (308 km):
Northeastern line (5A-1): Kaeng Khoi - Kaeng Sue Ten (37 km)
Northeastern line (5A-2): Suranarai - Chaturat (124 km)
Northeastern line (5B-1): Chaturat - Bua Yai (68 km)
Northeastern line (5B-2): Thanon Jira - Bua Yai (79 km)
Phase 6 (278 km):
Northeastern line (6A): Bua Yai - Nam Phong (138 km)
Northeastern line (6B): Nam Phong - Nong Khai (140 km)

2) Double Tracking Project - 200 million Baht for 6-month Studying as the way to allocate the budget for double tracking of 100 billion Baht

2.1) Rangsit - Kaeng Khoi - Pakchong - Khorat (233.9 km)
2.2) Khorat - Bua Yai - Nong Khai (357.45 km)
2.3) Lopburi - Nakhon Sawan - Phitsanulok (256.47 km)
2.4) Prachuab Khirikhan - Surat Thani (332.69 km)

3) Construcnting the new shortcut from Uttaradit to Chiang Mai along with the realignment to increase the curve radius and straight the track as the way to meet the new standard of 20 Ton axle load and permit the maximum speed of 120 kph This will effectively shorten the route from 266.25 km to abotu 180 km. Expect the double track from Lamphun to Chaing Mai

Wisarut

21-02-05, 10:11 AM

Furthermore, SRT has come up with the provision that if the demands have been shot up, SRT Double track will have to extend from Phisanulok to Uttaradit (95.89 km) and from Surat Thani to Nakhon Srithammarat via Thung Song and Khao Chumthong [Ron Phibun] ... (181 km) ... Don't forget that Nakhon Srithammarat is the station which create the revbenu for SRT at Top 10 ... so SRT better take carte of thsoe who rid the train to Nakho n Srithammarat though :D

Yappofloyd

01-03-05, 07:08 PM

The follow is the detailed plan for doubnel tracking

1) Speeding up the Phase 4-5-6 track rehabilitation with the initial
invesment of 1 billion Baht from the total invesmtent of 20 billion Baht
Phase 4 (227 km):
Southern line (4A): Bang Sue - Talingchan - Ban Chimplee (17 km)
Northern line (4B): Phitsanuloke - Ban Dan (110 km)
Phase 5 (308 km):
Northeastern line (5A-1): Kaeng Khoi - Kaeng Sue Ten (37 km)
Northeastern line (5A-2): Suranarai - Chaturat (124 km)
Northeastern line (5B-1): Chaturat - Bua Yai (68 km)
Northeastern line (5B-2): Thanon Jira - Bua Yai (79 km)
Phase 6 (278 km):
Northeastern line (6A): Bua Yai - Nam Phong (138 km)
Northeastern line (6B): Nam Phong - Nong Khai (140 km)
So the picture seems a bit better than we first thought. Any timetable for Phase 4-5-6? On the 2BKK, thairail news page it says late 2006 but is that still the case? Why cannot they start later this year?
Nationwide double tracking expected to start by the end of 2006 - Than Setthakij, February 1-4 2004
SRT is drafting TOR to deal with nationwide double tracking with a price tag of 410 billion baht. The plan will be submitted to the cabinet on February 9. SRT is expecting to start nationwide double tracking by the end of 2006.
And has the issue of possible re-gauging and electrification completely fallen by the wayside?

Wisarut

02-03-05, 08:07 AM

Well, even though SRT is workign on the phase 4-6 track rehabilitation right now, I think it will be done around 2010 or later

For the case of Uttaradit - Cahign Mai short cut, It has reminded me the initial short cut between Denchai to Chiang Mai whcih has 3 Sections

1) Denchai - Khun Tan -> This one will bypass Lampang and Mae Moh altogather
2) Denchai - Lamphun -> this one will bypass Thachomphoo altogatehr
3) Double tracking form Lamphun to Chiang Mai sicne many Chaing Mai people considre Lamphun as theri suburb home even though Lamphun people still hold the grudge or even vedetta AGAINST those who livbe in chaing Mai sicne the day Haripunjai Kingdom (Lamphun) has been forced to merge with Lanna Kingdom in 1296!

Regauging has been sert aside though since the doubnel tacking and track rehab are the main concern though ....

Wisarut

02-03-05, 09:33 AM

For the new Short Cut from Uttaradit to Chiang Mai it will be as follows:

1) Kaeng Luang - Mae Tha
2) Hang Chat - Nong Lom

These shotcuts require at least 2 new and logn tunnels ....
and many Thai railfans lamented that the train won't pass the beauytifyul curve at Kaeng luang as the way they uised to be since the very first days
of railway to Chaing May (Jan 1, 1922)

Yappofloyd

02-03-05, 10:49 PM

Well, even though SRT is workign on the phase 4-6 track rehabilitation right now, I think it will be done around 2010 or later

Oh, they have started already! Thanks for the info.

3)Double tracking form Lamphun to Chiang Mai sicne many Chaing Mai people considre Lamphun as theri suburb home even though Lamphun people still hold the grudge or even vedetta AGAINST those who livbe in chaing Mai sicne the day Haripunjai Kingdom (Lamphun) has been forced to merge with Lanna Kingdom in 1296!

1296, I assume you mean Roman calendar and not Buddist.
Thats a long time to hold a grudge! Maybe it's time for a reconcilliation process. Or are you talking about internal SRT factions here.... ;)

ncr

03-03-05, 12:32 AM

Don't forget that Nakhon Srithammarat is the station which create the revbenu for SRT at Top 10 ... so SRT better take carte of thsoe who rid the train to Nakho n Srithammarat though :DDo you have the complete list of top ten SRT stations in terms of revenue (and maybe also passenger numbers)?

Wisarut

03-03-05, 08:14 AM

Nope, but I got the message about the top 10 revenue generating + number of passengers station though .... the first of all in BKK (about 2.5 million passengers a year) ...

ncr

03-03-05, 09:02 AM

:confused:
You got a "message"? From who? And does it at least contain the names of the 10 stations?

Wisarut

07-03-05, 02:28 PM

SRT Plan for Logistic Supports
160 Billion Baht in 8 years
Than Setthakij - March 6-9, 2005

SRT has come up with 11 projects to support National logistics with a total price tag of 160.534 billion Baht whcih can be describe as follows:

1) The 2nd Ladkrabang ICD - 6.066 billion Baht (2005-2008)
2) New 13 Diesel Electric Locos in addition to the 7 Locos ordered from China
and 284 BCFs for container transportation with a price tag of 1.863 billion Baht. (2006-2008)
3) Phase 4-5-6 Track Rehabilitation with a price tag of 30.336 billion Baht from 2004 - 2008
3.1) Phase 4 (227 km) which consists of
Phase4A: Bangsue - Talingchan - Ban Chimplee (18 km)
Phase4B: Phitsanuloke - Ban Dan (110 km)
3.2) Phase 5 (308 km) which consists of
Phase 5A: Kaeng Khoi - Kaeng Suea Ten (37km) and
Suranarai - Chaturat (124 km)
Phase 5B: Chaturat - Bua Yai (68 km)
Thanon Jira Junction - Bua Yai (79 km)
3.3) Phase 6 (278 km) which consists of
Phase 6A Bua Yai - Namphong (138 km)
Phase 6B Namphong - Nong Khai (140 km)

4) Eastern Line Double tracking Chachoengsao - Klong 19 - Kaeng Khoi
with total distance of 107.45 km and a price tag of 6.650 billion Baht
(2005 - 2009)

5) Chord lines to bypass the junctions and create triangle at Chachongsao,
Kaelgnm Khoi and Ban Phachi with a price tag 0.998 billion Baht and construction form 2005 to 2008

6) Nationwide Double tracking with total length of 832 km and a price tago of 75 billion Baht from 2006 - 2012 with the details as follows:

6.1) Lopburi - Phitsanuloke 256.47 km
6.2) Nakhon Pathom - Surat Thanee 586.9 km

7) Modern signal installation and he rest wi a total price tag of 26 billion Baht to be installed from 2009 to 2014

8) Additional plan for nationawide rail development of 200 million Baht
with a price tag of 200 million Baht from 2005 - 2006

9) 4 Cointainer yards with a price tag of 235 million Baht done from 2004 to 2011 (Sila At for Northern Line, Ban Thung Pho Junction for Southern Line, Kud Jik for Ubon Ratchathanee line and Nam Phong for Nong Khai Line)

10) Modification of Rom Klao Truck terminal into Romklao ICD (Lad Krabang ICD branch 3) with a price tag of 343 million Baht to be done in 2006

11) Studies on Pak Bara Railway Lien 15 million Baht to be done in 2006
as well as the studies on Surat Thani - Khirirat Nikhom - Phang Nga - Tha Nun
(163 km - 12.810 billion Baht) and the plan for connecting Northern Railway with Northeastern region as well as the Northern Railway link with the route to Laem Chabang Deep sea port

// --------------------------------------------------------------
Note:

The extra dounel track will be at the following line if the demands have been shot up:
1) Rangsit - Kaeng Khoi - Pakchong - Khorat (233.9 km)
2) Khorat - Bua Yai - Nong Khai (357.45 km)
3) Phisanulok to Uttaradit (95.89 km)
4) Surat Thani to Nakhon Srithammarat via Thung Song and Khao Chumthong [Ron Phibun] ... (181 km) ...

