The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has announced a two-week closure of the Pha Sadet Tunnel, the longest railway tunnel in the country, effective from August 1, 2024. The closure is prompted by dust-related issues that emerged just one day after the tunnel’s grand opening on July 28, 2024.
The decision to close the tunnel was made following reports of significant dust accumulation, exacerbated by construction debris and high winds that disturbed the dust within the tunnel. Images posted on social media revealed passengers struggling with the dust, covering their faces to mitigate discomfort and potential health risks.
The Pha Sadet Tunnel, a crucial component of the Isaan Line’s double-track railway project, stretches 5.2 kilometers and forms part of the 135-kilometer Map Kabao to Chira Road Junction route. This project, involving an investment of 29,968 million baht, aims to enhance travel efficiency by reducing the journey time between Map Kabao and Muak Lek by 15 minutes. The tunnel’s opening coincided with the introduction of new railway sections, including the Bandai Ma to Khlong Khanachit segment.
To address the dust problem, the SRT has instructed the contractor to carry out a thorough cleaning of the tunnel before it reopens on August 12, 2024. During this closure, train services will revert to the previous route, which extends the travel distance by 18 kilometers, covering the old path from Map Kabao through Pha Sadet and Hin Lab to Muak Lek.
The Pha Sadet Tunnel is equipped with modern safety features, including a comprehensive ventilation system, fire alarms, and emergency evacuation pathways, all designed to comply with NFPA 130 standards. The closure is intended to ensure that these systems operate effectively and that passenger safety remains a priority. While the tunnel is closed, passengers can still use other sections of the new railway line, although they will need to travel via the older route until the tunnel reopens.
