The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is requesting a budget of 80 million baht to conduct a feasibility study for a proposed double-track railway connecting Hat Yai in Songkhla with Sungai Kolok in Narathiwat. The project, with an estimated cost of 34.59 billion baht, is in line with the policy of Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra to improve railway efficiency, enhance connectivity across Thailand and its neighboring countries, and promote trade, tourism, and economic growth in the southern provinces.
The feasibility study is expected to take about one year and will conclude in 2026, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit. Following this, the project will proceed to the design phase, which is slated for 2026 to 2027, followed by an environmental impact assessment (EIA) from 2027 to 2028. Cabinet approval is anticipated by 2028, with land expropriation and franchise bidding scheduled between 2028 and 2030. Construction of the railway is expected to begin in 2029, with the service projected to launch in 2034.
The new railway line will span 216 kilometers, featuring 27 stations, eight train stops, and two freight yards. The primary objective of the project is to improve connectivity between Thailand and Malaysia, facilitating a seamless link from Bangkok to Sungai Kolok on the Thai-Malaysian border. While the railway bridge has already been upgraded for operational readiness, it is worth noting that the Malaysian railway section from Rantau Panjang to Pasir Mas has been out of service since 2005.
In addition to the Hat Yai–Sungai Kolok project, Minister Suriya revealed that six other double-track railway projects, worth an estimated 280 billion baht, are awaiting approval from the National Economic and Social Development Council before being presented to the cabinet.