153 Billion Baht Dual-Rail Track Project

According to Transport Ministry's permanent secretary, Supoj Saplom, the NESDB will submit its plan to the Cabinet to consider the dual-track lines' frst fve-year investment plan (2010-2014) with a 153 billion baht budget.

The Cabinet will forward details of the transport ministry proposal to the fnance ministry for further budget. The Eastern line that will travel through Pattaya is to be completed frst.



The Eastern line that will travel through Pattaya is planned to be completed frst.

Meanwhile, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) already fnished its project plan for dual-track lines last week, said Mr. Supoj.

During the frst phase, the SRT will build 676 km in dual-rail lines connecting the existing 120 km of tracks. Construction is expected to help reduce the costs of logistics from the current 18 percent to 14 percent in 2014, with a further reduction to 12 percent considered ideal.

When the project enters the second phase in 2015-2019, the State Railway will build another 1,025 km of dual-rail track system. The third phase of 1,678 km will be followed with logistics costs to be reduced to 10 percent.

Concerning locomotives, Mr. Supoj said 56 engines are currently under an 18-month maintenance process, while another 56 locomotives of 90 percent quality are expected to be  ready for service next year. He said the maintenance costs are already included in the 153 billion baht budget.

The State Railway of Thailand is also planning to spend 4 billion baht to build a 2,000 km fence bordering its rails for public safety.

Moreover, it is to develop some of its large plots of land in Bangkok. Several areas will generate income for the lossridden state-owned agency. For instance, Bang Sue Station to be developed as a train hub.