The Transport Ministry is gearing up efforts to push ahead four dual-track railway sections and the extension of the Airport Rail Link, which have been hit by delays.
According to Deputy Transport Minister Omsin Cheevapruek, the projects are likely to be completed six months after the projected date in 2019.
The four sections of double-track railways are Prachuap Khiri Khan to Chumphon, Map Ka Bao in Saraburi to Jira in Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Pathom to Hua Hin, and Prachuap Khiri Khan to Hua Hin; the extension of the Airport Rail link section is from Phaya Thai to Bang Sue.
Omsin: 'Construction delayed six months'
He said he held talks with the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB), the State Enterprise Policy Office, the Bureau of Budget and other agencies concerned to speed up work on the four double-track rail sections, for which the construction contracts have not yet been signed, as well as the Airport Rail Link section.
The proposals involving two sections — Prachuap Khiri Khan to Chumphon and Map Ka Bao to Jira — will be forwarded to the NESDB for consideration on Wednesday, he said.
The proposals will provide details of the construction and time frame.
The two other sections are still awaiting environmental impact assessments, he noted.
Under the proposals, each section will be separated to ensure quicker construction.
Speaking about the dual-track rail sections — the Chachoengsao-Klong Sip Kao-Kaeng Khoi and Jira-Khon Kaen — he said the contracts can be signed next month and construction will begin afterwards.
"I have instructed all agencies to share information quicker," Mr Omsin said, adding that if authorities stick to the old system, the projects will not materialise on time.
According to the deputy minister, the construction of the Airport Rail Link's extension must be sped up to catch up with work on the Red Link electric train project linking Bang Sue, Hua Mak and Hua Lamphong.
This is because some parts of the two routes need to be constructed together, such as Yommarat station.
Referring to the Airport Rail Link from Bang Sue to Don Mueang airport, Mr Omsin said no decision has been made over when the project is to be constructed. The project needs to share some sections with other rail routes. The SRT will think it over.