SA KAEO, Thailand – State Railway of Thailand (SRT) crews have begun restoring two sections of the Eastern rail line after floodwater levels fell, including the route between Sa Kaeo and the Ban Khlong Luk border crossing.
SRT reported on October 1 that falling water levels have allowed railway officials to inspect and begin repairs at two previously flood-affected locations:
- Km 191/10–192/10, between Ban Kaeng and Sa Kaeo stations
- Km 249–254, between Watthana Nakhon Station and the Ban Khlong Luk border crossing
Workers are urgently adding and compacting ballast along the affected sections to restore the track and prepare for the eventual resumption of train services. Other damaged areas will be repaired once water levels fall further and conditions are considered safe.
On the Kanchanaburi railway line, water levels near Km 174/1–7 at Tham Krasae Bridge, between Tha Kilen and Wang Pho stations, are also falling. Water is now about six metres below rail level, with some bridge piers beginning to become visible.
At Km 195+405 near the Tham Badan crossing, between Nam Tok Station and Sai Yok Noi Halt, the flow of runoff from the surrounding mountains has also decreased. However, SRT said continued water releases from dams mean conditions must still be monitored closely.
Railway officials are continuing to inspect tracks, bridges and other infrastructure in flood-risk areas and will begin restoration work wherever water levels have fallen sufficiently and conditions are safe. SRT said passenger safety and safe train operations remain the priority as crews work to restore affected services as quickly as conditions allow.
