Private sector eyes investing in Thailand’s new rail transport projects

BANGKOK, June 6 (TNA) - Many private firms are interested in investing in Thailand’s new rail transport projects over the next two decades. Thai Transport Minister Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong told journalists of the information on Friday, saying that BTS Group Holdings Public Company Limited (BTS), which currently runs skytrains in Bangkok, is among the private companies expressing their interest in investing in the country’s new rail projects. The transport minister revealed that BTS has proposed to invest in the construction of part of a twin-track connecting Laem Chabang Deep Seaport in the Thai East with Khon Kaen Province in the Thai Northeast, covering three sections of the dual track, with the total construction cost estimated at 76 billion baht. According to the transport minister, BTS has also proposed to invest in installing an electric charger system for the new electric train system, which will replace diesel locomotives presently, and to procure electric locomotives and cargo bogeys that is in line with his ministry’s policy on switching to electric-powered trains, with the construction set from 2017-2032. Besides, BTS has proposed to construct residences for train workers in the area, with up to 8,000 – 8,500 families of the workers expected to benefit from the plan. The transport minister noted that his ministry has asked BTS to conduct a feasibility study and investment conditions and submit them by June 25. (TNA)