Just HOW are folk going to get to the new rail station?

[Big Boy]

In fairness to the new station, I went to Bangkok yesterday (somebody else driving, so I had time to have a decent look). There seems to have been a temporary low level bridge put across the lower tracks to give a half-decent way to get to the new station. However, parking, even for drop-off, is non-existent.

A half-decent bridge, but you have to ask yourself, why did they spend so much money upgrading the lover level to dual-track, and then blocking it with a bridge? The mind boggles.

[joelle]

This is how you get across

[Big Boy]

Yes, the bridge I mentioned the other day. However, nice bridge, but how do you access it? Drop off points - 0. Parking - 0. Obviously rushed in to place to satisfy the stations inspector.

I still maintain this project has gone live before they have engaged brain. And nobody has yet told me why it was needed.

[Big Boy]

I'm probably being harsh, and there will be a way of accessing the bridge, but I pass that way regularly and there is no signage advising where to go/what to do.

It was nice to see the bridge does not block the lower track, but what safety measures are in place to protect foot passengers if a train is coming.? There have been several fatal accidents in my time living here when pedestrians have thought they were mightier than the train.

I just feel the detail of a good facility is being rushed to meet deadlines, rather than taking their time and finishing the project first.

Only today I read that lighting in the station is inadequate.

[joelle]

I don't think there's any need ranting over it, those who lived here long enough know what it's like «TIT» and that's it, nothing will ever change!!!

[Big Boy]

I think there is every reason to be dissatisfied with this project. As the project has moved towards completion it seems to be receiving accolades. Yes the finished station looks similar to what was promised, and I agree it does look quite nice, but I would really like to know what they have achieved? What was so wrong with the old station that many said was the nicest in Thailand?

Yes, they may have eliminated a couple of level crossings, but 2 of the remaining crossings have evolved into what must be the most dangerous road junctions in the province. Nobody seems to know where they should be driving, and when busy, all hell breaks lose.

How many businesses have been closed as a result? It seems that unless you sell chicken to Bangkokians, businesses were evicted for little reason, and many small homes were demolished. What remains fits nicely with other eyesores in the town such as the Grand Market, Temple Wall restaurants or the Fishing Pier area - all once thriving areas.

I find the entire project so very hard to understand, and would love it if somebody could just try to justify it for me. What has been achieved, and why?

[STEVE G]

Hua Hin Station seems to be advancing at quite a pace compared to this:

Small railway footbridge takes longer to build than Empire State Building
Network Rail's construction of the bridge at Theale station is more than 10 years overdue and 'a case study in British inefficiency'

When the new bridge does finally open, it will be the first time wheelchair users will be able to catch trains from the station since it opened in 1847.
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/0 ... -building/

[Big Boy]

I had my first hands on experience of the new station this morning. I had to collect a guest arriving on the 10:31 from Bangkok (29 minutes late, of course ).

I parked in the old station car park, but did notice in true Thai style, the area where businesses were demolished, a lot of use has been made for temporary car parking.

Getting to the new station was easy enough - straight along the old platform, across the bridge over the lower rail tracks, and into the station (quite wheelchair friendly as well). The new station was well organised. People only being allowed on to the platform if they had a ticket, and their train was due. Plentiful seating whilst waiting for late trains.

So, whist being far from finished, the new station was very functional. It was quite impressive.

[caller]

Has anyone used the new fast train to Bangers yet? Im thinking of using it on my next trip.

Did your friends use the fast train, BB?

[Motyduke]

there are no "new fast trains". Same trains as before. Just 30 minutes faster to go bkk because of the double railroad

[Big Boy]

Did your friends use the fast train, BB?

Yes, it was the 3 hour train that has so much publicity.

Just 30 minutes faster to go bkk because of the double railroad

Yes, and it was only 29 minutes late.