Transport strategy launched

Transport strategy launched

The government yesterday unveiled transport and logistics development strategies worth nearly 2 trillion baht, with the plans expected to go before the cabinet for approval within a month.

The strategies are designed on three key pillars _ connectivity, sustainability and mobility.

Transport Minister Chadchat Sittipunt said the connectivity strategy covers key checkpoint development and expansion of Suvarnabhumi airport and Laem Chabang port.

The sustainability strategy includes dual-track rail improvement, 10 mass transit systems in Bangkok and the first phase of four high-speed train projects linking Bangkok with Hua Hin, Pattaya, Nakhon Ratchasima and Phitsanulok.

The mobility strategy will centre on upgrading land transport, mainly to link Bangkok with promising tourist destinations such as Nakhon Sawan, Phitsanulok, Udon Thani and Khon Kaen.

Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra yesterday called a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Kittiratt Na-Ranong, Mr Chadchat and National Economic and Social Development Board secretary-general Arkhom Termpittayapaisith.

Mr Chadchat said the rail and mass transit projects may not be attractive to public-private partnerships because investors would not make any returns for a long time. The government may need to invest in civil works and later open bids for private operators to manage the train network.

He said China, Japan and France have approached the government to jointly build the high-speed train network.

The State-Owned Enterprises Policy Committee yesterday ordered the State Railway of Thailand and the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority to draw up plans to tackle their huge debts.

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