Furthermore, SRT has come up with the new shortcut routes as the way to shorten the route from Uttaradit to Chiang Mai from 250 km to 180 km even thoug it requites 2 substantial tunnels while bypassing Lampang from

1) Kaeng Luang (km 546.94) - Mae Tha (km 628.45)
This shotcut will leave the route to Mae Moh mine for Cement Train and tourist train ONLY ... 1 Tunnel to replace Huay Mae Larn Tunnel

2) Hang Chat (km 654.85 ) - Nong Lom (km 713.01) ... This one will leave Khun Tan tunnel for the tourist trains ONLY ... and requite very long tunnel whcih could DWAFT Khun tan tunnel

3) Double tracking from Chiang Mai to Lamphun (22.21 km)

jpatokal

07-03-05, 06:38 PM

So this is SRT's wishlist... but how much and what parts of this have any chance of becoming reality?

Wisarut

07-03-05, 08:09 PM

So far, ONLY the double tracking from Kaeng Khoi to Chachonegsao via Klong 19 and Chachoengsao to Laem Chabang via Sri Racha as well as the Phase 4-5-6 Track rehabilitation are the obligations SRT MUST fulfill at ALL COST ...

After that, the new Loco to cope with the servicable loco shortage is the second things htey feel convinced that it is goign to become a reality (or nightmare if they are thsoe malfuctioned Chinese locos :D )

Yappofloyd

18-03-05, 04:47 PM

Khun ncr, doesn't seem that the list is forthcoming...

Going back to the double-tracking corruption due to inflated prices, I found an old article in The Nation (26/02/05) which said that the amount involved was 3 billion baht (about US$80m)!!!

Have any of the SRT officials been charged yet? And surely this was done in collusion with the relevant material suppliers thus allowing legal recourse for SRT to recover some of the money.

Wisarut

07-04-05, 03:01 PM

The following is the detailed data which SRT Governor DID NOT tell you about the double tracking:

Phase 2 Double Tracking
1) Chachoengsao - Sri racha - Laem Chabang 78.86 km -> 5.3 billion Baht
[Note: For Laem Chabang Port]

2) Lopburi - Nakhon Sawan 112.97 km
[Note: For Rice Merchants at Nakhon Sawan]

3) Prachuab Khirikhan - Sarat Thani 332.69 km
[Note: To Solve Rail Traffic Congestion at Prachuab Khirikhan - Surat Thani]

4) Kaeng Khoi - Klong 19 - Chachongsao 107.45 km

5) Map Krabao - Nakhon Ratchasima 129.35 km
[Note: To relive the cargo traffic congestion from Isan to Laem Chabang]

Total: 761.32 km -> very closed to the target 757 km

After finishign Phase 2, Phase 3 Double tracking will consist of the following routes:

1) Lopburi - Phitsanuloke -> to speed up the crude oil traffic (AKA Black Express) from Bung Phra station whcih has already been upgraded to 1st class station

2) Nakhon Pathom - Prachuab Khirikhan -. to speed up the tourist trains and passengers trains to the South.

3) Triangle tracks at Chachoengsao, Klong 19 and Kaeng Khoi to speed up the cargo traffics from the North and Northeast to Laem CHabang

4) Isan routes -> Kaeng khoi - Lum Narai - Bua Yai to serve ICD at Khon Kaen or Ubon Ratchathani double tracking -. Depending upon the lobbying ...

Wisarut

08-04-05, 01:07 PM

After Further Investigatio, I found that SRT wants to build the 3rd track on
the following routes:

1) Lad Krabang ICD - Chachognsao (33.03 km) for the lucrative traffics between ICD and Laem Chabang Port.

2) Kaeng Khoi - Map Krabao (9.2 km) to facilitate TPI Cement
Transportation. We usually call TPI Cement Train as "Blue Millepede" ->
esp when SRT used HID Loco to pull thsoe Blue Millepede from
Cement factory at Map Krabao to Laem Chabang

So the total length is: Total: 761.32 km + 33.03 + 9.2 = 803.55 km

Yappofloyd

30-07-05, 10:53 PM

Wisarut

31-07-05, 07:00 PM

Well, I don't have the insiders whoare at the level of decision makers for Double trackign projects ... sofar ONLU a few small fish whohave
no connections have been kicked out to makea cosmatic repair.

Now,SRT is ogign to sart the E-Auction for Double tracking of
Chachongsao - Sri Racha - laem Chabang Route ... andthe route fo Chachongsao - Klogn 19 - Kaeng Khoi will follow:

Wisarut

04-08-05, 01:31 PM

Now, SRT is startign the bidding process on e-auction for
Chachongsao - Sri Racha - Laem Chabang Double Tracking with
a price tag of 5.3 billion Baht. This would enable to start the
consturction in early 2006 and done in late 2008.

Next in the target of cource -> Chachognsao - Klong 19 - kaeng Khoi
for cargo service and the introduction of new Commuter to pick up those
who live in Ongkharak.

Wisarut

08-08-05, 01:58 PM

NESDB has cut down the budget for nationalwide Doubel trackign from 400 billion Baht to 100 billion Baht, That's Bullsxxx ... :mad:

Wisarut

19-09-05, 10:50 AM

Pheng & Nationwide Doublr Tracking
Trying to Woo NESDB to Approve the Project
Thairath - Sept 19, 2005
Matichon - Sept 19, 2005

Minister Pheng is tryign to Woo NESDB to approve the plan for Nationwide double tracking to support Logistic Plan. However, They have to wait unit the have finalized the plans for BKk Mass transit Systme since MOTC if going to fund the nationwide doubek tackign by the saving from the downsized BKk Mass transit systems through the canceled routes, shorten routes with fewer stations ....

SRT said there are 5 routes need to get double tracking immediately with total price tag of 56.7754 billion Baht due to the popular demands... even though SRT officers are studying on the routes and the design of the routes to pass EIA so they can submit the plan to the cabinate by the end of 2005.

1) Chachongsao - Sri Racha - Laem - Chabang (87 km - 5.3 billion Baht)
2) Lopburi - Nakhon Sawan (150 km)
3) Chachoengsao - Klong 19 - Kaeng Khoi (90 km)
4) Kaeng Khoi - Pakchong - Nakhon Ratchasima. (130 km)
5) Prachuab Khirikhan - Surat Thani (300 km)

After finishing all 5 routes, the 2nd phase would be

1) Nakhon Sawan - Phitsanulok
2) Nakhon Pathom - Prachuab Khirikhan along with the track rehab.
3) Ban Phai - Nam Phong route
4) Kaeng Khoi - Bua Yai route [250 km]

Note: Such massive undertaking compells SRT to triple the fleets of track maintainance machines. This will help SRT to rehab the troublesome routes such as the route from Nakhon Pathom to Hua Hin in a speedy manner. This track from Nakhon Pathom to Hua Hin which has become so deteriorated that the max speed in some sections are 30 kph - unacceptable by any standard ... and the Trai n781 (BAngsue - Padang besar) has been derailed yesterday at Rajburi due to the heavy rain that erode the base into the mud.

Changing to 100 Lb track with concrete sleepers WITHOUTwashing, adding, and recompacting the muddy ballast to the tickenss of 25-30 cm won't work.

Note2: Now, both Bangkokians and Rural folks from all parts of the country need to strike a compromise for the downsizing to finance nationwide double tracking... Otherwise, it would inevitably heat up the conflicts between the urban people vs. rural people into a REAL war level. Nationwide fuel tax to finance Nationawide double tracking is a justificable measure though.

Wisarut

07-10-05, 12:26 PM

I got the info from Insiders about the red line commmuter:

1) The reasons for the New Transportation Hub at Lad Krabang instead of Makkasan and Chaing Rak Noy instead of bangsue is DUE to the fact that MOTC hasmade Frausian Deal with MOF that Makkasan and Bangsue have to be developped by Treasury Dept (MOF) as the way to write off the SRT Debts.

2) Well, the section from Rangsit to Chiang Rak Noy (at Grade electrified section) would help TRT secure the conservative voters in Northenr BKk Suburbs ... as well as the voters from industrial estates inNorthern BKk Suburbs - at the expenses of those Democrat Supporters in Ram Khamhaeng and Lad Phrao.

3) The reason for the restriction of the Diesel Electric Engines from passing through Greater BKK area is due to the fact that PTT PCL (owned by Politicians) want to MILK the moeny from SRT and Treasury by forcing SRT to convert virtually all Diesel Electric Loco to use NGV .... with extra charge 1-2 Baht/kg (from 8.50 baht/kg for the market price of NGV) to pay for the engine conversion. Many SRT workers have compalined that the engine conversion would SHORTEN the lifespan of Loco .... in the same wayas NGV Engines of BMTA Aircon Buses .. .They Prefer Euro 3 Diesel Engines for Loco instead.

4) The New Northern/Northeastern Bus terminal at Donmuang is to boost more passengers for Red line commmuters ... he termianlkat rangsit is NOT very convenient for the bus to connect with Red lien commuter.

Wisarut

07-10-05, 03:39 PM

More Info abotu Red Line Commuter

1) Reviving the extension from Suphan Buri by the line from Suphan Buri to Ban Phachi (80 km) instead of Ban Pa Wai,Lopburi to bypass BKK and Bangsue Junction for the connection between Northern Cargo train from Chiang Mai, Norhteastern Cago traisn from Nong Khai and Ubon, and Southern Trains from Padang Sesar.

2)New lien from Ban Phachi to connect with Kaeng Koi - Klong 19 Bypass to allow Norhtenr cargo train to Laem Chabang Port without goign to Kaeng Khoi.

