Northeastern Line (Thailand)


The Northeastern Line is a railway line in Thailand that connects the capital Bangkok with the northeast region of Isan. The section from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima is Thailand's first line that opened for passenger service. The line is also a key section on the central route of the Kunming–Singapore railway.

Route description

The Northeastern Line shares tracks with Northern Line between Bangkok and Ban Phachi Junction. It has three main branches:

Timeline

Ubon Ratchathani Main Line

Source:
SRT also built a short railway line from Bung Wai to Ban Pho Mun which was opened on 1 August 1930, but the line was closed on 1 December 1954 due to the construction of Seri Prachathippatai bridge that allowed the connection between Ubon Ratchathani city and Ubon Ratchathani without the need for ferry across Mun river.
As part of the double tracking project, a new railway line between Map Kabao and Muak Lek was constructed to bypass the mountainous curved route through the Dong Phaya Yen forest. The section includes Pha Sadet Tunnel, which is now Thailand's longest railway tunnel at 5.408 km long, and Hin Lap Tunnel. The line initially opened for passenger services on 28 July 2024. However, after the passage of three trains through the tunnels, reports of significant dust and particulate remnants from the construction blowing into the open-air carriages prompted SRT to temporarily suspend railway services for a cleanup of the railway line. The line reopened on 16 December 2024, resulting in the cessation of passenger services at Pha Sadet and Hin Lap railway stations. The latter station remaining in operation for freight services to the TPI Polene cement factory. The section also includes a new elevated station at Muak Lek to replace the current station, however this section is yet to open.

Nong Khai Main Line

Kaeng Khoi–Bua Yai (Lam Narai) Branch Line