Progress Rail has signed a contract with the Ch. Thawee–AS Construction joint venture (CH-AS JV) to provide signalling and telecommunications for phase two of double-track railway project, covering the Khon Kaen–Nong Khai rail section on the Thailand’s North Eastern Line.
Progress Rail’s scope includes the design, supply, installation, testing, and commissioning of advanced signalling and telecom systems. These systems feature a Traffic Management System, Computer-Based Interlocking, and European Train Control System (ETCS) Level 1 for both wayside and onboard applications.
“This marks our team’s first wayside project in Thailand, building on our ongoing ETCS Level 1 onboard initiatives. To ensure optimal project execution and customer proximity, we are enhancing our presence in Bangkok with dedicated resources focused on managing and delivering the work,” said Hyung Kim, executive vice president of infrastructure for Progress Rail.
This initiative is part of the State Railway of Thailand’s (SRT) broader strategy to modernize and expand its rail infrastructure. CH-AS JV serves as the main contractor for the project.
Spanning 167 km and comprising 11 stations, the project will add a second track and upgrade the Khon Kaen–Nong Khai rail which is part of the second phase of Thailand’s large intercity rail expansion. The idea is to build a new parallel track next to the existing metre-gauge line, improving capacity, speed, and safety. The project was approved by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) board, with a budget of around THB 29.7 billion (USD 915 million). The project includes 14 stations and four stops and 3 freight yards.
The Ch. Thawee-AS Construction joint venture is responsible for the construction work started in April 2025 and is expected to be completed in 2028.
In the first year, the line is projected to carry about 3,300 passengers a day, rising to 5,500 a day by its 30th year of operation. In addition, the freight traffic is also expected to grow starting at 3.3 million tonnes per year and potentially going up to 4.2 million tonnes per year.
The line will link with other important infrastructure, potentially connecting to Laos and eventually to China, especially relevant for freight and regional connectivity.
The double-tracked Kaen–Nong Khai rail section will strengthen the transport link in Northeast Thailand, connecting key provinces like Khon Kaen and Udon Thani to the border province of Nong Khai.
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