Bidding for dual-tracking project soon

According to Soithip Trisuddh, deputy Transport Ministry permanent secretary, the SRT is considering drafts of documents relating to bidding for the 106-kilometre dual-tracking project. The SRT is certain construction can begin this year after several years of delay.

The dual tracking will be a single route in accordance with SRT’s priority operations plan, which is not under the Bt2-trillion Borrowing Bill, as the Cabinet had approved this project earlier. Hence the SRT can proceed immediately without having to wait for that bill to be passed by Parliament. Construction can begin right after the bidding process is completed. 

The dual-tracking project has passed its environmental impact assessment. Once the tender documents are completed, the bidding process can begin. The Finance Ministry will help the SRT secure funds for the project, Soithip said.

There are five other routes prioritised by the SRT for dual tracking. They are Map Kabao-Jira Junction (132km); Nakhon Pathom-Nong Pladuk-Hua Hin (165km); Lop Buri-Pak Nampo (118km); Nakhon Ratchasima-Khon Kaen (185km); and Prachuap Khiri Khan-Chumphon (167km). All those routes come under the Bt2-trillion Borrowing Bill. The SRT believes bidding for those five routes and construction can begin next year. 

Of these five routes, Map Kabao-Jira is the most ready for commencement, as four EIAs have been completed. The EIAs for the other four should be completed next year.