Bangkok: The Ministry of Transport has outlined the advancement of three double-track railway lines in southern Thailand, spanning 534 kilometers and linking to Padang Besar. The initial 504 kilometers are set to proceed, and a proposal will be presented at the upcoming Cabinet meeting in Songkhla.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Minister of Transport Mr. Sanphet Bunyamanee shared updates on the Phase 2 Southern Double-Track Railway Project following the approval from the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) board. The project connects Chumphon, Surat Thani, Hat Yai, and extends to Padang Besar on the Thai-Malaysian border. The SRT is finalizing details to submit to the Ministry of Transport, aiming to present the project at the Cabinet meeting in Songkhla on September 1, 2026.
The second phase includes three routes: Chumphon-Surat Thani (168 km), Surat Thani-Hat Yai Junction-Songkhla (321 km), and Hat Yai Junction-Padang Besar (45 km), totaling 534 km. The focus is on the first 504 km, with a budget of approximately 106,798 million baht. The remaining 30 km from Hat Yai Junction to Songkhla will be tackled later.
Mr. Sanphet emphasized the project's significance, as it extends the double-track railway to Hat Yai, linking with Padang Besar and enhancing connectivity with Malaysia. This infrastructure will boost passenger travel, tourism, trade, and international freight transport. The double-track system will alleviate single-track limitations, improving transportation efficiency and economic ties with neighboring countries.
Flood resilience is a priority, particularly in Hat Yai, which experienced flooding in November 2025. Design adjustments include a 3-kilometer overpass and a 2-kilometer embankment to mitigate flood risks. Mr. Sanphet stressed the importance of incorporating lessons from past floods to ensure future infrastructure resilience.
Detailed budgets have been allocated: 36,892.32 million baht for the Chumphon-Surat Thani section over five years, 77,456.97 million baht for the Surat Thani-Hat Yai Junction-Songkhla section over six years, and 8,371.45 million baht for the Hat Yai Junction-Padang Besar section over four years, all slated for completion between 2027 and 2033.
The Hat Yai-Songkhla section, with a budget of 15,922.42 million baht, remains under consideration for future phases due to community expansion and population density affecting land use and road alignment.
Mr. Sanphet stressed the need for a comprehensive approach to transportation in Hat Yai and Songkhla, considering all systems-railways, mass transit, airport connectivity, and road networks-to support the region's long-term growth.