BANGKOK – Investment in rail lines is expected to contribute to economic growth this year with 3 lines continuing their construction and 2 more set to go to auction within the year.
Deputy Governor of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) Theeraphan Thechasirinukul disclosed that a commission set up under the Public-Private Investment in State Projects Act has completed guidelines for investing in the Kaerai-Minburi Pink Line and Ladprao-Samrong Yellow Line train extensions. It is expected their Terms of Reference will be completed by the Ministry of Transport within May and they will be open for auction before the year’s end.
Currently, there are 3 train lines being constructed; the Bang Sue-Tha Phra Blue Line, Bering-Samut Park Green Line and Mo Chit-Ku Kot extension.
Additionally, high speed rails connecting Bangkok to Rayong and to Hua Hin worth 152 billion baht and 94.6 billion baht respectively, are being reviewed by State Enterprise Policy Office (SEPO) for private involvement through the PPP Fast Track program. Relevant data for the two projects is expected to be submitted for conclusion by June.
