SRT plans higher platforms on Bangkok–Chachoengsao route
The project has a budget of ฿99,788,000, with bidding planned for November and construction expected to start in 2027.
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) plans to raise platforms on the route linking Bangkok with Chachoengsao Junction to accommodate refurbished Japanese trains. DailyNews reported a budget of ฿99,788,000 for the temporary upgrades, which SRT intends to put out to tender in November.
Work is expected to start in 2027. Existing platforms are about 50 centimetres high, compared with the roughly 1.10 metres needed for KIHA 40 and KIHA 48 trains. The raised sections would use prefabricated steel structures or concrete blocks, avoiding major alterations to stations while making boarding easier and safer.
The eastern line route from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong station to Chachoengsao Junction covers about 61 kilometres and serves 22 stations and stops. The work would follow the approach used for completed platform upgrades between Chiang Rak and Ayutthaya.
SRT plans to deploy the diesel trains donated by East Japan Railway Company, or JR East, on routes from Bangkok to Chachoengsao and Nakhon Pathom. Platform work between Thonburi and Nakhon Pathom is already complete, with the planned Bangkok–Nakhon Pathom service expected to start within 2026.
A KIHA service already links Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal with Ayutthaya under SRT Bangkok Connex, also known as BNEX. Refurbishment in Thailand has included engines, electrical equipment, air-conditioning and passenger interiors.
Seven of the 20 donated trains have completed refurbishment and testing. Two more are expected to be finished by November, taking the number ready for service to nine. A shortage of technical workers has delayed the refurbishment programme.
