Hat Yai: The Ministry of Transport has launched a comprehensive transportation development plan aimed at connecting Hat Yai with Malaysia, featuring a motorway and a dual-track railway. The initiative, led by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Suriya Juangroongruangkit, is set to boost investment and enhance border trade by preparing a central budget in 2025 to study the dual-track railway from Hat Yai Junction to Su-ngai Kolok.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Suriya, accompanied by Deputy Minister of Transport Ms. Manoporn Charoensri and Permanent Secretary Mr. Chaiyatham Promsorn, visited the area to monitor the progress of the transportation network development in Songkhla Province. The visit took place at the Hat Yai Airport Conference Room, where discussions focused on advancing infrastructure projects in line with government policies to improve road safety, reduce logistics costs, and promote economic growth in southern provinces.
A significant aspect of the plan involves the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) accelerating the construction of a dual-track railway network, Phase 2. The project aims to enhance rail transport efficiency and support connections with neighboring countries. The southern region will see three new routes: Chumphon to Surat Thani, Surat Thani to Hat Yai to Songkhla, and Hat Yai to Padang Besar, with a focus on reducing transport costs and energy consumption. The SRT is also preparing for a feasibility study for the Hat Yai Junction to Su-ngai Kolok dual-track railway, with a goal to open by 2034.
For road transport, a special highway project (Motorway M84) is planned to connect Hat Yai District with the Thai-Malaysian border, enhancing travel and trade efficiency. This project, with a budget of 40,787 million baht, is currently under consideration for appropriate investment models.
Additionally, efforts to address traffic issues include the Hat Yai bypass construction project and plans to construct the Songkhla Lake Bridge. The latter, with a budget of 4,825.423 million baht, is pending Cabinet approval for the Irrawaddy Dolphin Conservation Plan before construction begins.
Further developments at Hat Yai Airport are underway, with short-term and long-term plans to increase capacity and improve facilities. The airport aims to accommodate up to 10.5 million passengers annually by expanding its infrastructure.
Dredging and maintenance of coastal waterways in southern provinces are also prioritized, with a budget of 1,833.664 million baht allocated for the project from 2023 to 2026.
Mr. Suriya has instructed relevant agencies to expedite project implementation, address delays, and ensure compliance with specified plans. He stressed the importance of reducing air pollution and adhering to PM2.5 dust problem-solving measures. The overall objective is to create a robust foundation for the country's transportation system development.