3)Chaingraik Noy station will be the transfer poitn for Intercity train to BKK ...

dick

08-10-05, 12:49 AM

Khun Wisarut,
Thanks for all this new info. For the railfan from abroad with special interest for the continuing story of the red line and so on I suppose a map will be necessary. All those name mentioned in the tidings beseech for a map. I will do my best. Not direct, but coming for sure. Suggestions are welcome of course.

Wisarut

11-10-05, 08:21 PM

More Rumors on SRT
Transport Journal - October 10-16, 2005

After Cabinate Shuffle from Suriya to Phongsak (Pheng) , More rumours
on SRT spreads out such as

1) Sacking SRT Governor Jittisen since he could not get alogn with both Minister Pheng and PremierThaksin.

This is due to the fact that Minister Pheng has sent thsoe men from
Highway Dept to run OTP as well as SRT Board despite of the fact that
those from Highway Dept know NOTHING about Railway and Subway at all!
They got into the positions since they are just friends of Miunister Pheng.

This kind of political patronage by promotign UNQUALIFIED Persons to run SRT and OTP
which frustrate both Transport Journals correspondents as well as SRT Board.

For the case of Mr Suthon, hehasthe knowledge ONLY on the lawand Mr., Suthone
ONLY know how to run those procruments, without ANY knowledge on the Engineers
or even Adminsitration.

Mr Suthone just want ot become a new governor by ACCUSING Governor Jittisen as
"an Unqualified & Inffeccient SRT Governor" despite of the fact that Governor Jittisen knows
how to drive the Locomotives as well as otehr Railway engineering stuffs. This kind
of accusaion would DOOM SRT if Minister Pehgn has agreed with Mr Suthone.

The Insider has admitted to TJ correspondents that it is IMPOSSIBLE to finish Suvanabhum
Airport Link by hte end of 2008. This delay isdue to the Hopewell Debacle as well as the
modified structure.

Even Doubletrackign from Chachongsao to Sri Racha got into delay trouble due to the
delay on hte payment which compell SRt to retrun the Budget to Budget Bureau...
to be paidagain in 2006.

The reasons for Minister Pheng's Meddling on Mas Transit Systme canbe shown as follows:

1) Discrediting Minister Suriya ... by the Order form Premier Thaksins' Palace to RUIN
Wang Bua Ban faction, internal struggle within TRT.

2) Discrediting Mr Khamrobluk before kicing Mr Khamrobluk OUT so Minister Pheng can
nominate Mr. Maitree Srinanawat (another minister Pheng's Crony) to run OTP.

3) The government may runout of budtget for mass transit system so they just meddle and delay the projects. Theyjust don't want to tell teh truth to the public... despite of the fact that they mddlign and delay on the project have ALREADY RUINED TRT ....

4) it is hte way for the Minister to Show that "He have his own Brain" sohe don't have to FOLLOW Suriya's Plan or so ... The same mentality as those who constrtuct stone castle ...NOBODY wants to continue the predecessor's initiations.

The suugestion to move the Transportation form Bangsue to Chaign Rak would ONLY ignite more Chaos becasue it goes AGAINST tyhe princip[el of Mass Transit System which require trasnportation center within the city.

Note: SRT Board & SRT Labor Union have BOOED Former Director of Highway Dept (Thoedsak Setthamanop) who come to RUN SRT Board by Minister Pheng's Nomination to replace Mr. Samart Yolaphak (who is on retirement).

SolidMercury

17-10-05, 04:38 PM

With any sense of realism: Is there anyone clean in this whole affair?

Dr. K., formerly of OTP, was helped out of the job, and with him a web of fabricated rail networks, their supporters and lobbyists. The new breed's beginning is not knowing of a single thing of what Dr. K. had left behind - and reinventing his mistakes.

The Red Lines are red because they just bleed the last drop out of the Treasury's funding pots into those channels beyond reach. Fact is that none of those Feasibility Studies made for the various sections is valid anymore, and still, there are consultants doing "tender design" work. The Master Plan is out of the window - any plans for a new one? Where is the legitimate basis for the tenders and the funding to come from?

The Minister should have gone out and pull the breaks on everything thats going on at the moment, including an Airport Link Contract without Operator and all those Red Line Design Jobs. Instead he decided to drag on to please suitors and put people into place.

Conclusion: Either nothing will happen in the next five years or it will cost the taxpayer, including the TRT voters (yes, many of them pay taxes), tens of billions of Baht more than it should.

Wisarut

17-10-05, 04:50 PM

Well, At least half TRILLION Baht isMUCH More accuratedFigure though :p :D

Wisarut

02-11-05, 10:35 AM

AI Pheng's Plan
Thairath - Nov 2, 205
Manager daily Nov 2, 2005
Now, Minister Pheng has come upwith the followign planfor mass transit system

1) Mixed gauge (meter gauge/Standard gauge) for the following section
1.1) Rangsit - Ayutthaya - Ban Phachi
1.2) Lad Krabang - Chachongsao - Chonburi
1.3) Talingchan - Nakhon Pathom

2) Doubel tracking for the followign routes
2.1) Nakhon Pathom - Nong Pladuk - SUphanburi
2.2) Chachongsao - Klong 19 - Wiharn Daeng

3) New line for Suphanburi - Ban Phachi - Wiharn Daeng as a new cargo route

NOTE: the Mixed gauge for Eastern section (Lad Krabang - Chachongsao - Chonburi) is stupidity at the PUREST form ... Many people includign shippling business, students, SRT workers who use eastern railway for cargo and commuter have complaind A LOT that the trafficis SO dent that the 3rd and the 4th track are NEEDED, NOT the mixed gauge as proposed by Ai Pheng.

Note2: Double tracking for Nakhon Pathom to Suphan Buri is a PURE Politicking to woo the voters form Suphan Buri. So far ONLY 355/3256 Commuter (using 2 sets of diesel railcar) is running to Suphanburi ... with 10 passengers between Suphanburi and nakhon Pathom ....

Double trackin from Nong Pladuk to Kanchanaburi is MORE justified
sinve Kanchanaburti is recently classified as the first class station ... deserving the double tracking than Suphanburi unless the line connecting Suphanburi with Ban Phachi is DONE.

Note3: The delay on Double tracking form Nakhon Pathum to Surat Thani is a PURE Discremination AGAINST the Southerners despite of the fact that SRT workers and cargo business have STRONGLY demanded for this doubel trackign to speed up the cargo and intercity train by 5 hours!

von Hirschhorn

02-11-05, 04:28 PM

New line for Suphanburi - Ban Phachi as a new cargo route

And for the possible, maybe and who knows when, Trans Asia line (Singapore - Kunming). Of course a more suitable connection have to be made from Suphanburi towards the Southern mainline. And yes, Bangkok will be by passed with this route, hardly to imagine. (Krung Thep deprived from a direct connetion by rail to Europe although this would be in no case a fast trip.

For the moment it's all dreams, only dreams, or wishfull thinking and in the meantime welcome page filling for the Bangkok Post and other papers. The Chinese in this matter, seems to be ahead of the rest by already closing the passenger trafic (only, goods still running) on their meter gauge operated lines in the Yunnan Province and replace the whole by standard on a new alignment which means transshipment at the boarder (Hekou / Lao Cai). The other states, the new route will pass through, all have meter and everything exept funds to regauge them as well. In the end it will be a broken dream, literary but hopefull not when ever running. :(

Wisarut

22-07-06, 10:47 PM

Let's go back to the latest news

MOT has approved the logistic plan for Year 2006 - 2010 ... and SRT got a fair share for this matter (Than Setthakij - July 23-26, 2006):

1) Chachongsao - Sri Racha - Laem Chabang Double tracking of 5.23365 billion Baht. Now, SRT is calling a bid for contractor to handle this project.

This will help SRT to run more trips for a lucrative ICD - Laem Chabang route while allowing SRT to run Ordinary 283/284 as a daily basis or even extend Sprinter aircon commuter from Chachongsao to Pattaya if requested ....

Note: The existing line from Chachongsao to Laem Chabang also needs to get some rehab, replacing 70-80 lb/yard rail with 100 lb weldedd steel rail with monoblock sleepers and deeper/cleased ballasting ....

2) Chachongsao - Klong Sip Kao - Kaeng Khoi double tracking. This will allow SRT to shorten the time for cargo service along Kaeng Khoi - Klong Sip kao route while introducing a new commuter service/special express along Kaeng Khoi - Klong 19 - Chachongsao route.

3) Kaeng Khoi - Nakhon Ratchasima - Thanon Jira double tracking. This will allow faster/more frequent trains to Khorat along with some cargo route whcih have to pass the troublesome Kaengkhoi - Pakchongroute ....

4) Double tracking from Lopburi to Nakhon Sawan to support rice exportation through container trains.

5) the 3rd track from Ban Phachi to Lopburi

6) the new bypass route from Wiharn daeng to Ban Phachi via Nong Khae to allow faster cartgo route from the North to Laem Chabang while avoiding the conflicts with commuter services to Ban Phachi, Lopburi and Kaneg Khoi

7) the new Kuan Niang - Pak Bara route for Pak bara deep sea port along with Kuan Niang - New Songkla dep Sea Port :rolleyes:

Project 6) and 7) has a budget of 5.04 billion Baht

GWR

22-04-07, 10:59 AM

The linked thread (below) on Malaysia's KTMB shows that double-tracking of the main North-South line is now beginning to look like it will happen soon. I can envisage a scenario where electrified double tracks stretch to the border at Padang, but the amount of rail freight traffic fails to reach its potential because nothing substantial has been done on the the Thai side of the border. One suspects that the government is reluctant to make this move because it fears that Malaysian container ports will end up shipping a great deal of freight into and out of Thailand. I guess that the railtrack doubling would likely follow the creation of rail-linked ports like Langu in Satun Province. Trouble is, these ports will be a long time in arriving.

http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?p=14366#post14366

Also see this thread which takes note of the freight and passenger delays that too frequently occur when minor derailments occur on single-track operations:

http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?t=2352

Wisarut

24-04-07, 09:40 AM

It is a Prejudice of both Governemnt and Ministry of Finance as well as tyhe problems within SRT that causes all of the troubles ....

