CHIANG RAI – The highly anticipated Den Chai to Chiang Khong railway is steadily moving forward. The State Railway of Thailand recently confirmed the project reached 72.25% completion by the end of September 2026. Overall progress is slightly behind the planned target of 74.37%. This leaves the massive infrastructure project facing a minor delay of about 2%.
This double-track railway will completely change travel in Northern Thailand. The 85.3 billion baht project spans 323.1 kilometers across four beautiful provinces. It will smoothly connect Phrae, Lampang, Phayao, and Chiang Rai. Approved by the Cabinet in 2018, it aims to boost local trade and tourism.
Key Takeaways:
- The massive Northern railway project is 72.25% complete but faces a minor 2% delay.
- Two mountain tunnels are ahead of schedule, while two others are lagging behind.
- Drivers on Phahonyothin Road face traffic diversions in Lampang until September 2027.
Tunnel Construction Sees Mixed Progress
A major part of this new railway involves drilling four large tunnels. Crews must cut through thick northern mountains, which is a tough challenge. The results so far show a mix of rapid success and frustrating delays. The Mae Ka tunnel in Phayao is currently a major bright spot.
This 2.7-kilometer tunnel in Phayao is already 88% complete. This puts the hardworking crews nearly 13% ahead of their scheduled target. The Doi Luang tunnel in Chiang Rai is also making excellent time. This 3.4-kilometer passage is 83% finished, beating its plan by almost 15%.
Unfortunately, the other two mountain tunnels are struggling to keep pace. The Song tunnel in Phrae is facing the biggest setbacks of all. It was supposed to be 100% finished by now, but it sits at just 68% complete. The 6.2-kilometer Ngao tunnel in Lampang is also slightly behind its goals at 60%.
Traffic Alerts for Lampang Drivers
The newest construction phase is causing some headaches for local drivers. Workers are now building the elevated train route across Phahonyothin Road. This work is happening in the Ngao district of Lampang. It impacts the busy highway connecting Ngao directly to Phayao.
To keep cars moving, traffic is being diverted to temporary side lanes. These road diversions will remain in place for quite some time. The railway authority expects this specific roadwork to finish by September 30, 2027. Drivers traveling through the Ban Rong area must stay alert.
Safety is the top priority for both workers and travelers right now. Officials urge everyone to watch for warning signs and follow traffic signals. People should also allow extra time for their daily commutes. Extra caution is highly recommended when driving through these active work zones.
Breaking Down the Railway Contracts
The massive Northern railway is split into three main building contracts. Contract 1 covers the 104-kilometer stretch starting from Den Chai and ending in Ngao. Contract 2 tackles the tricky 132-kilometer section from Ngao to Chiang Rai. This middle section must navigate steep mountains and busy main roads.
Finally, Contract 3 handles the last 87-kilometer leg of the journey toward Chiang Khong. The entire project includes 26 new stations, underpasses, and large cargo yards. These additions will make shipping goods across the country much easier. All three contracts officially started on February 15, 2022.
The entire railway network has a strict seven-year timeline for completion. If crews can catch up on delays, the railway should finish by January 14, 2028. Once open, it will offer faster, safer, and cheaper transport. This historic railway will truly unlock the economic potential of Northern Thailand.
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