Thailand Plans To Construct High Speed Trains

[churchill]

BANGKOK, Nov 11 (Bernama) -- The meeting of the Thailand's Council of Economic Ministers Wednesday approved a proposal to construct four high speed train routes, Deputy Prime Minister Korbsak Sabhavasu said.

Under the proposal made by the Ministry of Transport, a fund worth 100 billion baht (some US$3 billion) will be allocated for the project, Thai News Agency quoted Korbsak, who is in charge of economic affairs, as saying.

The planned tracks will link Bangkok with northern province of Chiang Mai, northeastern province of Nong Khai, eastern province of Chan-tha-bu-ri and Padang Besar, a town locating at the northern part of Perlis state in Malaysia, he said.

However, the ministry has been directed to start with making a feasibility study and investment plan by 45 days for construction of a high-speed train route linking Bangkok and eastern province of Ra-yong as the pilot project.

This route is a short one, hence, its construction could be quicker than the longer route, Kobsak explained.

The Finance Ministry is assigned to seek financial sources to finance this mega infrastructure project, while at this stage China has proposed to give Thailand some US$400 million in loan, he said.

Also, the government has a policy to let the private sector to co-invest in this project with the Thai government, he said

http://www.bernama.com/bernama/v5/newsworld.php?id=454409

[Crossy]

Beaten by 23 seconds Mate

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