Songkhla: The Cabinet has given the green light to six double-track railway projects in the southern region, with a total investment of 106 billion baht.
According to Thai News Agency, the Cabinet meeting, held outside Bangkok in Songkhla Province, approved the Ministry of Transport's proposal to move forward with the construction of these projects as part of Phase 2. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has been authorized to undertake three projects, with funding set at 106,798.32 million baht. The government will cover all costs, with the Budget Bureau providing annual budgets and the Ministry of Finance arranging domestic loans with guarantees to enhance the regional transportation infrastructure and boost the economy.
The three projects approved for the second phase include the Chumphon-Surat Thani section, slated for a 7-year implementation from fiscal year 2026 to 2032 at a cost of 36,892.32 million baht; the Surat Thani-Hat Yai Junction section, planned for an 8-year implementation from fiscal year 2026 to 2033 costing 61,534.55 million baht; and the Hat Yai Junction-Padang Besar section, planned over 6 years from fiscal year 2026 to 2031 at a cost of 8,371.45 million baht.
The Ministry of Transport noted that revisions to the projects were necessitated by fluctuating costs and the need to ensure quality standards. Adjustments included changes to construction methods and measures to prevent flooding, reflecting lessons from recent southern floods. Additionally, the rise in material and fuel costs due to Middle East conflicts warranted an update in construction costs, alongside updated land acquisition and compensation figures.
These changes have altered project valuations from initial 2025 proposals. The Chumphon-Surat Thani section's budget rose from 30,422.53 million baht to 36,892.32 million baht, the Hat Yai Junction-Padang Besar section increased from 7,772.90 million baht to 8,371.45 million baht, and the Surat Thani-Hat Yai Junction-Songkhla section from 66,270.51 million baht to 77,556.97 million baht.
To maintain budget discipline and timeline, SRT will prioritize the Surat Thani-Hat Yai Junction section first, costing 61,534.55 million baht, with the Hat Yai Junction-Songkhla section postponed until land encroachment issues are resolved.
Additionally, three more Phase 2 double-track railway projects received in-principle approval: the Pak Nam Pho-Den Chai, Den Chai-Chiang Mai, and Chum Thang Thanon Chira-Ubon Ratchathani sections. SRT will expedite feasibility reviews and strategic planning, as recommended by the National Economic and Social Development Council, before returning to the Cabinet for final approval.