BANGKOK, Sept 13 – The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) will temporarily close a significant stretch of the popular northern rail route from Sila At in Uttaradit to the end of the rail line in Chiang Mai for 45 days following a number of recent derailments across the country.
Sila At station officer Poonsawas Ounaimjai said the station has informed the public in advance and apologised the passengers for any inconvenience during the maintenance, starting from September 16 to the end of October.
The railroad renovation will prompt operations of Special Express (Nakhonping) No.1 Bangkok – Chiangmai and Special Express 13 Bangkok – Chiang Mai. Other trains can still operate normally, though the route will end at Sila At station and passengers who booked their tickets in advance will be provided alternate connections; free air conditioned buses during the 45-day rail maintenance.
So far 90 per cent of the passengers have refunded their tickets, while the rest are likely to stick to their plan.
Small crowd is observed today at Sila At station, three days before the track closure.