FOr teh case of Government, they want to boost Automobile busines.

FOr the case of Ministry of FInance, iit is theri conservative nation to RELUCTANT to seek for MORE Loan to fullfil the need for SRT. Those in Ministry of FInanace stil remembere the BITTER time to get the Loan for RSR in 1922 (2 Million Gold SOverigns with teh Annual Interst rate of 7%), 1924 (3 Million Gold SOverigns with teh Annual Interst rate of 6%) alogn with WOrld Bank Loan of 3 Million US$ to restore RSR, 5.2 Milion US$ for Udorn - Natha - Nong Khai route, 3 Million US$ for Kaeng Khoi - Bua Yai route and so on so forth. FUrthermore, Ministry of FInance want more excise tax from Oil and Automobile ...

FOr the case of SRT (RSR), it is the paln to save a few Satang by Closingsign down theri technical school but waste billions Baht by gettign thsoe INCOMPETENT Loco drivers and maintianace crews. Even Worse, hte leaks by those on the top to gain curry favor from theri subordinates ... Worse still, Politicians excrabate the problems by seekign more tributes from thsoe SRT Boards ... while gettign theri vots by FREEZING the tickert pricess whcih they are NOT supposed to do so. :mad: :( :rolleyes:

Wisarut

01-06-07, 10:43 AM

Latest New: Budget for SRT in Year BE 2551
REF: Matichon - June 1, 2007

1. Main Infrastructure - paid by central government - 15,570,233,000 Baht Consisting of

1.1 Track Rehab Phase 5: Kaeng Khoi - Kaeng Suea Ten (37 km), Suranarai - Bua Yai (192 km) and Thanon Jira - Bua Yai (79 km)

1.2 Double trackign of Chachoengsao - Laem Chabang - 1,429,292,000 Baht

1.3 Red line commuter: Bangsue - Talingchan (3,593,000,000 Baht) and Bangsue - Rangsit (4,336,234,000 Baht)

1.4 Airport Link (4,112,820,000 Baht)

1.5 Budget for Long term infrastructure project - 512,387,000 Baht

2. Rolling stocks - by SRT

2.1 20 New Diesel Electric Loco (220 million Baht)
2.2 396 New BCFs (76.961 million Baht)
2.3 2 New Sixty-ton Cranes or better (19.78 million Baht)
2.4 Budget for Rollign Stock Investments - 610,186,000 Baht

GWR

01-06-07, 12:34 PM

01 June 2007
SRT has developed investment plan for 2008
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has drafted an investment plan for next year with a total budget of more than 16,531,831,000 baht.

The SRT Chairman, Mr. Siwa Saengmanee, says about 15,570,233,000 baht will be for the government while the remaining 961,580,000 baht will be for the SRT. He says the investment plan will be proposed to the Ministry of Transport and the government for consideration.

Some of the SRT's projects for next year include the construction of railway between Chachoengsao, Si Racha, and Laem Chabang and the construction of railway in Bangkok between Bang Sue and Taling Chan. Other projects include the renovation of railway between Phaya Thai and Suvarnabhumi Airport, or also known as Airport Link. The SRT will also renovate train stations, offices, and official residences.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255006010019

ncr

02-06-07, 12:36 AM

2.3 2 New Sixty-ton Cranes or better (19.78 million Baht)Guess they really need those --- seeing all the recent derailments and accidents... :rolleyes:

bangyuk

14-06-07, 07:30 PM

Wisarut

15-06-07, 09:53 AM

I am not sure that SRT should invest in double tracking just because KTM invests. Is the existing capacity a constraint on volume of freight or passengers? personally I doubt it. The southern line carries very few trains each day, and SRT is very good at squeezing capacity out of its single track network. Before double tracking is considered, there are other solutions such as more passing loops and improved signalling or communications.

Is there any evidence of demand being supressed by lack of capacity?

I've talked with those Railwaymen and I got the answer that

1. the section from Chachongsao to Lae Chabang already carried 4 million tons of cargo so it desereved double tracking ....

2. the next on the line to get double track is Kaeng Khoi - Klong 19 - Chachongsao route ...

3. Furthermore, the bypass route at Chachongsao, Kaeng Khoi and Ban Phachi is needed to elimitate the waiting time for shunting the cargo train at Chachongsao Junction, Kaeng Khoi Junction and Ban Phachi junction.

4. The section form Prachuab Khirikhan to Chumporn is congested by cargo trains .. causing the waiting for more than 5 hours! This shoudl be deserved doubelk tracking indeed ...

5. SRT has doubel track ONLY 7% of mainline ... at Minimum, SRT should have 30 - 40% double track to be viable for business ....

GWR

26-07-07, 09:49 PM

Does the following indicate that private enterprise may be encouraged to undertake projects that are too daunting for a cash-strapped SRT?:

26 July 2007
Deputy Minister of Transport encourages private sector participation in national logistics development
The Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr. Sansern Wongcha-um (สรรเสริญ วงศ์ชะอุ่ม), is encouraging the private sector to promote logistics development in Thailand.

Mr. Sansern hosted a seminar of logistics officials to encourage cooperation from the private sector in developing Thailand's logistics system in a uniform and comprehensive network. He admits that the private sector is a driving force in enhancing Thailand's competitive potential on the global market. He affirms that the government will provide full continuous support for the nation's logistics development.

Mr. Sansern adds that the Ministry of Transport is preparing to propose new laws to promote logistics efficiency to the Cabinet. Discussions are also underway to integrate the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) into the national logistics network.
Reporter : RTI-Reporter02

http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/index.php

GWR

25-08-07, 10:34 PM

This Jane's Transport Business Non-Subscriber Extract is apparently dated today. In any case, it is undoubtedly a 2007 report. It seems to paint a rather more ambitious and rosy picture than we here at 2Bangkok.com are usually accustomed to dealing with, when it comes to the local rail scene. We will almost certainly be receiving some rather more grounded comment on this article from Khun Wisaruth:

State Railway of Thailand to undertake ambitious development project

25 July 2007

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is on the verge of an ambitious THB16.5 billion (USD511 million) development project that will take the country's rail infrastructure into the 21st century and set it up for gradual privatisation.

Included in the plans is the expansion of Bangkok's elevated rail network, the construction of crucial links from ports to major cities, the modernisation of its predominately single-track lines to high-capacity double-track lines, and the improvement of connections between neighbouring countries.

The end result will see Thailand possess a modern railway network that would support a government-backed push to increase railroad freight, assist in easing the chronic traffic congestion on Bangkok roads, and be an integral part of the USD15 billion, 3,000 mile Trans-Asia Railway Network, which was agreed last November between 28 countries in the region.

The new Thai rail network would also provide the future Thai government with an opportunity to privatise the railways, much like the Conservative government did to the UK's British Rail in 1996. (The Thai plans do not envisage an overnight privatisation of the railways, however, but more of a gradual project over a number of years as infrastructure becomes more developed.)

If all this planned development wasn't ambitious enough in itself, it is being carried out against a challenging backdrop. Thailand is a few months away from controversial elections, following the military coup last year that ousted former premier Thaksin Shinawatra; and the strategic situation in the south of the country, where SRT property has been a target of insurgents, poses regular issues for the state railway.

Nakorn Chantasorn, deputy governor at the SRT, is well aware of the challenges that the state-controlled organisation faces in its efforts to modernise, but is determined to succeed.

He says: "Right now in Thailand, 88 per cent of all freight transport is by road - freight rail transport accounts for only 2.8 per cent. And the high increase in oil prices has caused everyone to think about how to shift the mode of transport to rail from road. So we have a target from the government: we need to increase freight rail by 15 per cent in five years - that's more than five times what it is now. At SRT, we have to make this possible."

Another significant factor in Thailand's decision to modernise its railways is the proportionally high rate of energy being used on Thailand's roads - 38 per cent of all Thailand's fuel goes into cars, which is nearly double the comparative figure for the US.

422 of 1,276 words
End of non-subscriber extract

Subscribed article and subscription registration available at the extract page:

http://www.janes.com/news/transport/business/jwr/jwr070725_1_n.shtml

Wisarut

31-08-07, 03:13 PM

Now, MoF is tigghtening the noose around SRT and threatened that the failture to REFORM will make SRT meeting the same FATE as ETO ... being liquidated ....

This will endanger the lives of those from Treasure Dept wh ocoem to survey for land assessment ... SRT workers will use HAMMERs, Crow Bars or even axes and Machetes to cut down those from Treasury and MoF! :eek:

GWR

18-09-07, 11:38 PM

Petrol tax to fund rail network
Published on September 19, 2007
Retailers to contribute Bt1.50 per litre; BMA amongst beneficiaries

Starting in January next year, the Oil Fund will start collecting petrol tax with a target of Bt1 billion a month to finance building a nationwide rail network.

Energy Minister Piyasvasti Amranand said yesterday that of the Bt1 per litre collected from fuel, gasoline and diesel tax, 50 satang will go to the Oil Conservation Fund, while another 50 satang would be retained for emergency use.

"To use the proceeds to finance rail network development, we will follow the legal framework. All the proceeds will go to the Energy Conservation Fund and the Transport Ministry could reimburse the funds in instalments," he said at Government House.

