BANGKOK: The Thanon Chira Junction–Ubon Ratchathani double-track railway is one of the megaprojects included in Phase 2 of the double-track railway development plan, but it has yet to receive investment approval.
Deputy Minister of Transport Siripong Angkasakulkiat announced a push to take the project to the Cabinet as a key piece of infrastructure supporting the lower northeast’s long-term economic expansion and connecting transport routes to border areas and neighbouring countries.
The project spans 308km and requires an investment of 44.01 billion bhat (US$1.34bil).
The Transport Ministry aims to submit it to the Cabinet for approval to extend and complete the rail transport network.
Cabinet submission is initially targeted for the first quarter of 2027, followed by the start of construction in 2028 and the opening of services in 2032.
The line would pass through four provinces: Buri Ram, Surin, Si Sa Ket and Ubon Ratchathani. These provinces form a strategic area important to the lower Northeast’s economy in agriculture, trade, investment, tourism and border trade.
The northeast is a vast region with a large population, making transport infrastructure vital to urban development and people’s quality of life. — The Nation/ANN
