Sino-Thai cooperation on new double–track railway confirmed

BANGKOK, February 25 (TNA) - Thai Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittyapaisith confirms that a double-track railway project, set to be jointly invested by China and Thailand, will be implemented later this year as planned. Arkhom made the confirmation while opening a public forum to listen to people's opinions on the double-track railway joint investment project, held in Khon Kaen Province in the Thai Northeast on Thursday. Arkhom pointed out that passengers would receive direct benefit because trains could run faster, expected at a maximum speed of 180 kilometres per hour, on the 1.435-metre standard-gauge rail network than the current one-metre gauge. According to the transport minister, the upcoming 10th meeting between the Chinese and the Thai sides is significant because participants will discuss how much money each side will invest in the project and in what proportions. Besides, benefits on both sides from the joint rail investment project will be discussed, before the construction of the project will be started later this year. (TNA)