Cabinet Approves Phase 2 Southern Dual-Track Railway, 3 Projects Worth 106.8 Billion Baht
Macro
The Cabinet has approved the construction of 3 projects under the second phase of the southern dual-track railway, with a total budget of 106,798.32 million baht, with the government bearing all costs. It also gave in-principle approval to 3 other projects. The approved projects include the Chumphon-Surat Thani section, worth 36,892.32 million baht, with a construction period of 7 years; the Surat Thani-Hat Yai Junction section, worth 61,534.55 million baht, taking 8 years; and the Hat Yai Junction-Padang Besar section, worth 8,371.45 million baht, taking 6 years. The budget increased from the original due to project details being adjusted to match the actual terrain and higher costs. Meanwhile, the Hat Yai Junction-Songkhla section, worth 15,922.42 million baht, has been postponed until encroachers are dealt with. The other 3 projects given in-principle approval are the Pak Nam Pho-Den Chai, Den Chai-Chiang Mai, and Chira Junction-Ubon Ratchathani sections, which require a review of their feasibility before being submitted for approval again.
