The Transport Ministry inspected the progress of the Denchai-Chiang Rai-Chiang Khong double-track railway project, covering 323.10 km, with overall construction at 72% completion. The completion is targeted for 2028, along with stringent safety controls at crossing sections.
Mr. Jirapong Theppitak, Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, revealed this after visiting the site to monitor the project. The Denchai double-track railway - Chiang Rai - Chiang Khong He stated that the visit aimed to track progress, including obstacles, land handover, and the impact on local residents, especially regarding the construction of the elevated overpass on Highway 1020 between km 132+665 and km 133+855. Currently, residents have complained about traffic disruptions and frequent accidents. He emphasized that the State Railway of Thailand should coordinate with relevant agencies to establish appropriate traffic diversions, strictly adhere to safety and environmental standards, and expedite construction completion to minimize impacts on the community.
The double-track railway construction project is divided into three main contracts, with progress as follows:
Contract 2, Ngao to Chiang Rai segment, has reached 73.699% completion.
Contract 3, Chiang Rai to Chiang Khong segment, is 67.560% complete.
Additionally, the route includes construction of four railway tunnels to cut through the high mountainous terrain in northern Thailand, with progress as follows:
Song Tunnel (Phrae Province) is 68.608% complete.
Ngao Tunnel (Lampang Province) has reached 60.420% completion.
Mae Ka Tunnel (Phayao Province) is 88.063% complete.
Doi Luang Tunnel (Chiang Rai Province) also stands at 88.063% completion.
The Denchai-Chiang Rai-Chiang Khong double-track railway is a key project under Thailand’s national transport infrastructure development strategy, aiming to enhance rail transport capacity for both passengers and freight.
This new route will serve as a northern border trade gateway, connecting logistics networks between Thailand, Laos, and southern China. This aligns with government and Ministry of Transport policies promoting rail transport systems to reduce road accidents, decrease pollution, cut transportation costs, and save the country’s energy over the long term.
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