3 dual-track rail routes to link industrial zones with neighbouring states: PM
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Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha said in his weekly address yesterday that three routes linking industrial zones with neighbouring countries would be developed under a dual-track rail network, which would utilise the 1.438-metre standard gauge.
The routes – part of the Kingdom’s five-pronged plan to develop an inter-city transportation network – are Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima-Map Ta Phut, Bangkok-Rayong and Nakhon Ratchasima-Nong Khai.
They will cover a combined length of 705 kilometres.
The PM said development work on the inter-city rail-transit network would involve making improvements to equipment and the basic infrastructure, as well as development of the dual-track rail system.
Six routes are marked for urgent completion in the dual-track system, which will encompass 903km of rail line. Construction is expected to be completed in 2018.
The second phase, which will comprise 1,626km of rail line on eight routes, is expected to commence in 2017, he added.
The plans were discussed at this week’s Cabinet meeting as part of the Transport Ministry’s proposed eight-year strategy for transportation infrastructure development, covering 2015-2022.
The other four aspects of the ministry’s strategy involve the development of public transportation to alleviate traffic congestion; highways linking production bases and connecting with neighbouring countries; the water transportation network; and improving the capacity of air transportation.
Prayut said the Transport Ministry would also expedite the construction of electric-train routes in greater Bangkok, to alleviate traffic problems in the metropolis.
In the first phase, construction will be speeded up on three routes: the Bang Yai-Bang Sue Purple Line, which will now be completed before 2017; the Bang Sue-Tha Phra-Hua Lamphong-Bang Khae Blue Line extension, to be completed by 2019; and the Bearing-Samut Prakan Green Line, to be completed by 2020.
In addition, the government will move quickly in studying the details and initiating the bidding process for the seven remaining electric-train routes, in order to have construction finished by 2021.
These efforts would afford residents of the capital’s suburbs greater convenience in commuting, said the premier.
“I have [also] told the Transport Ministry to look into the feasibility of electric trams, which would provide low-income locals with links to the employment hotspots in suburban areas,” said Prayut.
Meanwhile, improvements to highways nationwide will involve new routes, additional lanes and repairs.
The highways will be extended to link all of the country’s regions and provide links to the various border points, and the goal should be to complete construction work by 2017, he said.
Laem Chabang port will also be improved, to be able to accommodate more vessels and become a “centre for rail-based container freight transportation”, said the prime minister.
This initiative will commence next year, for completion by 2017.
The government is also looking to improve riverbanks, piers and the water channel in the Pa Sak River area.
Prayut said the government would try to push for a Suvarnabhumi Airport expansion project, comprising the construction of more terminals, an airport apron, parking buildings, and passenger lounges. The project is slated to commence next year.
In addition, Phuket International Airport will be expanded, including the construction of 15 additional aircraft pits, which are expected to be completed within the next year.
Construction of an additional terminal at the airport will commence next year, he added.
“All of these infrastructure development plans will enhance the competitiveness of the country and uplift the potential of the Thai logistics system … I have instructed all responsible units to transparently and effectively carry out these projects under the set time frame and allocated budget,” said Prayut.
