Thailand Advances Double-Track Railway Plan For Lower Northeast

Thailand, August 2026 – Thailand’s Transport Ministry is pushing forward the Thanon Chira Junction–Ubon Ratchathani double-track railway as part of the second phase of the country’s double-track rail development programme. The project is intended to strengthen connectivity across the lower Northeast and improve links to border trade routes.

The proposed railway will cover 308 kilometres and require an estimated investment of THB44.09536 billion. It will pass through Buri Ram, Surin, Si Sa Ket and Ubon Ratchathani. The ministry is targeting Cabinet approval in the first quarter of 2027, followed by construction in 2028 and commencement of services in 2032.

For the rail sector, the project is expected to support passenger mobility as well as the movement of agricultural products and other goods. Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat said double-track railways would provide additional travel options and allow freight to be transported at lower costs than other modes, supporting economic activity across the region.

The railway would also serve an economically significant area with established agricultural, tourism, investment and border-trade activity. Government officials highlighted the importance of transport links to neighbouring countries and noted growing interest in alternative trade routes, including the Nakhon Phanom border checkpoint, where exports and imports are valued at tens of billions of baht annually.

The proposed investment reflects Thailand’s broader strategy of developing conventional double-track rail alongside major high-speed railway projects. By increasing network capacity and strengthening connections between inland economic centres and border areas, the project could contribute to a more integrated national freight and passenger railway network while supporting long-term development in the lower Northeast.

Source: The Nation Thailand