CHIANG RAI – The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has provided an update on the Den Chai-Chiang Rai-Chiang Khong double-track railway project, with a total budget of 85 billion baht. Construction is on track, reaching 40.656% completion. SRT expects the railway to be operational by 2028.
This new line will strengthen economic growth and improve transport links with neighbouring regions. SRT is also preparing for northern floods by launching response plans to reduce risks and keep the project moving forward.
According to SRT, construction on the 323.10-kilometre Den Chai-Chiang Rai-Chiang Khong line (worth 85.3 billion baht) is progressing steadily. Overall project completion stands at 41.986 percent, and civil works are at 40.656 percent, a slight improvement over the projected schedule.
The project is a key part of upgrading Thailand’s rail network to become a regional transport hub. It will cut transport costs, improve trade competitiveness, and support the fast-growing tourism sector in the north. The aim is to finish construction and open the line in 2028.
Breaking it down by contract, there are three main sections:
- Den Chai to Ngao (104 km): Civil works are 38.915 percent complete, slightly behind the plan by 2.31 percent (41.234 percent compared to the plan)
- Ngao to Chiang Rai (132 km): Civil works are 48.062 percent complete, ahead of plan by 3.415 percent (44.64 percent)
- Chiang Rai to Chiang Khong (86 km): Civil works are 37.767 percent complete, ahead of plan by 3.42 percent (34.325 percent)
Four major tunnels are a highlight of this project. The Song tunnel is 87.47 percent finished, but is behind schedule by 14.32 percent. Ngao tunnel is at 52.78 percent, running ahead by 3.12 percent. Mae Ka tunnel comes in at 53.73 percent, also ahead by 8.12 percent. Doi Luang tunnel stands at 50.56 percent, outperforming by 8.16 percent.
Earlier, construction faced problems due to Tropical Storm Wipha. The storm brought heavy rain and flooding in several areas, affecting parts of the rail project. Some sections, such as railway bridge construction sites and drainage system installations, experienced water intrusion. SRT asked contractors to halt or slow down work temporarily.
With unpredictable weather and more frequent floods in the north, SRT has now updated its plans. The new plan uses a react, adjust, and forecast approach for better flood management.
The focus is on quick response, ongoing monitoring, and constant adjustments to construction methods. SRT is also working with local agencies to monitor at-risk areas, practice flood drills, and use real-time data to track water levels.
This teamwork with the government and local communities aims to build a safe, stable, and environmentally friendly rail system.
When complete, the Den Chai-Chiang Rai-Chiang Khong route will cut travel time compared to car journeys by one to one and a half hours. The new line will boost tourism and trade, helping residents along the route by lowering transport and logistics costs.
Stretching 323 kilometres, the railway passes through four provinces: Phrae, Lampang, Phayao, and Chiang Rai. It covers 17 districts and 59 sub-districts, including 26 stations and stops, plus four cargo container yards (CY).
This double-track railway will strengthen transport links between Thailand and its neighbours, opening new trade routes and export opportunities for northern Thailand. The journey includes beautiful natural scenery, with trains passing mountains, bridges, and tunnels, making it attractive to both local and overseas tourists.
The improved public transport network not only creates new income for local communities but also supports the government’s policy to develop infrastructure for sustainable growth.
