SRT puts brakes on Red Line safety fence

SRT puts brakes on Red Line safety fence

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has agreed to temporarily halt the construction of a security fence along the Red Line railway in Rangsit area, after local communities complained road access to their homes would be blocked.

The State Railway of Thailand uses yellow tape to keep residents out of an area where a fence is planned to be built along a 2-km section of the Red Line railway in Pathum Thani’s Thanyaburi district. (Photo by Apichit Jinakul)

Speaking at a meeting with local officials, community representatives and Ombudsman Gen Viddhavat Rajatanun on Friday, SRT governor Wuthichart Kalyanamitra vowed to seek a solution to the conflict between the SRT and affected communities by the end of March.

The governor was speaking after four communities near the Red Line construction site demanded the SRT build a 6- to 8-metre road along the railway line as well as a better water sewage system, a bridge connecting both sides of the railway and provide access to Lak Hok station.

He agreed to the last three demands but asked for time to study the possibility of building a road, saying the matter must be discussed with engineers first.

The SRT also inquired about other routes which could be used by locals to enter and exit the communities, suggesting instead the purchase of a privately-owned road which would not interfere with the SRT's initial plans.

Last year, local communities began to express concerns regarding plans by the SRT, which owns the land  for the construction site, to build a security barrier along the railway line, between Lak Hok and Khlong Rangsit Prayurasakdi stations. The 2km fence will block off around 300 families in four communities: Decha Pattana 87, Sukkasem, Sin Samut and Decha Pattana.

"I have to admit these communities will be severely affected by the barrier," Mr Wuthichart said, adding he had already inspected the site. However, he insisted the fence is necessary for security reasons, as the railway will be electrified and the high voltage could cause injuries.

In January, Italian-Thai Development Plc began earth works on the road once used by these communities, in preparation for the barrier's construction. A few weeks later, community residents were told to get their cars out as the road would no longer be accessible.

Local communities do not oppose the MRT project or the barrier itself, said Pirom Painkeb, Decha Pattana 87 community leader. However, the loss of the only access route to these communities would be a severe blow.

"What if there is a fire and no fire engine can reach the communities?" he asked.

National artist and local resident Suchart Sawadsri slammed the SRT for its poor planning.

"The SRT designed the railway without consulting us. Now it wants to expropriate a plot of land to build a new detour to give us outside access," he said.

Do you like the content of this article?
COMMENT (8)