Transport Minister Urge Implementation Of 5 Electric Train Routes

[george]

Transport minister urge implementation of 5 electric train routes

BANGKOK: -- In a bid to stimulate the economy this year, Transport Minister Adm Thira Haocharoen has instructed state agencies concerned to accelerate construction of five electric train routes and transfer the Onnuch-Lasal and Mor Chit-Saphanmai route project back to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.

A source at the ministry said the minister had recently called senior officials of state agencies concerned in the construction of the five electric train routes including the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) and Transport and Traffic Planning and Policy Office to meet.

They were urged to accelerate the implementation of the five-route construction projects as instructed by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pridiyathorn Devakula on January 8.

The source said Adm Thira was dissatisfied with the office’s plan to engage Team Consultant Co, the previous advisory firm, to outline details of the Onnuch-Lasal and Mor Chit-Saphanmai route project worth around 450 million baht instead of opening a new bidding.

So, the minister instructed the office to transfer the project back to BMA, the previous concessionaire, to implement it.

But since a section of the Onnuch-Lasal route stretches into Samut Prakan Province, it is not under BMA’s jurisdiction.

The minister viewed MRTA might be assigned to implement the construction of the section and transfer the authority to BMA, said the source.

--TNA 2007-01-22