Thailand Railway agrees to 1.1-metre platforms in station upgrades
31 May 2019
The platforms for trains in the double-track system will be set at 1.1 metres in order to ensure convenience for all passengers, State Railway of Thailand (SRT) acting governor Worawut Mala said on Thursday.
Installation of platforms along the double-track rail project concerns nine construction contracts in the first phase.
This height stipulation will be added into construction contracts and budget documents, the acting governor said.
According to Mr Worawut, the SRT agreed that a 1.1-metre high platform would be the most suitable height.
“In the long run, it would be a boon for all passengers, from ordinary commuters, the disabled, children, the elderly, as well as those carrying a lot of luggage,” Mr Worawut said.
The proposed height corresponds with Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith’s policy which seeks to make the public transport system convenient for all passengers under a “universal design” concept.
However, the height might make it inconvenient for passengers at some points leading the SRT and relevant parties to look at ways to ensure safety and convenience for all commuters, Mr Worawut noted.
An SRT source who asked not to be named said that the old platforms — as well as the trains and carriages currently in service — will be lower than the new platforms. However, when the SRT adds new trains and carriages, ramps will have to be used to enable passengers to reach the platform in the transition period while the platforms are raised.
The first phase of the dual-track rail project covers seven routes — Hua Hin-Prachuap Khiri Khan, Prachuap Khiri Khan-Chumphon, Map Kabao-Jira, Nakhon Pathom-Hua Hin, Lop Buri-Pak Nam Pho, Jira-Khon Kaen and Chachoengsao-Kaeng Khoi.
Meanwhile, on Tuesday, Mr Arkhom said the cabinet had approved the SRT’s proposal to build a new double-track railway from Ban Phai in Khon Kaen to Nakhon Phanom, a distance of 355km.
It will take around eight years to complete the 66.8-billion-baht project, the minister said, adding that construction is expected to begin in either late 2024 or early 2025.
Source: https://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/1686968/srt-agrees-to-1-1-metre-platforms-in-station-upgrades
