In a landmark move aimed at improving its extensive rail network, Thailand’s State Railway (SRT) is poised to seek cabinet approval for an impressive funding goal exceeding 50 billion baht. This sizeable investment is designed to breathe life into the ambitious construction of a double-track railway line extending from Khon Kaen to Nong Khai and to enhance the reach of the Red Line electric train routes.
The groundbreaking initiative follows clear instructions from the country’s Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, accelerating the momentum of paramount railway game-changers and lining up proposal submissions for the stamp of approval from the cabinet – an event marked on the calendar for the current month.
As the conductor of this vast undertaking, SRT Governor Nirut Maneephan stepped into the spotlight to confirm the unfolding plans. He dissected the complex funding jigsaw, presenting the allocation blueprint destined to shape up the much-awaited second phase of the double-track railway line interlocking Khon Kaen and Nong Khai over a span of 167 kilometres. As per Nirut’s projections, 29.7 billion baht of this prodigious 50 billion baht pool will be dedicated to this expansive railway web.
Shedding more light on the financial dynamics, Governor Nirut disclosed that the meticulously planned budget involves earmarking 9 million baht for roping in a real estate consultant, 369 million baht for managing property ownership, 7 million baht allocated to the bidding process, an astounding 28.7 billion baht directed at the actual construction process, and 604 million baht for the essential task of enlisting a firm to supervise all construction activities.
Beyond the high-profile double-track railway project strides another ambitious venture – the SRT’s intention to kick-start bidding to pinpoint a private partner fit to create the Natha transhipment cargo centre. The centre’s strategic location in Nong Khai will forge a link between the sweeping rail routes of China and Laos.
Looking at the broader panorama, Governor Nirut revealed the SRT’s grand scheme of stretching the existing Red Line electric train routes by a whopping 21.7 billion baht. Drilling down into these impressive figures reveals the layout of resources for enhancing various sections of the railway.
Firstly, an outlay of 10.6 billion baht will propel the Taling Chan-Salaya route extension, spanning 14.8 kilometres. The budget includes the railway’s construction (8.07 billion baht), the installment of power systems and machinery (2.28 billion baht), with the remaining pots reserved for consultants.
Meanwhile, the Taling Chan-Siriraj section, traversing a distance of 5.7 kilometres, will receive 4.61 billion baht. The cost layout puts railway construction (2.79 billion baht), power system and machine installation (1.67 billion baht), and consultant fees in full view.
Lastly, the Rangsit-Thammasat University’s Rangsit Campus section, which stretches over a distance of 8.84 kilometres, will command a budget of 6.46 billion baht. This includes railway construction (4.05 billion baht), power system and machine installation (2 billion baht), and consultancy charges.
As he touched upon the acquisition of 184 air-conditioned diesel train units, Governor Nirut divulged ongoing conversations with the Office of the National Economics and Social Development Council. The discussions are centered around assessing the viability of this project in light of a feasibility study that advised caution regarding the investment worthiness of the procurement plan.
In a telling remark concerning the future of train travel, the governor stated, “In the future, most European countries will transition to hybrid or electric trains.
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