Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal
Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (Thai: สถานีกลางกรุงเทพอภิวัฒน์, RTGS: Sathani Klang Krung Thep Aphiwat, pronounced [sā.tʰǎː.nīː klāːŋ krūŋ tʰêːp ʔà(ʔ).pʰí(ʔ).wát]), also known by its former name Bang Sue Grand Station (Thai: สถานีกลางบางซื่อ, RTGS: Sathani Klang Bang Sue, pronounced [sā.tʰǎː.nīː klāːŋ bāːŋ sɯ̂ː]; lit. 'Bang Sue central station'), is the central passenger terminal in Bangkok and the current railway hub of Thailand. It replaced the existing Hua Lamphong railway station as the city's central railway station, with long-distance rail services operating from here from 19 January 2023.[3][4] The station was opened on 2 August 2021 as part of the operation of the SRT Red Lines,[2] and from May 2021 to September 2022 served as a COVID-19 vaccination center.[5][6] It is linked to the Bang Sue MRT station via an underground walkway. It is the largest railway station in Southeast Asia, with 26 platforms—some 600 metres (2,000 ft) long.[7] The station will offer 274,192 m2 (2,951,380 sq ft) of usable floor space. The 15 billion baht station is built on 2,325 rai (372 ha; 919 acres) of SRT-owned land and will have maintenance depots for both diesel and electric trains.[6] Currently, long-distance intercity trains terminate at this station, while ordinary and commuter trains calling at all stations continue onwards to Hua Lamphong and still operate at the old Bang Sue Junction railway station.[8][9][1] EtymologyThe name Krung Thep Aphiwat means "prosperity of Bangkok". The name was chosen by King Vajiralongkorn.[10] HistoryIn 2010 under the government of Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva, the Ministry of Transport decided to move Bangkok's central railway station (Hua Lamphong station) to the area of Bang Sue Junction Railway Station, to be the center of the rail transport system.[11] In 2013, work on the station started with a contract signing by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), Sino-Thai Engineering Construction PCL, and Unique Construction and Engineering PCL for the Red Line suburban railway system project consisting of civil work for Bang Sue Grand Station and a maintenance center.[12] In December 2020 it was announced that civil construction of the station was complete.[13] The station acted as a COVID-19 vaccination center from 24 May 2021 to 30 September 2022.[14][15] Trial operations of the SRT Red Lines, open to the public, began from the station on 2 August 2021.[2][16][17] A 33-million baht contract to install a new sign with the station's new ceremonial name was put on hold in January 2023 following public concern about the price.[18] Intercity services began operation from the station on 19 January 2023, with 52 long-distance trains which originally terminated at Bangkok (Hua Lamphong) moved to the station.[19] LayoutThe station will have four floors, three above, and one below ground:[20][21][22]
Also planned is a 186,030 m2 (2,002,400 sq ft) memorial site to King Rama V, known as the "father of Thai railroads", although this is expected to open after the station itself.[6] Phahonyothin Freight YardKrung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal is also the location of Phahonyothin cargo yard. With an expanse of about 50 rail-tracks and sidings, it is the largest rail yard in the whole of Thailand. It is located about 1.5 kilometres (0.93 mi) from the station and is the main cargo yard for freight services around Thailand.[24] Bus ConnectionsThe following BMTA and Private Jointed routes serve this station:
Gallery
See alsoOther interchange stations in Bangkok with paid area integration. References
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