The Transport Ministry has prepared rail projects worth more than 520 billion baht as it plans seeking cabinet approval for the work early next year.
Chartchai Tipsunave, permanent secretary for transport, said there are 12 rail projects under the responsibility of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). The projects, worth 524.63 billion baht, are part of the action plan for transport worth 895.75 billion baht which kicked off this year. The ministry has been accelerating work on the projects ahead of sending the proposals to cabinet.
Of the 12 projects, three are with various agencies including the Finance Ministry and the National Economic and Social Development Board. They are the Dark Red Line running from Thammasat University's Rangsit campus to the Rangsit area worth 7.59 billion baht, the Light Red Line running from Siriraj Hospital-Taling Chan-Salaya worth 17.67 billion baht, and the 323-kilometre double-track railway from Den Chai district in Phrae to Chiang Khong in Chiang Rai worth 85.34 billion baht.
Other projects include the double track railway of Hat Yai-Padang Besar section worth 57.37-billion-baht, the Chumphon-Surat Thani section worth 24.29 billion baht, Surat Thani-Songkhla section worth 51.82 billion baht, the section from Pak Nam Pho in Nakhon Sawan to Den Chai worth 62.62 billion baht, the Den Chai-Chiang Mai section worth 59.92 billion baht, Jira junction in Nakhon Ratchasima-Ubon Ratchathani section worth 37.43 billion baht, Khon Kaen-Nong Khai section worth 26.66 billion baht and Ban Phai district in Khon Kaen-Nakhon Phanom section worth 65.73 billion baht.
These projects are being prepared for the consultation process with various agencies, said Mr Chartchai. "After they go to cabinet, the projects will proceed to bidding immediately."
Mr Chartchai said projects under the Mass Rapid Transit Authority, which follow the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) investment model, include the 16.4km western Orange Line running from the Thailand Cultural Centre to Taling Chan worth 109.34 billion baht and the 9.2km extended section of the Blue Line from Bang Khae to Buddha Monthon Sai 4 worth 21.19 billion baht.