On track: SRT proposes dual-track railway to Nakhon Ratchasima

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) proposed two options for the construction of a dual-track railway between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima, assuring locals that the Simathani Bridge will not be demolished. The meeting, held at the Ministry of Transport, aimed to finalise plans and address concerns.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Minister of Transport Surapong Piyachote along with numerous representatives from relevant ministries and local organisations were present at the meeting, including the Governor of Nakhon Ratchasima.

The Deputy Minister of Transport emphasised that the discussion was to clarify the feasibility and suitability of the dual-track railway construction through Nakhon Ratchasima. This was essential for local leaders to communicate and explain the project’s details to the public effectively.

The proposed dual-track railway construction from Map Kabao to Chira Junction will be elevated at a height of 8 metres as it passes through Nakhon Ratchasima City. This elevated design ensures that residents on both sides of the railway can commute freely.

Additionally, it guarantees that the construction will not cause flooding in the city. The SRT proposed two construction methods to implement the railway around the Simathani Bridge.

The first method suggests the construction of an elevated railway that goes under the bridge, where the railway lowers to pass underneath and then rises again, covering a distance of approximately 1,600 metres. This approach avoids the need to demolish the bridge.

The second construction method suggests building the elevated railway over the bridge without demolishing it. However, this option poses a critical issue for the high-speed rail project.

The high-speed trains need to stop at Korat Station, but with the elevated dual-track crossing the Simathani Bridge, it may not be possible to lower the tracks in time for the stop, potentially necessitating the relocation of Korat Station or rerouting the high-speed rail to Chira Station instead.

The SRT was urged to create graphic representations of both options as soon as possible to enable a thorough review and a clear presentation for the next meeting. This will help local leaders visualise and communicate the plans effectively to the residents, reported KhaoSod.