Transport Ministry seeks to revise Bt122-bn Orange line project
Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anuthin Charnvirakul said the Transport Ministry has proposed a revision of the Bt122-billion Orange mass transit line project - running from Thailand Cultural Centre to Bang Khun Non in Thonburi, west of Bangkok.
It was approved by the previous government but bidding has not been called.
The former junta-backed government designated the project a public-private partnership (PPP), coming under a single contract for both construction and operation. It planned to start public services of the orange line in 2026.
However, the Transport Ministry under new minister Saksayam Chidchob, now wants to split the project into two contracts of construction and operation, against the Finance Ministry's preference for a single contract as approved by the former government.
Several government agencies have calculated different internal rate of return of the project, Anuthin said.
Transport officials would meet today (September 10) to discuss all related issues, before making a proposal to the Cabinet.
“Personally, I like a split of the contract into two as risks would be diversified. It would also allow the participation of more contractors,” he added.
