Chiang Mai rail line closed for another month
We announced it here in early September, part of the railway line between Bangkok and Chiang Mai closed for renovation on September 16. Service between Uttaradit and the northern capital was planned to resume on November 1 but the reopening has been delayed to December 1.
State Railway of Thailand ( SRT ) explains that this one month delay is due to the rains and a manpower shortage. One of the most difficult stretches involves the Khun Tan tunnel between Lampang and Lamphun, where water from heavy rains has seeped into the one-kilometre tunnel. This has created a domino effect leading to delays in other areas. Travellers who have reserved tickets on the northern line to Chiang Mai for the month of November can receive refunds or reschedule their rides to December, the company says .
These repairs initially planned without service interruption were launched because since the beginning of the year, there were 23 derailments on the northern route. Wise decision to close the railway. The Thai railway network is aging and needs a major overhaul. It is better to take the needed time. Especially since Prapas Chongsanguan, SRT governor promised to resign if there are any more accidents after the track is improved.
Buses were set up to carry passengers between Uttaradit and Chiang Mai. Check with the stations or the SRT hotline (1690) .
