Double-track lines to open this yearFive double-track railway routes, three of them to the South, are set to open this year with the aim of cutting journey times and increasing logistical efficiency, the government said on Monday. Mr Anucha said a double-track railway is not only safer but will reduce freight transport costs and improve the country's competitiveness. Seven double-track rail routes, 985km in all, are being implemented, one of which has been wholly completed -- the 106-km Chachoengsao-Klong Sib Kao junction-Kaeng Koi Junction route, which was opened in 2019. They are Lop Buri-Pak Nam Pho (145km), Mab Kabao-Thanon Jira Junction (135km), Nakhon Pathom-Hua Hin (169km), Hua Hin-Prachuap Khiri Khan (76km) and Prachuap Khiri Khan-Chumphon (167km). Mr Anucha said that once open, a new line will also cut the Bangkok to Hua Hin travel time from five to two hours.
