Rail transport focused as main driver for Thailand’s logistics sector

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Sorapong said rail services can help reduce traffic congestion on roads, reduce accidents, and reduce pollution, while effective usage and reliable operations are key factors towards worthwhile investment in railway development.

The government is now focusing more on railway development as the main driver for Thailand’s logistics sector, thanks to the system’s lower cost and reliability. The Department of Rail Transport has opened a public forum on regional rail transport operations to gain input on the system’s performance, with the hope to upgrade Thailand’s railways in line with international standards.



The Department of Rail Transport (DRT) kicked off a study on the operations and performance of each rail line in Thailand, with public forums held to gain input from all stakeholders.

Speaking at a seminar, the Ministry of Transport Permanent Secretary Sorapong Paitoonphong, serving as the DRT’s Acting Director-General, said the government has continuously invested in the railway infrastructure development, covering metro and urban commuter trains, dual-track long-distance railways, as well as high-speed railways, to make rail services a key mode of passenger and cargo transport.


Mr. Sorapong said rail services can help reduce traffic congestion on roads, reduce accidents, and reduce pollution, while effective usage and reliable operations are key factors towards worthwhile investment in railway development.



Outcomes from this study will be analyzed by the DRT using several indicators, in order to create a tool to regulate and further develop the country’s rail services in line with international standards. (NNT)