High-speed trains could compete with low-cost airlines, says SRT governor

BANGKOK, March 24 (TNA) - The high-speed train project on four routes in Thailand is worth for investment and could compete with low-cost airlines now operating in the country, said State Railway of Thailand (SRT) governor Prapat Chongsanguan. The four routes include Bangkok to Chiang Mai in the North, Bangkok to Trat in the East, Bangkok to Nong Khai in the Northeast and Bangkok to Padang Besar in the South. The project is part of the transport megaprojects of which the cabinet has given the green light to the Finance Ministry recently to borrow two trillion baht for investment, aimed at overhauling and developing transport infrastructure in the country. Mr. Prapat’s remarks were made as members of the House of Representatives are scheduled to debate for the first reading of the bill allowing the government to borrow the money this Thursday and Friday. The second and third readings are expected to be held by the MPs in May. Concerned government agencies are now making surveys, laying designs and conduct environmental effects as well as gathering opinions from people living along the tracks where the four routes would pass through, he said. Touching on criticisms that competition between the high-speed trains and the low-cost airlines with investment for the former would not be worthwhile, Mr. Prapat said fares for high-speed trains would be almost equal to low-cost airline fares now and fares for the latter would have to rise in future due to an increase in oil prices. Therefore, passengers will have to opt for travelling with the high-speed trains. Comparing time to be spent by travellers between high-speed trains and the low-cost airlines, Mr. Prapat insisted that it would not be much different while train travellers could also appreciate the beauty of each province where the train passes. (TNA)