The second phase of double-track projects, worth 398 billion baht and covering nine routes running a combined 2,217 kilometres, is scheduled to go before the cabinet for approval later this month or early next year, says the state planning unit.
Porametee Vimolsiri, secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB), said once endorsed by the cabinet, the nine routes are expected to start construction next year.
The nine routes are from Pak Nam Pho in Nakhon Sawan to Den Chai in Phrae; Jira in Nakhon Ratchasima to Ubon Ratchathani; Khon Kaen-Nong Khai, Chumphon-Surat Thani; Surat Thani-Hat Yai in Songkhla; Den Chai-Chiang Mai; Den Chai-Chiang Rai-Chiang Khong; Ban Phai in Khon Kaen to Nakhon Phanom; and Hat Yai-Padang Besar. Construction is expected to take four to five years.
Anon Luangboriboon, acting State Railway of Thailand governor, said recently drafting of the nine projects is expected to be completed by the first quarter of 2018, with bidding to be called in the middle of next year.
Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak said the cabinet is scheduled next week to approve the winning contractors for the first phase of double-track projects worth a combined 102 billion baht, which comprise five routes covering 668km.
The five first-phase routes are the 10.2-billion-baht Hua Hin-Prachuap Khiri Khan section; the 17.2-billion-baht Prachuap Khiri Khan-Chumphon section; the 29.4-billion-baht Map Kabao-Jira section; the 20-billion-baht Nakhon Pathom-Hua Hin section; and the 24.8-billion-baht Lop Buri-Pak Nam Pho section.
Mr Somkid said the government has pledged to accelerate approvals next year for all significant infrastructure projects slated to become the backbone of the country as well as infrastructure projects in the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC).
Mr Porametee said construction of infrastructure projects next year will become a vital contributor to the economy, with the NESDB projecting government investment will rise by 11.8% next year, up from 9.9% in 2016 and 1.8% forecast for 2017.
He said the government's investment and infrastructure development as well as the EEC will create investor confidence and keep economic growth momentum on the upswing next year.
"If the government achieves its investment in infrastructure projects as planned, private investment is expected to expand accordingly," said Mr Porametee. The NESDB projected 3.7% growth in private investment next year, up from 0.4% in 2016 and 2.2% forecast for this year.
The board forecast GDP growth in a range of 3.6-4.6% next year, up from its estimate of 3.9% growth this year and 3.2% gained in 2016. Growth will be supported by a global economic recovery, the acceleration of public investment, which will be supported by key investment projects and a higher capital budget framework, improving trends in private investment, and the continued expansion of key production sectors, said the NESDB.
Improvement in employment and household income conditions is also anticipated in 2018, with the value of exports predicted to expand by 5% and private consumption and total investment by 3.1% and 5.5%, respectively.