BANGKOK — The Pha Sadet Tunnel, Thailand’s longest tunnel at 5.4 km, is set to reopen on December 3, 2024 for train operations after additional air quality inspections and safety checks. Initially planned for November 2024, the reopening has been delayed due to concerns about dust, pollution, and safety standards within the tunnel, following an earlier unsuccessful attempt to open it for public use.
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT), in coordination with the Pollution Control Department and private companies specializing in air quality measurement, will continue evaluating pollution levels between November 25 and December 2, ensuring the tunnel is safe for both passengers and operations. These inspections will assess dust, smoke, and odors before and after trains enter the tunnel, addressing concerns raised when dust entered the fan cabins on earlier trials.
Background of the Delay
The Pha Sadet Tunnel was initially opened for testing on July 28, 2024, but issues arose when dust contaminated the air inside the tunnel, causing irritation to passengers. Following this, the tunnel was closed for cleaning, and the original reopening date of August 12, 2024 was missed due to the pollution levels exceeding safety standards. The SRT also identified faults in the wrench system—the mechanism that allows trains to change tracks—which further delayed the tunnel’s use.
Air Quality and Safety Measures
As part of the final preparations, the SRT will also test radio signals for communication between trains entering the tunnel and stations along the Map Kabao-Chum Thong Jira Road section. Additionally, the SRT has completed the repair of the wrench system, ensuring the safe operation of trains on the dual-track railway.
Once the tunnel is officially reopened, both air-conditioned and fan-powered trains will be able to pass through the Pha Sadet Tunnel, including Express Train No. 72 (Ubon Ratchathani to Krungthep Aphiwat) and Express Train No. 71 (Krungthep Aphiwat to Ubon Ratchathani).
Improved Train Service
The opening of the Pha Sadet Tunnel and the Hin Lap Tunnel is expected to significantly improve train capacity and reduce delays on the Isan route, cutting travel times by approximately 20 minutes. These improvements are part of a broader initiative to enhance punctuality and the overall efficiency of the double-track railway in northeastern Thailand.
The SRT’s ongoing efforts to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers reflect the challenges faced by the rail network as it transitions to more modern infrastructure.
