Test Run of Long Distance Trains on the Elevated Red Line
On Monday 8th August, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) started doing test runs for long distance trains to use the elevated Red Line between Bang Sue Grand and Rangsit stations. This will enable trains to get out of the city much quicker. For the test run, they used two of the new ‘Ultraman’ locomotives and the day & night carriages. This is the route that the long distance sleeper trains will eventually take on the Northern Line to Chiang Mai, the Northeastern Line to Nong Khai and Ubon Ratchathani, and the Southern Line to Hat Yai and Su-Ngai Kolok.
We have had no official announcement yet but it is now expected that these trains will move from Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong) to Bang Sue Grand Station in December 2022. Previously it was suggested they would move here in September. Local and commuter trains, and all trains on the Eastern Line will most likely stay at Hua Lamphong for the time being. Probably for a few years more. Though some sources said the Eastern Line trains would move to Don Mueang or Makkasin stations. Another thing to note, that any old rolling stock that has toilets that empty straight onto the tracks will not be allowed to enter Bang Sue Grand Station.
Updated: 10th August 2022
Interesting note about the toilets, so it implies they will have heavy holding tanks. Question, when you say trains to the Hat Yai… will take this same route, do you imply they will start at Rangsit and pick up passengers at Bang Seu before crossing back to Thonburi and on south?