Transport Ministry's outlines its projects for 2024
The Ministry of Transport has allocated 389.75 billion baht to fund transportation projects as part of the government’s plan to create a seamless transportation system in Thailand.
Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit revealed on Tuesday (January 30) that the transportation projects for this year include 64 projects set to become operational and 31 new projects on which construction is slated to commence. He also mentioned 57 new investment projects for 2025 with a combined investment value of 263.016 billion baht.
Some of the major projects this year include:
-The construction of the Bangkok-Ubon Ratchathani high-speed railway, which is expected to be completed in 2028. The railway will reduce travel time between Bangkok and Ubon Ratchathani from 12 hours to 2 hours.
- The expansion of the Bangkok Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system, including the construction of the Purple Line extension, which is expected to be completed in 2026.
- The construction of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) high-speed rail network, which will connect the EEC with major cities in Thailand and neighbouring countries. The network is expected to be completed in 2030.
The government believes that these projects will help to improve the efficiency of transportation in Thailand and make it easier for people to travel around the country. The projects are also expected to boost economic growth by creating jobs and attracting investment.
Details of the projects are given below.
The Bangkok-Ubon Ratchathani high-speed railway is a 725-kilometre line that will connect the two cities. The railway will have a maximum speed of 250 km/h and is expected to carry up to 10 million passengers per year.
The project is being undertaken by a consortium led by China Railway Construction Corporation. The construction is expected to begin this year and be completed in 2028.
The Bangkok Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system currently consists of two lines, the Blue Line and the Purple Line. The Purple Line extension will add 17 stations, extending it from Bang Sue to Rangsit, and should be completed in 2026.
The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) high-speed rail network will connect the EEC with major cities in Thailand and neighbouring countries. The network will consist of three lines:
-The EEC-China high-speed rail line, which will connect Bangkok with Kunming, China.
-The EEC-Laos high-speed rail line, which will connect Bangkok with Vientiane, Laos.
-The EEC-Malaysia high-speed rail line, which will connect Bangkok with Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
The construction of the EEC-China high-speed rail line is expected to begin this year and be completed in 2030. The construction of the other two lines is still under discussion.
