FRIDAY, March 29, 2024
nationthailand

Somkid calls for high-speed rail action

Somkid calls for high-speed rail action

Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak yesterday urged state transport agencies to rush major projects into the bidding process, particularly the development of the double-track and high-speed train schemes.

He said that the State Railways of Thailand (SRT) is the key driving engine this year to drive several projects and that its big project development should not be delayed. 
He also urged the SRT to hasten calls for bids in nine double-track routes.
The SRT is expected to finish the term of reference of the Bangkok-Hua Hin high-speed train soon. Somkid also urged the SRT to conduct a study to extend this route to Surat Thani and present the plan of the extension route for Cabinet consideration next year.
It is reportedly estimated that the projects Somkid urged the Transport Ministry to hasten their biddings this year are 13 schemes worth a combined Bt750 billion. 
Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said that the Public-Private Partnership Committee has finished examining the Bangkok-Hua Hin high-speed train project and sent it back to SRT for more information. 
He added that the double-track Denchai-Chiang Rai-Chiang Khong route is expected to be tabled before the Cabinet this month while the other eight routes are expected to be followed to the Cabinet during September to October.
He expected that the Light Rail Transit (LRT) project in Phuket could start the bidding this year.

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