Thailand's Longest Railway Tunnel Breakthrough Achieved in Lampang
Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has announced the successful breakthrough of the Ngao Tunnel, set to be Thailand's longest at 6.2 kilometers.
On November 11, 2026, Minister of Transport Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn presided over the breakthrough ceremony for the Ngao Tunnel in Lampang province. This milestone marks a significant advancement in the construction of the Den Chai–Chiang Rai–Chiang Khong double-track railway project. Spanning 6.2 kilometers, the Ngao Tunnel is officially recognized as the longest railway tunnel in Thailand. According to the Ministry of Transport, excavation work is expected to be fully completed by December 2026. This infrastructure project is a key component of the government's plan to enhance connectivity in the northern region, with the entire railway line scheduled to begin operations by 2028. For residents and travelers, this development signals a major step toward improved rail accessibility between the northern provinces. While the breakthrough is a critical engineering success, the project remains under construction. Future updates will confirm the progress of track installation and the final timeline for the commencement of passenger services. The event was attended by senior officials from the Ministry of Transport and the State Railway of Thailand, underscoring the strategic importance of this rail link for regional logistics and tourism.
