Mallika launches Lopburi 2 Station, upgrading Thailand’s rail system with the country’s longest elevated railway at 19 km. It is promoted as a new tourism hub for Lopburi, offering free songthaew connections for three months to reduce public inconvenience.
Ms. Mallika Jirapanwanit, Deputy Minister of Transport, visited Lopburi Province to officially open Lopburi 2 railway station, marking a major milestone in Thai rail infrastructure. This follows over 70 years of unresolved issues, culminating in the construction of the country’s longest elevated railway bypass of over 19 kilometers to avoid affecting historical sites, minimize land expropriation, and prevent future flooding.
The original Lopburi station is located in the old town area with a narrow 8-meter right-of-way, close to important historical landmarks like the Phra Prang Sam Yot and San Phra Kan. Despite decades of efforts, it could not be expanded to double-track. After consultations, the final solution was to build an elevated railway along the Department of Highways’ bypass road, significantly reducing home expropriations and enhancing safety, especially considering lessons from the 2011 floods that submerged construction areas by 7–8 meters. Hence, pillars were designed 20–24 meters high to withstand long-term flooding.
The elevated railway, stretching over wide rice fields, is becoming a new scenic viewpoint. Trains descending from the elevated track across the fields have gained popularity on social media and are expected to become a future landmark of the province.
To improve operational efficiency and reduce passenger impact, the State Railway of Thailand has revised service usage at both stations. Lopburi 1 in the city continues to serve 18 local and commuter trains, catering mainly to students and regular travelers. Lopburi 2 will handle 14 express and long-distance trains, including routes to Chiang Mai, Lampang, and Den Chai. Passengers with advance tickets will be automatically notified to disembark at Lopburi 2, with shuttle services available for every train.
For connectivity, the railway provides free shuttle buses for three months between the old and new stations and has coordinated with private songthaew operators to extend routes to Lopburi 2 Station at a fare of just 10 baht, easing the transition and supporting the public.
Although Lopburi 2 Station does not yet have commercial shops fully operational, it offers basic facilities such as lighting, spacious areas, and 24-hour security personnel. The railway confirms that platform safety is monitored continuously by staff at all points, despite lacking automatic gates like urban electric trains, since long-distance rail systems are not equipped for such features.
The Deputy Minister of Transport stated that the new station will be a pivotal point driving Lopburi’s economic and tourism growth. It is expected to elevate Lopburi from a day-trip destination to a secondary city where tourists stay overnight. The 19 km scenic elevated route is a new photography spot, with plans alongside the Tourism Authority of Thailand to develop tourism routes to sunflower fields, Phra Narai Ratchaniwet Palace, and local markets, using Lopburi 2 as the new travel hub. Travel time from Bangkok is only 1 hour 10 minutes, faster than the 2–2.5 hours by car.
The signaling and train control systems for the Lopburi–Pak Nam Pho double-track section have been installed and are under testing. Full operation of the Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system is expected by mid-next year, significantly enhancing safety and operational efficiency.
The northern double-track project segment from Lopburi to Pak Nam Pho is now complete. The final segment from Pak Nam Pho to Chiang Mai is still in progress and not yet under construction. The Ministry of Transport expects the new station to boost activity during the New Year festival and to be a key step in the long-term development of Thailand’s rail system.
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