BANGKOK, Thailand – Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has ordered a comprehensive safety review of the Asoke-Dindaeng railway crossing and is considering elevating the tracks or building an underpass to prevent future accidents. Following the collision between a train and a public bus at the Asoke-Dindaeng intersection, the Bangkok Governor instructed the Traffic and Transportation Department to audit all major intersections in the capital to ensure traffic markings and warning signs are complete and clearly visible. He noted the site is complex due to parallel access roads and multiple feeder streets, which cause severe congestion. He emphasized the need for cooperation between the Royal Thai Police and the State Railway of Thailand to improve road surfaces and synchronize traffic signals.
Regarding traffic discipline, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will focus on public relations and safety advisories. Law enforcement remains the police’s responsibility, but the BMA will collaborate with relevant agencies to develop a unified safety framework. Addressing the Prime Minister’s proposal for an underpass, the Bangkok Governor said two main engineering solutions are under consideration: elevating the railway tracks or building a road tunnel. Similar elevation projects were successfully done along the Vibhavadi-Rangsit route. However, the underpass option requires careful study due to the road gradients and proximity to New Petchaburi Road. The Governor confirmed that elevating the railway is a viable alternative within potential development plans if it meets engineering and environmental conditions. (NNT)
