The Krung Thep Aphiwat Train Terminal, previously known as Bang Sue Grand Station, will be officially opened on January 19th, with the maiden Bangkok-Ayutthaya air-conditioned diesel train for tourists slated as the inaugural service.
According to the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), the first train will leave the station for Ayutthaya at 1.19pm, to be followed by another maiden service, the Bangkok-Sungai Kolok express train.
All 52 long-haul trains serving the southern, northern and northeastern routes will be relocated from Hua Lamphong, Bangkok’s old main terminal, to Krung Thep Aphiwat Train Terminal.
The SRT said that the relocation of these trains to the terminal in Bang Sue district means that at least 100 fewer trains will need to cross Bangkok’s roads each day and this will substantially ease traffic congestion at railway crossings.
All the trains for the northern and north-eastern routes will use the elevated railway, from the main terminal in Bang Sue to Don Mueang station, like the Red Line Bang Sue-Rangsit suburban train service.
The 62 standard, suburban and tourism trains will continue to operate from Hua Lamphong station, through Sam Sen to Bang Sue, using the surface tracks. Ultimately, all trains, except the standard services, will take the elevated track.
During the COVID-19 pandemic last year, part of Bang Sue Grand Station, as was, was partially turned into Bangkok’s main vaccination centre, providing inoculations to 6.3 million people until its closure in September.
The name “Krung Thep Aphiwat” means “Bangkok’s prosperity” and was presented by HM the King in September last year. The SRT has signed a 33 million baht contract with Uniq Engineering and Construction to change the nameplate of the station and to design a new logo for the SRT.
A Move Forward MP says the cost of the change as too high, prompting Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob to demand an explanation from the SRT.
