Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak has pledged that the current government will approve several big rail projects before it steps aside, ensuring the rise of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) and a boost to the economy.
Sticking to that plan will mean the government must approve up to 2.4 trillion baht for rail projects, for which construction would start during the next 4-5 years.
“The government plans to push forward major rail projects that would boost investment in the economy in the future,” Mr Somkid said.
“We expect to approve several projects worth 2.4 trillion baht in total before the elected government steps in.”
He said the government’s massive investment in infrastructure projects will help offset decreases in private and public investment over the past few years that were caused by political turbulence.
Mr Somkid said the government is expected to approve major mass transit projects in Bangkok within the end of this year, including three rail lines, including the 23.6-kilometre Purple Line (southern route) from Tao Pun to Rat Burana, worth 130 billion baht.
The government will also approve the 16.4-kilometre Orange Line (western route), linking Thailand Cultural Centre and Bang Bamru, worth 120 billion baht and the 20-kilometre Red Line linking Taling Chan to Rangsit, worth 19 billion baht.
Other government investment infrastructure projects that are due to be approved within the next few years are the double-track railways worth 80 billion baht, particularly rail projects that link to the EEC, most of which are due to be approved by the end of this year.
Mr Somkid presided over the contract-signing ceremony for BSR Joint Venture, which won the concession to build the Pink and Yellow monorail lines, due to start construction soon.
BSR is a venture between BTS Group Holding Plc, Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction Plc (STEC) and Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding Plc (Ratch).
Keeree Kanjanapas, chairman of BTS Group Holdings Plc, has set up two new joint ventures on behalf of BSR — Northern Bangkok Monorail Company Ltd to operate the Pink Line project and Eastern Bangkok Monorail Company Ltd to operate the Yellow Line project after the construction is complete.