The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is set to launch the first train on the Northeast dual-track route on Sunday, July 28. This route extends from Mab Kabao to Muak Lek stations in Saraburi province, covering a distance of 13.2 kilometers.

 

This section is part of the larger 42.9-kilometer dual-track route that runs from Mab Kabao to Khlong Khanan Chit station in Nakhon Ratchasima province. Pichet Kunadhamraks, the director-general of the Department of Rail Transport, shared this development.

 

The inaugural train will pass through the Pha Sadet tunnel, situated between Mab Kabao and Hin Lab station. The dual tunnel is notable for its dimensions: 7.5 meters wide, 7 meters high for each side, and 5.41 kilometers long, making it the longest railway tunnel in Thailand.

 

Between Hin Lab and Muak Lek stations lies the Hin Lab tunnel. This double-track tunnel is 11 meters wide, 7.3 meters high, and stretches 265 meters long. It further enhances the efficiency and safety of the route.

 

Pichet highlighted that the Pha Sadet tunnel is fully equipped with essential safety equipment, including ventilation and lighting systems, a supervisory control and data acquisition system, fire extinguishers, CCTV surveillance, emergency telephones, and backup generators. The tunnel also features sensors that detect unauthorized personnel, heat, and levels of oxygen, carbon monoxide, and sulfur dioxide, adhering to the National Fire Protection Association 130 standard for transit and passenger rail.

 

There are 11 cross passages between the tracks in the Pha Sadet tunnel, located every 500 meters. These passages are designed to facilitate the evacuation of passengers in the event of an accident or other emergencies.

 

“The two new tunnels will help cut travel time to the northeastern region by rail by about 20 minutes,” Pichet stated. This improvement is a significant step towards enhancing the efficiency of Thailand’s railway network.

 

The entire route, from Saraburi to Nakhon Ratchasima, terminating at Thanon Chira junction, covers a total distance of 134 kilometers. It is scheduled to be fully operational by 2025, marking a new era in Thai rail transport.

 

With these advancements, Thailand is poised to offer faster, safer, and more efficient rail travel, benefiting both residents and tourists. The launch this Sunday is just the beginning of an exciting journey towards modernized rail infrastructure in the country.

 

Source: The Nation

 

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The editorial team at Invest Bangkok Property