ID :
280683
Wed, 04/10/2013 - 11:59
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Thailand studies new high-speed trains and station locations

BANGKOK, April 10 (TNA) - Thailand is studying a northern high-speed train project which will be implemented first, as part of the government's new 2-trillion-baht infrastructure development plans nationwide over the next seven years, with its conclusion expected within 2-3 months. Chula Sukmanop, Director-General of the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTTPP), told reporters on Wednesday that, of four new high-speed train projects, the study on the first stage of the northern route, linking Bangkok with Phitsanulok province, will be completed over the next couple of months. Chula acknowledged that his office will then study the first phase of the northeastern route, linking Bangkok with Nakhon Ratchasima province, and the southern route, linking Bangkok with Hua Hin seaside district of Prachuap Khiri Khan province. Regarding train procurement, Chula said that his office will receive proposals from international suppliers in September and October this year and his office will recommend ordering trains from one supplier to ensure clear costs of maintenance and operations, as well as effective fare control. According to the OTTPP chief, fares of the new high-speed train systems have been initially set at 2.50 baht per kilometer, as the Thai government has not included infrastructural investment in the fares but has based them only on operational and maintenance costs to guarantee public access to the new high-speed train services. The OTTPP chief noted that the new high-speed trains will be a transport option, in addition to inter-provincial buses, airplanes and conventional trains. (TNA)

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