Transport
Thailand Proposes 100 Billion Baht Southern Double-Track Railway Expansion
The Ministry of Transport is set to propose a major 534-kilometer double-track railway project connecting to Padang Besar at the upcoming mobile cabinet meeting in Songkhla.
According to a report by Prachachat Business, Deputy Minister of Transport Sanphet Boonyamanee has announced plans to submit a proposal for a 100-billion-baht southern double-track railway project to the mobile cabinet meeting scheduled for September 1, 2026, in Songkhla.
The project encompasses three routes totaling 534 kilometers, designed to improve connectivity down to the Padang Besar border crossing. Current plans prioritize the construction of 504 kilometers of the network. Notably, the section connecting Hat Yai to Songkhla has been temporarily deferred from this initial phase.
For residents and travelers, this development signals a significant long-term effort to modernize rail infrastructure in Southern Thailand, potentially offering faster and more reliable transit options between major hubs and the Malaysian border. However, the project is currently in the proposal stage. The official approval from the cabinet remains to be confirmed, and further details regarding construction timelines, specific station stops, and the eventual status of the deferred Hat Yai-Songkhla segment are expected to follow the September meeting. Stakeholders should monitor official government announcements for updates on project commencement and potential impacts on regional travel.