Transport Ministry Upgrades Udon Thani Rail System for Year-End Expo
Thailand's Transport Ministry is building a temporary railway platform and two level crossings near Udon Thani to handle increased train traffic during the World Horticultural Expo, scheduled to run from November 2024 to March 2025.
The Transport Ministry is accelerating rail system improvements in Udon Thani to support the World Horticultural Expo scheduled for late 2024. Pichete Kunatham, director-general of the State Railway Department, announced on August 9 that construction will begin on a temporary railway platform measuring 1.10 meters high and approximately 200 meters long to accommodate visitors arriving by train. Two level crossings will be built between Udon Thani and Na Phu stations, including one at kilometer 574+725.25 (approximately 23 meters wide) dedicated to expo project vehicles, and another at kilometer 574+815.25 (approximately 20 meters wide) serving as an entry and exit point for visitors. The State Railway of Thailand is currently in the competitive bidding process using funds from Udon Thani's central budget, with construction expected to start by end of August 2024 and be completed by October 2024. Railway staff will manage safety and control traffic at both crossing points.
The World Horticultural Expo of Udon Thani Province will run from November 1, 2024 to March 14, 2025 at the Nong Daeng wetland area in Kud Sra subdistrict, Mueang district, covering more than 1,030 acres under the theme "Diversity of Life: Connecting People, Water and Plants for Sustainable Living." The event represents an important opportunity to showcase Udon Thani's potential as an economic, tourism, and transportation hub for the upper northeastern region.
Kunatham emphasized that the rail system will play a crucial role in accommodating travelers from across the country and connecting neighboring provinces and countries. The State Railway Department is coordinating with relevant agencies to advance rail infrastructure development in line with government and ministry policies, aiming to make the expo accessible and safe while enhancing the rail network as the country's primary transport system to support logistics, tourism, and economic competitiveness.
