(KPL/VNA) Thai Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit has announced a plan to accelerate work on the second phase of the country’s railway system upgrade, which will cover six double-track railway projects with an investment of 300 billion THB (8.8 billion USD) next year.

The six routes are Pak Nam Pho-Den Chai (281 km), Chira Junction-Ubon Ratchathani (308km), Hat Yai-Padang Besar (45km), Chumphon-Surat Thani (168km), Surat Thani-Hat Yai-Songkhla (321km) and Den Chai-Chiang Mai (189km).

Currently, the projects have received approval from the Budget Bureau and are awaiting review by the Finance Ministry and the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC).

Suriya said that feedback from both agencies is expected by the end of this month, with the cabinet's approval anticipated by January.

Additionally, the second phase of the high-speed railway project connecting Bangkok and Nong Khai, which stretches 357km and is worth 341 billion THB, is under review by the Finance Ministry and the NESDC. The review is expected to be completed within two months, with bidding anticipated within next year.

Meanwhile, the ministry also reported the latest development in the construction of a double-track railway connecting Khon Kaen and Nong Khai in the northeastern region, which is the signing of a 28.7-billion-THB contract between State Railway of Thailand (SRT) governor Veeris Ammarapala and CHO Thavee-AS Construction, a joint venture.

The project will build a new track parallel to the existing one, spanning 167km, expected to complete by 2028.

KPL