New dual track rail line in Khon Kaen being trialed
7 December 2018 (NNT)
State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has begun testing its dual track rail line between Chira Road and Khon Kaen, which is slated to complete construction next year.
Khon Kaen Governor Somsak Jungtrakul joined SRT authorities this week in boarding the 417 train at Ta Phra station in Khon Kaen for a 15 minute trip on the dual track railway between Nakhon Ratchasima and Nong Khai provinces before inspecting a newly constructed passenger building. They were told that work was 90 percent complete, and should be ready for official unveiling in February.
The governor welcomed the new station and the Ministry of Transport’s decision to construct a dual track railway between Nakhon Ratchasima and Khon Kaen, saying it will greatly reduce travel time between the two locations.
Members of the public gathered for the trial expressed similar optimism over the convenience offered by the new rail line.
The Chira-Khon Kaen railway stretches 179 kilometers and is expected to cost a total 24.326 billion baht. It will include 18 stations, two of which will be elevated, with elevated crossings and 86 tunnels.
