BANGKOK, Dec 28 – Train services nationwide will be upgraded in a 2 and 1/2 year improvement programme beginning early next year with a planned completion date of August 2015, for track and facilities improvement, according to the State Railway of Thailand (SRT).

SRT public relations chief Nual-anong Wongchan said the agency has received Bt17.6 billion to improve its infrastructure, including track bed, tracks and signals improvement. Railway bridges will be standardised to reach international standards.

The budget covers construction of dual tracks between Nakhon Pathom-Hua Hin; Lop Buri-Nakhon Sawan and Bua Yai junction-Khon Kaen.

SRT also plans to purchase new diesel locomotives to replace old ones, she said.

Ms Nual-anong said that the improvement work will begin early next year and will be completed by August 2015. Construction may affect railway services during the construction period.

She said that if the work completed as planned, the rail tracks would be stronger and the train would be safer in the future. The train could use higher speed and build confidence among the passengers in terms of punctuality and could shorten the travel time.

MCOT