A proposal for the construction of three dual-track train routes at an estimated cost of 55.18 billion baht is expected to go to the cabinet for approval in November.
Transport permanent secretary Chartchai Tipsunaree said on Thursday the three routes will have combined distance of 403 kilometres. They are -- a 148km route between Lop Buri and Pak Nampho, costing an estimated 24.84 billion baht; a 90km track between Hua Hin and Prachuap Khiri Khan city (10.3 billion baht); and a 165km track between Nakhon Pathom and Hua Hin (20.04 billion baht).
He said the three dual-track rail projects would probably be presented to the cabinet on Nov 1, with a request for urgent consideration.
Mr Chartchai also said the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) is seeking comments from other agencies about the proposed construction of the south section of the Purple Line, a 23.6km stretch from Tao Poon to Rat Burana, at an estimated cost of 131 billion baht. The project is also likely to be proposed to the cabinet for approval in November.
Bidding for the construction of the other electric rail projects will go head as planned, he said.
Tenders will be called on Oct 31 for the Orange Line linking Cultural Centre and Min Buri.
On Nov 7, the terms of reference will be available for companies interested in bidding early next year to build the 34.5km Pink Line between Kae Rai and Min Buri, to cost an estimated 53.49 billion baht, and the 30.4km Yellow Line between Lat Phrao and Sam Rong, estimated to cost 51.81 billion baht, Mr Chartchai said.
He said progress on the planned high-speed rail routes was quite slow. The government wanted a study of the development of commercial areas before making a decision. The plan is to build the connection between Bangkok and Hua Hin, a distance of 211km and expected cost of 95 billion baht, and the Bangkok-Pattaya-Rayong route, a distance of 193.5km and expected cost of 150 billion baht.