The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is accelerating solutions for 27 railway crossings across Bangkok, while advancing the "Missing Link" project connecting Hua Lamphong and Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station, confident the project can be submitted to the Cabinet in 2028.
Anan Phoonimdaeng, Acting Governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), stated that to address and reduce the long-term problem of at-grade crossings between vehicles and trains at over 27 locations across Bangkok, SRT is preparing to push forward the “Missing Link” project covering Hua Mak–Phaya Thai–Hua Lamphong and Hua Lamphong–Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Station. This aims to systematically solve the crossing issues. They will update previous feasibility studies to current standards and request budgets in 2027–2028 to review project details before submitting to the Cabinet.For Cabinet consideration.They expect to resubmit to the Cabinet in 2028, open construction bids in 2029, and complete the project around 2034.
SRT believes this project will ease traffic problems at railway crossings through building elevated and underpass routes, as well as adjusting train operations within the inner city. Notably, the Taling Chan–Siriraj route currently has eight at-grade crossings; plans include constructing bridges and elevated pedestrian walkways to reduce accident risks. Additionally, the Ministry is conducting risk surveys of 27 crossings in coordination with Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to develop specific remedies, which may include temporary road closure guards during rush hours. Meanwhile, discussions are ongoing to revise freight and passenger train schedules in inner city areas to minimize traffic and safety impacts.
Regarding plans to reduce or cease Southern and Eastern Line train services to Hua Lamphong station, instead terminating them atTaling Chan station,to address railway crossing issues in the city, there is concern among many passengers, especially those traveling from Nakhon Pathom, Suphanburi, and southern routes, who currently rely heavily on traveling to the city center via Hua Lamphong. The suburban train route from Suphanburi cannot yet use the Red Line suburban rail infrastructure. In particular, terminating Southern Line trains at Taling Chan instead of Hua Lamphong is problematic, as many infrastructure components remain incomplete. Therefore, the Ministry of Transport is consulting with the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning and the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority to develop a new travel plan, aiming to finalize the best approach within about three months.
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