Currently, oil retailers are subjected to a Bt1.50-per-litre contribution to compensate for the government price subsidies during the Thaksin administration.

The Oil Fund expects to repay all debts incurred from the subsidies by the end of this year.

After the debts are repaid, the contribution rate would remain the same.

While Bt1 per litre would go to the Oil Fund, oil retailers would be obliged to lower oil prices by 50 satang per litre.

Piyasvasti said the proceeds will be used to finance the construction of rail networks for passengers and goods shipment in Bangkok and the provinces. The Bangkok mass-transit system would be among the beneficiaries.

Piyasvasti's announcement was in line with Finance Minister Chalongphob Sussangkarn's proposal.

The private sector has been in favour of the financing policy, citing Thailand's need for a more extensive rail network to support shipments. As most of goods are transported via trucks, it constitutes a major chunk of operating costs to business operators.

It is estimated that Thailand's logistics make up about 20 per cent of the overall operating costs.

The decision came amid expectations that Thailand could face a delay in tapping loans from the Japan Bank for International Co-operation for investment in the Purple line.

The Purple Line is one of five lines approved by the Cabinet late last year, which would require a combined investment of Bt165 billion.

Business Desk

The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/09/19/national/national_30049483.php

Wisarut

25-09-07, 01:26 PM

http://www.railway.co.th/resultproject/images/double_track/dbt-4.jpg

The Nationwide Doubnle tracking of 832 km has a price tag of 75 billion Baht (7.5 billion RInggit)

1. Lopburi - Ban dara (326 km) -> Good ... allowing faster and more trains in the section from BKK to Phitsanuloke. Traffic lights already been installeed up to Phitsanuloke. Too bad, the old sugar railway line at Wang Kraphi is gone ... so it is less justified to make further doubel tracking to Sila At.

2. Ban Dan - Huay Rai (25 km) - the mountain section ... dopuble tunnel at Pang Too khob and Khao Phueng are in need.

3. Kaeng Luang - Pang Puay (44 km) ... the dangerous curve ... causign loco to be sunk into the bottom of Yom river.

4. Lamphun - Chiangmai (22 km) - for commuter train between Chiang Mai and Lamphun ... even though there are few station between these 2 ends - Pa Yang Lueng (Saraphee) and Pa Sao .... If there are not very high demands, this 22 km doiubel tracking should be done on Ban Dara - Sila At.

5. Map Krabao - Pakchong (47 km) - the bottleneck of the great pain ... better ensure the Guardian of Dong Phraya Yen would be satisfied before embarking such a project .... esp at Pha Sadej ... or the Guardian spirit of Dong Phraya yen would cause the derails as he had done several times when he got upset! :o :shock:

6. Muang Phon - Bang Phai (31 km) This tracking may not very worthwhile to do so ... This should be used for double tracking all the way from Pak Chong to Lad Bua Khao ... or better Pakchong - Khorat - Thanon Jira to allow faster military supplies from the 2nd Army to the South.

7. Nakhon Pathom - Nong Pladuk (16 km) ... just Okay ... but it would be better if extended all the way to Rajburi (the Southern end of commuter lines - 116 km form Bangkok).

8. Phetburi - Huahin (64 km) - Good for this one ... should have rehabilitation program since the permanent way go deteriorated in this section.

9. Prachuab khirikhan - Chumporn (167 km) - very worthy to do since there is a perrenial bottleneck at Map Amarit .. .waitng for 5 hourts to get green light to the fuel station at Chumporn or Change Crew at Hua Hin. However, it would be great if the doubel tracking was all the way from Nakhon Pathom to Chumporn.

10. Surat Thani - Banna (29 km) ... not very reasonable unless the delay by waiting for token block is a serious matter ... better upt this dopuibel tracking prpject from Cha Uand to Laem Tanod (18 km).

11. Khao Chumthong - Cha Uad (27 km)
12. Laem Tanode - Ban Tone Done (33 km) .... not a bad one since the International Express 35/36 and cargo to/from Padang besar were delayed and runnign at clawing due to both poor track condition and the delay for token exchange period.

Thsi section whould shouls be rehab and getting double track to reduce stopping time waiting for token loop.

Wisarut

25-09-07, 09:11 PM

Ananlyses on Eastern railway Doubel Tracking Project (Kaeng Khoi - Klong Sip kao - Chachongsao, Chachongsao - Sri RRacha - Laem Chabang)

Kaeng Khoi - Klong Sip kao - Chachongsao plus 5.4 km Chord line at Chachognsao, Kaen Khoi - Ban Phachi

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/6009/dbt2wo0.jpg

This project has a price tag of 7.648 billion Baht with 106 km distance ... to be conceived in late 2008 and done in late 2014. Thsi lien also has a 1 km Chord line to bypass Chachongsao for both Norhtern and Northeastern cargo trains, 3.4 km Chord line to allow Northeastern cargos bypass Kaeng Khoi and 1 km Chord line to allow Northern cargo trains to bypass Ban Phachi

Chachognsao - Sriracha - Laem Chabang

http://img219.imageshack.us/img219/4051/dbt1oj5.jpg

Thsi 78 km Double tracking is to relieve the congestion of the route to Laem Chabang which has already exceed the track capacity .... This project has a price tag of 5.850 billion Baht ... the main track will be 100 Lb steel rails (BS 100A - UIC860) of 9000 Metric tons while passing loop will use 80 Lb steel rail (BS 80A - UIC860) of 400 Metric ton ..... This line has to use the support pillars to dela with the soft land to be started the construction in early 2008.

GWR

04-10-07, 11:38 PM

Logistics system master plan to go before cabinet

BANGKOK, Oct 4 (TNA) - Deputy Transport Minister Sansern Wongcha-um on Thursday revealed he would seek Cabinet approval for a master plan on the logistic system network development within two weeks after the Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning Office reached a conclusion on investment figures.

Delivering a keynote speech at a seminar on "Logistics Asia 2007: Go Regional," held by the Thai Chamber of Commerce, he reiterated Thailand needs to complete the development of logistics in each region first if it wants to develop transport routes linking neighbouring countries to benefit the economy.

He said the ministry would propose the master plan on logistic system network development to the Cabinet for its consideration and approval in the next two weeks so that the plan should be used as a framework by the next government and state agencies concerned to pursue.

Many key logistics projects, including the construction of dual track railways linking border provinces, and development of product distribution centres would get off the ground and take many years to complete after the master plan is approved, he said.

The projects, if successfully implemented, would contribute greatly to the development of the country's logistics system, he said. (TNA)-E005
http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=32021

Wisarut

06-10-07, 10:22 PM

http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=32021

Khon kaen Chamber of Commerce is trying to lobby for the double tracking on Map Krabao - Nakhon Ratchasima - Khon kaen section ... in addition to Kaeng Khoi - Klong Sip Kao - Chachongsao - Sri Racha - Laem Chabang as well as Lopburi - Nakhon Sawan ....

IMHO, doyble track from Map Krabao shoul end up at Thanon Jira Junction so we can distribute the rest to the Southern line whcih are desperated for dooubelk tracking .,.. such as Prachaub Khirikahn - Chumporn

Wisarut

08-10-07, 09:20 AM

GWR

08-10-07, 12:14 PM

Immediate Doubel Tracking & Relating Project to Enhance Logistics

1. 78-km double tracking on Chachoengsao - Sri Racha - Laem Chabang which has approved budget of 5.850 billion Baht

2. 106 k-m doubel tracking on Chachoengsao - Klong Sip Kao - Kaeng Khoi with a price tag of 7.648 billion Baht - to be started between 2009 - 2013

3. 126-km Map Krabao - Pakchong - Nakhon Ratchasima with a budget of 11.640 billion Baht to be started between 2009 - 2014.

4. 5.7-km chord line (3.7 km for Kaeng Khoi, 1 km for Ban Phachi and 1 km for Chachognsao) to avoide 2-hour stops at Kaeng khoi, Ban Pachi and chachongsao. Chord line 5.7 กม.

5. New CY between Pier B and Pier C of Laem HCabang Port

6. Imporving Access road to CY of 44 million Baht

7. New factories for rice process at Nakhon Sawan with a price toag of 300 million Baht

8. the 5 New Locos, and 125 BCFs even though the first 7 locos and the first batch of 390 BCFs have not been delivered yet. This will enable SRT to run 120 regular cargo trains in Isan insteat of just 55 cargo trains.

9. 118-km doubel trcking form Lopburi to Paknam Pho

10. the 4 New Locos, and 80 BCFs for Northenr cargo trains.

Also this report:

Ministry wants B20bn freight train network developmentAMORNRAT MAHITTHIROOK

The Transport Ministry wants more than 20 billion baht from the government to help develop a modernised freight train network to cut down on expensive truck deliveries, Deputy Transport Minister Sansern Wongcha-um said. The budget request will be submitted for approval by the cabinet at its meeting on Oct 16.

The money will finance new rail lines and the improvement of logistics for handling freight, with the emphasis being placed on the transport of principal farm produce from key provinces in the Central region and the Northeast.

Mr Sansern said the funds will be used to set up two freight links, along the Khon Kaen-Nakhon Ratchasima-Laem Chabang Port route and the Nakhon Sawan-Inland Container Depot (ICD) at Lat Krabang-Laem Chabang Port line. Laem Chabang is the country's largest shipping port.

The Khon Kaen-Laem Chabang route, costing 20.5 billion baht, will mainly focus on transporting rice, tapioca and sugar. The Nakhon Sawan-Laem Chabang line, which will deliver rice, will cost about 300 million baht to build.

