Phuket, Chiang Mai in queue for light rail

Phuket, Chiang Mai in queue for light rail

The government has vowed to kick-start light rail projects in Phuket and Chiang Mai this year as part of a push for local economic development.

Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak told the Transport Ministry yesterday that the state hopes to launch at least two routes in provincial areas this year, probably starting with Phuket and Chiang Mai.

Investment in provincial mass transit is expected to take the form of public-private partnerships, depending on the preparedness of each province.

"The study by the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) shows that a light rail or trams should be developed in Phuket," said Mr Somkid, who chaired yesterday's meeting of the Commission for the Management of Road Traffic. "The 43-kilometre light rail with an estimated investment cost of 28 billion baht covers 20 stations linking Phuket airport to the inner city", a trip estimated to take a little over an hour.

According to Mr Somkid, Phuket's light rail plan is to be submitted soon to the cabinet and the public-private partnership committee.

Construction would begin in June and conclude within three years.

Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said the OTP has hired Chiang Mai University to study the possibility of developing light rail in the northern city with a length of 40km and 33 stations.

Chiang Mai's light rail network is expected to begin construction by this year to help ease traffic congestion, Mr Arkhom said.

The OTP is also studying the possibility of developing trams or similar transport in Khon Kaen, Hat Yai and Nakhon Ratchasima.

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