Thailand's new electric train systems to complete by 2019

BANGKOK, January 27 (TNA) - The Thai government plans to construct new high-speed train systems on four routes in the country, aimed at generating national income, improving people's quality of life and creating about 500,000 new jobs in the Thai economy, as part of national preparations for the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC), scheduled to be formed by2015. Speaking during the weekly radio and TV programme of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on Saturday, Transport Minister Chadchart Sittipunt said that the Thai government will arrange an international bidding for the first phase of the new high-speed train systems, which links Bangkok with Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima, Pattaya and Hua Hin resort in Prachuap Khiri Khan province, and that foreign construction firms are invited to join the bidding. According to the transport minister, fares of the new high-speed electric trains are expected within the range of 1,300–1,500 baht. The minister revealed that the bidding for an electric rail network for the entire 10 routes will be held in 2014 and its construction is scheduled to be complete in 2019. The network will cover a 410-kilometre-section linking Bangkok with surrounding provinces, expected to cater four million passengers daily during the initial period and eventually double that number. The transport minister said the government also plans to construct a dual rail system nationwide, enlarge Thailand’s main Suvarnabhumi International Airport to serve about 65 million passengers annually and the Airport Rail Link Project to connect with Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport, as well as to expand the U-Tapao Airport in the Thai East and two other motorways (TNA)