Construction of both lines will take seven years, starting from next year.
Mr Sansern said the freight trains are cheaper than truck deliveries and would also ease traffic congestion.

For the Khon Kaen-Laem Chabang line, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) will need to find an additional 910 million baht to buy five new locomotives and 125 freight cars, as well as hire new train drivers.

This is to meet an expected jump in goods traffic after the route is opened. It is estimated it will reduce truck deliveries by 58,000 return trips on the same sector per year. Some sections of the line will also have dual tracks.

For the Nakhon Sawan-Laem Chabang route, four new locomotives and 80 freight cars will be needed. Dual tracks will also be built between Pak Nak Po and Lop Buri stations.

Mr Sansern said existing rail tracks along the northeastern line were old and had to be overhauled to increase their weight-carrying capacity.

The SRT also needs to add another track along sections where there is currently only one track on both lines.

He said private companies will be invited to manage freight transport as well as invest in the expansion of roads connecting to container yards at Laem Chabang.

A study by the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning showed a truck delivers freight at 2.18 baht per tonne per kilometre compared to 1.37 baht for trains.

May expire soon:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/08Oct2007_news03.php

Wisarut

16-10-07, 03:54 PM

Total budget for Logistic development for isan is 20.198 billion Baht whcih can be allocated as follows

1.1. 106 km doubel tracking from Chachongsao to Kaeng Khoi vai Klogn Sip Kao algn with 5.7 km chord lines at Chachongsao (1 km), Kaeng Khoi (3.7 km) and Ban Phachi (1 km) -> 7.648 billion Baht

1.2 129 km double tracking alogn with track realignment from Map Krabao to Nakhon Ratchasima and CTC instllation - 11.640 billion Baht

1.3. 5 New locos and 125 BCFs - 0.910 billiion Baht

New roads to CY with total budget of 43.40 million Baht whcih conssited of

2.1 Municiple road expansion to Tha Phra CY near Tha Phra station - 1.40 million Baht - 10 x 100 meter - to be doen by Tha Phra municiple. Tha Phra CY is for Tapioca and sugar container trains.

2.2. Municiple road expansion to Kud Jik CY near Kud Jik station - 19.60 million Baht - 10 x 1500 meter to be done by Kudjik Municiple. Jud Jik CY is a for rice and sugar container trains

2.3. Local road expansion to Ban Koh CY near Bang Koh station - 2.80 million Baht - 10 x 200 meter to be done by Ban Koh Tambon Administration Organization.

2.4. Municiple road rehabilitation for 2 access road to Thanon Jira CY - 10 x 1500 meter with a price tag of 19.6 million Baht to be doen by Nakhon Ratchasima City Hall.

3 More for Norhtern logistic
3.1 New rice improvment factory with a price tag of 300 million Baht - a JV for
MoC, MoAC, Rice Dept. and private sectors

3.2 118-km Doubel tracking from Lopburi to Pak Nam Pho - early estimation should be around 8.6 billion Baht

3.3 4 New locos and 80 BCFs fro Northern rice train to laem CHbang. should be around - 0.72 billion Baht

No. 3.3 and 3.4 need furhter price assessment before mamiing official annoucements.

GWR

23-10-07, 12:00 AM

The second part of the article below is not exactly news. I'm just totally gobsmacked by the fact that Watcharapong Thongrung - the reporter - is totally incapable of communicating that this is largely a track-doubling exercise. Certainly new tracks, but not new lines! And chord lines are not an "extensions" either::confused:

Govt acts to get Link moving
Published on October 23, 2007

The Transport Ministry wants to start borrowing money within two weeks so that it can get the Airport Rail Link moving during the term of this government, deputy minister Sansern Wongcha-um said.

After a meeting with the State Railway of Thailand yesterday, Sansern said the ministry wanted the project to get back on track.

The Cabinet last week approved borrowing of Bt18.9 billion by the railway to repay debt incurred in the link's construction.

The ministry will finalise details of the loans within two weeks. The Finance Ministry will guarantee them. The loans have to be repaid after the project is completed.

The Transport Ministry named senior official Supoj Tsaplom to head a working group to consider an extension of the Airport Rail Link.

Construction work on the line started two years ago.

It will be 28.6 kilometres long and will stretch from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Makkasan in Bangkok.

The Cabinet also approved plans to build new railway lines between Khon Kaen and Nakhon Ratchasima and Laem Chabang Port and the container depot at Lat Krabang.

Assistant government spokesman Chodechai Suwannaporn said the rail extensions were part of a national plan to enhance the transport of goods.

The new railway will save exporters and importers transport time, Chodechai said.

Watcharapong Thongrung
The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/10/23/business/business_30053434.php

GWR

23-10-07, 04:21 PM

Minister defends borrowing 'soft' US dollars

The government as well as the business community should borrow more US dollars from overseas while the American currency is softening, Thailand's Deputy Finance Minister Sommai Phasee said Tuesday.

At a time when some governments and businesses are divesting their dollar holdings, Mr. Sommai's recommendations provide food for thought.

Borrowing greenbacks could also help in refinancing debts, according to the deputy finance minister, adding that Thailand still needed more loans from the Export-Import Bank of China to finance its mega-projects in future.

On Monday, the Thai Cabinet gave a green light to the Finance Ministry to borrow not more than US$400 million for financing of the mega-projects. The loans would be available for the projects which require at least a 50 per cent import content from China and carry an annual interest of three per cent. Repayment will have to be made within 15 years with a five-year grace period.

There are still several mega-projects pending on the long-term and the Thai government cannot discard the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) as a source of financing the projects, said Mr. Sommai.

Earlier, the Finance Ministry proposed that JBIC lend funds for the construction of the Bt31.2 billion rail line from Bang Sue to Bang Yai on the outskirts of Bangkok. But the JBIC decision has already been delayed and it is now quite possible for the Thai government to switch to borrowing from the Export-Import Bank of China to finance the project. (TNA)
Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=122903

GWR

13-11-07, 09:28 PM

13 November 2007
Finance Ministry to invite president of Chinese EXIM Bank to review dual-track train project in Thailand
The Ministry of Finance will send an invitation letter to the president of the Export-Import Bank of China (EXIM), to review the dual-track train project before deciding whether to approve loans for the construction.

Deputy Minister of Finance Sommai Phasi (สมหมาย ภาษี) reveals that the Public Debt Management Office is mobilizing funds for the dual-track train project. The fund is expected to come from loans released by the EXIM Bank of China.

As for progress of the purple route electric train project, the deputy minister says the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) will send a letter to respond to Thailand’s request for loans within the next few weeks. He says the loan for the construction of tracks and tunnels from Japan have a repayment period of 25 years at an interest rate of 1.4%. Domestic loans from the oil fund will also be used to fund the project.
Reporter : RTI-Reporter05
http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255011130030

GWR

23-03-08, 11:55 PM

SRT, BMTA ordered to increase efficiency
Published on March 24, 2008

The new government wants the state-run national railway and Bangkok bus systems to focus on making their loss-making operations more efficient rather than seeking help from outside.

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Surapong Suebwonglee said in an interview last week that the restructuring plans for the State Railway of Thailand and Bangkok Mass Transit Authority, completed by the interim government, ignored the enterprises' self-improving capability.

The Surayud government believed that private sector participation would increase efficiency and reduce losses.

He said India was able to get its railway operations back into the black by itself. In many countries, though, public transport operations still suffered losses even with private partners.

"I have instructed the State Enterprise Policy Office to observe the operations in India so that they can get new ideas. Then, a joint committee of representatives from the ministries of finance and transport will be established to restructure the SRT and BMTA," Surapong said.

The large number of rail junctions contributes greatly to the budget deficits, as slow and fast-moving trains have to give way to one another. Laying double-rail tracks only at major junctions could help reduce the bottlenecks, while cutting down on investment, he said.

The Transport Ministry has come up with a Bt300 billion plan to install 2,000 kilometres of parallel tracks criss-crossing the country.

"I want the SRT people to come up with ideas like this. New ideas mean lower investment," he said.

Transport Minister Santi Prompat has said the double-track project would be completed in five years. In the plan yet to be submitted to Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej for approval, the ministry will grant 30-year concessions, renewable for 30 years, to companies to operate train services.

The SRT lost Bt6.57 billion in 2006. It is burdened with Bt2.4 billion in annual pension payments and a workforce of 18,000, including 2,000 engineers, 1,872 signal controllers and 3,500 maintenance workers.

Watcharapong Thongrung
The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/03/24/headlines/headlines_30069000.php

GWR

24-03-08, 12:18 AM

See also previous post.

Rather conceited columnist headline:

GOOD... I PRAISE... DOUBTFUL... I RAISE
Enormous cost of railway overhaul just not worth it
Published on March 24, 2008

Last week, I wrote in support of the mass-transit project for Bangkok and vicinity as well as raised some points of concern.

This week, I would like to discuss the dual-track railway project throughout the country, another urgent policy the government outlined to the House of Representatives.

In a seminar on February 25, the Transport Ministry announced the construction of a dual-track rail system to speed up cargo transportation on heavily trafficked routes. The plan involves the construction of separate 1-metre gauge (gauge is the distance between the two inner sides of the parallel rails that make up a railway track), totalling 832 kilometres.

However, in the same seminar, Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej also mentioned plans to transform all railway tracks throughout the country to be 1.43-m gauge and dual-track.

With an existing 3,700 km of track in Thailand, this would mean the construction of new 1.43-m gauge track or, as a cost-saving measure, the alteration of existing track. Yet, according to experts, the project is still estimated to cost at least Bt2 trillion baht, which includes the funds needed to purchase the new rail car fleet.

