CHIANG RAI – The State Railway of Thailand is pressing ahead with construction of the Den Chai–Chiang Rai–Chiang Khong double-track railway line, a 323-kilometer project scheduled to open in 2028.
The new railway will provide faster journeys to the far north, cutting travel times by more than an hour compared with road travel. It will serve 26 stations across Phrae, Lampang, Phayao, and Chiang Rai, bringing better connections to 17 districts.
At the northern end, trains will reach Chiang Khong, a key border crossing to Laos and onward to China. The line is designed to strengthen cross-border trade, lower transport costs, and support the growing tourism industry in the region.
Engineering highlights include four tunnels and a series of mountain bridges, giving the route both practical importance and tourist appeal. Freight facilities will also be built, with four container yards to support logistics.
According to the State Railway of Thailand, the Den Chai–Chiang Rai–Chiang Khong double-track project spans 323.10 kilometres, with a total budget of 85.345 billion baht. Overall construction stands at 41.986%, while civil works are at 40.656%, around 1.331% ahead of schedule.
The scheme upgrades Thailand’s rail network toward a regional transport hub. It is expected to lower freight costs, boost national competitiveness, and support fast-growing tourism in the North. The line is planned to open for service in 2571.
Progress by contract is as follows. Contract 1, Den Chai–Ngao, 104 kilometres, civil works at 38.915%, with cumulative progress at 41.234%, behind plan by 2.31%. Contract 2, Ngao–Chiang Rai, 132 kilometres, civil works at 48.062%, cumulative plan at 44.64%, ahead by 3.415%. Contract 3, Chiang Rai–Chiang Khong, 86 kilometres, civil works at 37.767%, cumulative plan at 34.325%, ahead by 3.42%.
Key tunnel works cover four sites. Song Tunnel, progress at 87.47%, cumulative plan at 73.15%, behind plan by 14.32%. Ngao Tunnel, progress at 52.78%, cumulative plan at 55.09%, ahead by 3.12%. Mae Ka Tunnel, progress at 53.73%, cumulative plan at 61.94%, ahead by 8.12%. Doi Luang Tunnel, progress at 50.56%, cumulative plan at 59.16%, ahead by 8.16%.
Once complete, the Den Chai–Chiang Rai–Chiang Khong double-track will cut travel time by about 1 to 1.5 hours compared with driving. It will add value to tourism and cross-border trade, lift local incomes along the route, and lower transport and logistics costs in line with government policy.
The 323-kilometre line crosses four provinces, Phrae, Lampang, Phayao, and Chiang Rai, covering 17 districts and 59 subdistricts. It includes 26 stations and halts, plus four container yards (CY) for storage and handling.
This corridor will tighten links between Thailand and neighbouring countries, open new border trade opportunities in the North, and create more export channels for Thai products.
The line also offers striking scenery, with trains running through mountain ranges, bridges, and tunnels. It will attract Thai and international visitors, help upgrade existing attractions, and support new tourism spots. The benefits will flow to local communities along the route, while freight and logistics costs fall, supporting long-term economic growth through better infrastructure.
