The total construction time was as only 6 months, and the total distance was 415 kilometres. The official opening date or the railway was 28th November, 2485 B.E. ( 1943 A.D.). The wooden bridge was later dismantled as it blocked the water way During the war, the Bridge over the River Kwae was heavily bombarded by the allied planes. The spans 4-6 were damaged and unable to operate. Finally, Japan surrendered on 15th August 2488 B.E. (1945 A.D.). After the war was over, the British government sold the railway and or railway -related materials to the Thai government at the price of 50 million baht. Later, the State Railway of Thailand repaired the bridge and replaced it with two iron spans and the 6 wooden parts were replaced by iron spans as well. The bridge has been in use up to the present time.