This amount is massive and it requires careful consideration. From what I have heard, the wider rail track structure allows for higher speeds. Tracks of 1.43-m gauge are standard in many big countries, including China. Moving to them would facilitate the ability of trains from China to load cargo at Thai ports and vice versa for trains from Thailand delivering goods to China.

Concerning speed, 1-m gauge track can comfortably accommodate speeds of up to 200 km/hour. However, our trains are unable to reach those speeds because tracks upcountry are on ground level with intersections with roads every now and then, and running at such speeds would be dangerous.

In some countries, the use of rapid trains is made possible by the elevation of roads over railways to avoid cross-traffic and to allow the trains to run on an even plain. Unless roads were elevated over railways, widening tracks to 1.43-m gauge would not guarantee high-speed flow. And if we decide to elevate roads over railways or railways over roads throughout the country, the additional cost would be unimaginably high.

At present, tracks in our neighbouring countries - Malaysia, Burma, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam - are all 1-m wide. If countries in Southeast Asia agree to link rail transportation across the region, the logistics system would soon improve.

As for the argument that 1.43-m gauge tracks would facilitate the transit of goods from China to ports in Thailand, I would like to clarify that, at present, goods from southern and southeast China are being transited to seaports in Vietnam without any tracks having been widened to 1.43 m. Containers from Chinese trains are unloaded at the border and put on to narrower Vietnamese trains, which then carry the cargo to seaports in Vietnam. This way, the Chinese have to make use of the Vietnamese rail service in order to transport their cargo in Vietnamese territory. Modern facilities are needed to ensure the swift transfer of containers.

Rail transportation of Chinese cargo to seaports in Thailand could also be done the same way. However, this would only be possible after the completion of a new railway line linking southeast China through Laos to Thailand at Chiang Khong. An exchange area for the transfer of containers could then be set up at Chiang Khong.

I have tried my very best to think of the additional benefits of widened rail tracks. I still cannot come up with any that would justify an investment as massive as Bt2 trillion.

It would be much better for us to save this amount for the younger generation. It would also not put an undue debt burden on the government budget. I am writing this article by no means to challenge the plans of the prime minister; my only purpose here is to provide constructive information for his consideration. What I mention here might not be as flawless or extensive as it should be. The one who knows more about this issue is actually a close ally of the prime minister: Deputy Prime Minister Sahas Banditkul, who worked with the State Railway of Thailand for quite a long period of time.

Prompt revision of this issue will enable the Transport Ministry to proceed immediately with its plan to expand a double-track railway of the current gauge, especially on the routes between Kaeng Khoi-Chachoengsao and Chachoengsao-Sri Racha-Laem Chabang, totalling 184 km, which the private sector is waiting for.

Until next Monday.

MR Pridiyathorn Devakula
The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/03/24/opinion/opinion_30068990.php

Tettyan

24-03-08, 06:48 AM

Concerning speed, 1-m gauge track can comfortably accommodate speeds of up to 200 km/hour. However, our trains are unable to reach those speeds because tracks upcountry are on ground level with intersections with roads every now and then, and running at such speeds would be dangerous.

That can't be right. Where in the world do trains on meter gauge run at 200 km/hr? In Japan, they're limited to 130, and in Thailand, even in flat areas, they're limited to 120. My understanding is that it's not technologically possible to achieve high speed rail w/ meter guage. It seems like it makes most sense to re-gauge the system to std gauge.

Wisarut

24-03-08, 01:32 PM

The real catch is that the actual cost for doubel trackign and regauging is NOT just 300 billion Baht as Ai Samak and Ai Santi Claim ... even though they did NOTY include the whole Southern lines as well as the machine and maintnanace readjustment into account.

Ai Samak and Ai Santi Plan for double traking and reguaing can be listed as follows (Ref: Than Setthakij - 23 - 26 March 2008):

1. BKK - Chiang Mai ... and the New line to Chiang Rai -> either Chaing Chaing Mai - Chiang Rai to please the Leader or Den Chai - Chaing Rai as requestyed by Local people

2. BKK - Hua Hin

3. Ban Phachi - Nong Pladuk -Suphan Buri,

4. Nong Pladuk - Kanchanaburi

5. BKK - Nakhon ratchasima - Nong Khai

The reason for not include the SOuthenr section at the time being is that the Track form Hua Hin to Thung song has already been rehab ... and SRT better negotiate with KTMB so they would come up with the regauging scheme ... whcih may be unl;ikely since KTMB has made heavy investment ong electrification and double trackinh on the existing meter gauge ....

However, I guess they have to put the 3rd track alogn with the special concrete sleepeers and turnouts to deal with this matter ... to prevent gauge breaking problems ...

Even though they DID add the lkevel crossing solution -> both flyovers and tunnelling for the road, I'm not so sure if there will be enough flyovers to deal with illegal level crossings whcih come up as a daily basis ...

BTW, Dr. Pornthep Pornprapha (the big boss of Siam Motor Group) said SRT better extended Airport Link to Laem Chabang and Pattaya ... at least to facilitate Easter Seaboard Growth.

Yappofloyd

25-03-08, 03:05 PM

Wisarut

25-03-08, 03:59 PM

Yes, the Airport Link should eventually go to the eastern seaboard (eventually extend to Sattahip and even Rayong) to get all those weekend beach goers and tourists off the road. A 60 min plus service to Pattaya from the Airport would be well patronised!

I think the real catch is that all the delays to double tracking (as with Bkk mass transit) has meant that the raw costs of steel and concrete have doubled over the last few years!

Not sure if anyone noticed the full page ad by the SRT in yesterdays The Nation celebrating their birthday. Nice historical overview, a brief on all the double tracking, the Airport Line and the Red Lines.

Airport Link to Eastern Seaboard is one thing ... what about the double track which are critical to the economic deveopment including Kaeng Khoi - Klong 19 - Chachongsao - Laem chang as well as other route to relive the traffic delay (knlcudign the bottleneck between Phetburi - Hua Hin and Prachuab - Chumporn) ... and Kaeng Koi - Pak Chong- Khorat

For the case of Kaeng Khoi - Klong 19 - Chachongsao - Laem cha Bang - this would allow Isan folks to take a ride from Khorat to Eastern seaboard without going to BKK. ... if SRt manager to get mroe DMUs or EMU for this matter.

The reason for NOT offering the service from Khorat to eastern seaboard is that the line (Kaeng Khoi - Klong 19 - Chachongsao - Laem cha Bang) has already reach full capacity ... need doublr tracking to allow more train to go ... alogn with track rehab since the cargo trains have eatyen up 70 lb rails to such an extended it looks more like 60 lb/yard rail

Wisarut

09-04-08, 05:20 PM

For the latest news on Double tracking, Ai Samak is going to scrap the 75 Billion Baht double tracking (about 800 km) proposed by SRT since SRT plan is NOT pleasing Ai Samak and Ai Santi...

Ai Samak and Ai Santi want something according to THEIR OWN ideas including massive regauging ....alogn with 60 year Foreign concession of SRT .... without taking into account for trillions Baht of cost overrun.

This kinds of Policies really invite WRATH from SRT Union as well as SRT Boards .... along with the FURY from industrialists and people who NEED massive double tracking without even need of regauging ....

They have considered that Ai Samak and Ai Santi are either OUT OF TOUCH with the real world or showing their own hidden agenda of enless GREED and GLUTTON .... on SRT Land of course! :mad:

GWR

15-04-08, 09:45 AM

SRT plans to get back on track
Overhaul of railways aimed at reducing debt
AMORNRAT MAHITTHIROOK

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) will ask for more than 137 billion baht in financial support from the government to extend its rail network and develop its transport network in the hope of turning around three decades of losses. SRT chief financial officer Arak Ratboriharn said the SRT has embarked on a plan to revamp its management and operations in order to turn around its financial performance. The plan, if implemented, is expected to see visible outcomes in five to seven years.

Under the plan, the SRT will restructure its organisation and at the same time work on expanding its infrastructure, particularly the development of its rail network.

''Our national rail network has only been extended 600 kilometres over the past 57 years. That is considerably low compared with other countries in Asia,'' Mr Arak said.

Another problem is that 93%, or 3,763km, of the overall rail network of 4,043km is single track, which hinders the SRT's opportunities to provide services with potential returns, he said.

This forces each train to spend too much time waiting to switch tracks, and it loses the opportunity to make more trips and serve more passengers in one day. The extension of the dual-track railroads and the expansion of the rail network should be able to solve this problem, said Mr Arak.

The SRT will ask the government to fund the infrastructure of the rail extension and also the overhaul of the existing lines and related systems. This requires about 124.2 billion baht in funding, he said.

Most of the budget will go to the core solution which will help turn around the SRT _ the dual-track railway with a total length of about 800km nationwide.

Initially, the dual-track railway will link the country's main deepsea ports, including Laem Chabang, to the national rail transport grid. Such a development would help the SRT expand its goods transport service which has the highest margin of profit.

The SRT also expects the government to spend another 13 billion baht on purchases of new locomotives and passenger cars, as well as shouldering the cost of train operations to fulfil non-profit public service obligations, he said.

The SRT will shoulder the costs of commercial train services, adjustment of management restructuring, and organisation downsizing, said Mr Arak.

The plan is based on models of railway management used in several other countries.

To boost management flexibility in the SRT, it plans to set up subsidiary companies to manage assets related to electric trains and the suburban train systems and businesses related to commodity transportation, he said.

