Thailand and China to join hands in double track railway project

The Transport Ministry has planned to address about the railway link project between Thailand and China on the November 18 cabinet meeting.

The move came after Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and the Chinese leader met and talked about the rail link extension projects of their countries during the APEC meeting. China has planned to build a new railway from the Silk Road to the ASEAN region, while Thailand has planned to build new railways to link the country with its neighboring nations.

According to Transport Minister Prachin Chantong, both governments have agreed to construct new double track railways interconnecting three routes together, which are namely the Nongkhai- Nakhon Ratchasima-Kaengkoi route, the Kaeng Koi-Bangkok route, and the Kaeng Koi-Chonburi- Map Ta Phut route.

A committee will be established to undertake the negotiations and the study of routes, which are expected to begin in 2015. The construction is expected to start in 2016. The Thai delegates will travel to China in December to sign the MOU of the project with Beijing. The agreement will take effect in 2016 and the project will require a budget of 400 billion baht.

PM Office Spokesperson Yongyuth Mayalarp, meanwhile, disclosed that Japan was also interested in helping develop the country’s railway system and would discuss the possibilities in the near future.

NNT

Stay updated with Samui Times by following us on Facebook.