A new rail transport department has been suggested to support new rail development and set standards for safety, fares, staff and maintenance.
A prototype of a new train to be used for the Purple Line. Apichart Jinakul
Chaiwat Thongkamkoon, deputy director-general of the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning, said the OTP would try to push the plan for completion while the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) remained in power, as it could quickly enact a law establishing the new department.
"It will take a shorter period, say a year or two, to enact establishment of such a new department under the NCPO," he said. "Under a usual parliament, it would take three or even four years."
The Transport Ministry is now considering a draft of this new department and will submit it to the NCPO for approval next year.
The proposed department would supervise infrastructure investment and regulations of the rail system. These are currently overseen by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT).
"The SRT would only operate the rail system, while the rail department would set safety standards and economic regulations," said Mr Chaiwat.
"The OTP would formulate overall policy on the transport system, not covering the rail system like today."
Safety standards and regulations would cover infrastructure, rail tracks and personnel such as train drivers, technicians and inspectors. A total of 270 staff would be required.
"Rail network development will cover not only Greater Bangkok and inter-city areas but also include the rail system in major provinces such as Chiang Mai and, eventually, Phuket."
By 2020, there will be six dual-track rail projects with a total distance of 887 kilometres — Nakhon Ratchasima (Jira station)-Khon Kaen; Prachuap Khiri Khan-Chumphon; Nakhon Pathom-Prachuap Khiri Khan (Hua Hin); Saraburi (Map Kabao)-Nakhon Ratchasima; Lop Buri-Nakhon Sawan (Paknam Pho); and Hua Hin-Muang districts within Prachuap Khiri Khan.
Two high-speed train routes are expected in 2021.