Transport Minister Santi Prompat unveiled a plan to capitalise on the SRT's ownership of land in prime business areas around Bangkok such as Makkasan, Bang Sue and Mae Nam, which could overwrite the SRT's accumulated debt of more than 51 billion baht.

Under this plan, the SRT will grant concessions to private property developers to develop the land around those train stations, said Mr Santi.

For example, the revenue from a project to develop the Makkasan commercial complex on more than 300 rai of land adjacent to Makkasan station, with an investment of about 200 billion baht, would overwrite all the SRT's debt in one year, said the transport minister.

Mr Arak said the SRT's current total debt of 51 billion baht does not yet include another 34-billion-baht liability related to the Airport Rail Link project, which will become part of the SRT's liabilities next year.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/15Apr2008_news01.php

GWR

02-05-08, 11:40 AM

This looks like a classic case - Thaksin-style - of deliberately punishing those areas that didn't vote for the PPP-led government. The line to Malaysia desperately needs more double-tracked sections:

Bt367 bn approved for five new rail routes
By Watcharapong Thongrung
The Nation
Published on May 2, 2008

The transport mega-project committee chaired by Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej yesterday approved a Bt367.3 billion budget for the construction of five double-track rail routes.

Transport Minister Santi Prompat said the combined length would be 2,644 kilometres, extensive enough to make Thailand an attractive destination for private investors.

"We have received interest from investors in China and the United Arab Emirates," he said.

The five routes are the 990-km route from Nong Khai to Kanchanaburi, which requires an investment of Bt132.7 billion; the 311-km route from Ubon Ratchathani to Nakhon Ratchasima, Bt41.7 billion; the 247-km route from Kaeng Khoi to Map Ta Phut, Bt33 billion; the 796-km route from Chiang Khong to Ayutthaya, Bt111.88 billion; and the 300-km route from Nakhon Ratchasima to Map Ta Phut, Bt48 billion.

[See also today's post on joint Thai-Myanmar plans to build a railway from the Myanmese port of Dawei to Kanchanaburi (http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showpost.php?p=20915&postcount=96), to facilitate the movement of freight to Laem Chabang Port in Thailand.]

The Cabinet will consider the projects at Tuesday's meeting. Private companies will be invited to invest in the projects under concessions. Carriage makers will be offered automatic rights to supply the projects if they set up a manufacturing plant in Thailand.

The investment aims mainly to facilitate goods transportation and reduce logistics costs, which are rising because of higher fuel prices.

The investment aims to raise rail transportation to 10 per cent from the current 2.84 per cent, Santi said.

The committee assigned the Transport Ministry, the State Railway of Thailand and other related agencies to finalise the investment details.

The SRT will also need to allocate about Bt39 billion to maintain and improve the existing 4,000-km rail network. Some parts will be expanded.

Meanwhile, the Industry Ministry will need to step up establishing industrial estates along the railway lines so as to diversify investment to other provinces.

"The projects will link Thailand with countries in the Mekong region," Santi said.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/05/02/national/national_30072071.php

Wisarut

02-05-08, 12:39 PM

Yah ... you are right .... Punishing the Southern Democrat voters as they please sicne they are too unruly and refuse to recognize the Supremacy of the Great Leader.

Furhtermore, the reguaging is to please the Minland China which could NOT compete with Japan for investment ... unless the track have been regauged to allow the cheap junks to run ... the export versuon of rolling stocks from mainland China generally inferior with the one for domestic market ... either due to the reduced axle load or so.

GWR

02-05-08, 05:36 PM

See also today's two previous posts.

Government nods to rail transit system development plan

BANGKOK, May 2 (TNA) – Thailand's Railway and Mass Transit System Development Committee Thursday approved a strategic plan to develop the national rail transit system with massive investment of over Bt360 billion.

Transport Minister Santi Prompat said the committee chaired by Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej gave a green light to the 3-pronged strategic plan for development of a 2,644-kilometre long rail transit system requires total investment of 367.31 billion baht.

The plan is focuses on developing Thailand's transport system to attract further investment and reduce transport costs as much as possible.

The Transport Ministry, the State Railway of Thailand and other agencies were assigned to prepare the plan in detail. Private companies will be invited to invest in the project.

He said the Industry Ministry would accelerate establishing industrial estates along railways to distribute investment in provincial areas and reduce transport costs as well.

Initially, the proportion of the rail transit would increase to 10 per cent from the current 2.84 per cent in the overall transport system.

National Economic and Social Development Board Secretary-General Amphon Kitti-amphon said the rail transit development plan includes improvement of the existing 4,000-km rail transit system with a budget of Bt39 billion, expansion of dual-track railways to link four routes extending 2,344 km to Mekong River Basin countries at Bt320 billion, and development of a high-speed express railway traveling at 160 km/hour :eek:to tourist sites. (TNA)-E005

http://enews.mcot.net/view.php?id=4082

Yappofloyd

06-05-08, 03:13 PM

Interesting anology at the start of this article.

Being from Australia I appreciate the sentence (highlighted) stating how roads keep getting prioritised and then progressiving expanded. Rail has been completed neglected in Australia for decades, the main line between Syd & Melb which was built in the 1880s and is still in use meaning a slow journey time; whereas the Hume Hwy between both cities has been rebuilt and duplicated into a near total freeway in the last 30 years!

At last, big plans for SRT Saritdet Marukatat Bkk Post 06/05/09

If you build it, they will come.'' A voice inspires farmer Ray Kinsella, played by Kevin Costner in the movie Field of Dreams, to turn his cornfield into a baseball ground. After the construction, dead baseball players come out to play the game. The bigwigs at the State Railway of Thailand and Transport Ministry are now thinking something similar. If new lines and the additional double-track networks are built, they will come. What they mean is that more passengers and freight will go by rail, thus ending SRT's misery.

After enjoying profits in the early years, the agency has been in the red since 1974. Its accumulated losses stand at 51 billion baht. Another 34 billion baht liability will be added for the Airport Rail Link project to be launched next year. The main reason for losing money looks simple. [B]More roads have been built in the country than railway lines. And they are constantly improved from two to four and even six lanes for key highways across the country. [B]

The rail network in this country covers some 4,043km, less than in neighbouring Burma, which has around 5,500km. Worse, only 280km of the Thai rail is the double-track system, compared with 200km in Malaysia and 600km in Burma. Thus it is not difficult to imagine why delays are very common for passengers due to that traffic bottleneck. To arrive at a railway station only to find that the train taking them to their destination will come two hours late, is still possible.

The single track limits the driver to run the train at a maximum speed of 120km per hour. Thus it is understandable for railway officials to envy those working at the Highways Department because roads always come first when policy-makers talk about transport infrastructure. Suddenly, last Thursday, something favourable to the railway agency happened at a transport meeting. All the big shots agreed that it was time to make a serious effort to develop the railways. So now the government will spend 39 billion baht to improve the tracks, including laying more double tracks.

That won't be enough. In the long term, around 367 billion baht will be spent for new and wider tracks covering 2,644km. The railway jargon for this is ''standard gauge,'' which is 1.435 metres wide, compared to the one-metre gauge system being used now. Thailand will eventually have high speed trains running at 160km per hour from Bangkok to Nakhon Sawan, Pattaya, Chanthaburi and Nakhon Ratchasima. The bottom line for this is that focus should be shifted to trains because they can carry people and goods in large amounts at the same time. Logistics costs will be cut and there will be even less pollution especially in the long term when electricity, not diesel, will be the main power to haul trains. Should train enthusiasts give the government a big round of applause? The answer could be ''No.'' One conclusion of this ambitious plan is that it is going too far, too quickly.

There is no argument the SRT needs the double-track system. The on-time schedule and faster trains which would result will lure people to take the train and factory owners to transport their freight. But will it need to add the standard gauge into the existing system? Whether the tracks should be widened from one metre to 1.435m has been the subject of debate among train officials for several years. Wider tracks mean trains can run faster, that's true. But new technologies can also help trains on the one-metre track to run faster, too. The money to build the new system should be used to expand the train network to more areas in the country. [B]Only 600km have been added to the railway map since the establishment of the SRT to replace the Royal State Railways of Siam in 1951.[B] That was 57 years ago.

It would be easy to equip the SRT with high speed trains, but whether it would be worth it remains a question. Other countries such as Japan, France, Germany, South Korea and Taiwan have those kind of trains. But that happened after all basic train infrastructure was put in place, including the double-track system, and enough coaches to serve passengers, enough locomotives to pull the trains and qualified staff to run the organisation. ''Don't think too far ahead about high speed trains. Let's find a way to have our present trains run quicker first and think about other things later.'' That's what one senior SRT official said about what should be the priority for his agency.

Saritdet Marukatat is News Editor, Bangkok Post.

Yappofloyd

07-05-08, 11:32 AM

Everyone is on board, now they just have to build the network. 2% is appalling low.

Operators welcome 2,600-km dual-track rail project NAREERAT WIRIYAPONG Bkk Post 07/05/08

Logistics operators have praised the government's plan to build a 2,600-kilometre dual-track rail network, saying the massive investment scheme would help the country save logistics costs amid high oil prices. Despite the high costs that could run into billions of baht, private investors, especially from abroad, would be keen to jointly invest with the Thai government in the project, said Suwit Ratanachinda, president of the Thai International Freight Forwarders Association.

However, he said the investment should be prioritised _ starting with the routes from Bangkok to the North, Northeast and South of about 800 kilometres where demand for goods transport was substantial. ''We would like to see the government kick-start the project and seriously expand the railways over the next five years,'' said Mr Suwit. ''We should start with domestic railways before developing cross-