Get infrastructure on track, Thai PM urged

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Get infrastructure on track, PM urged
SASITHORN ONGDEE
THE NATION



BANGKOK: -- ACADEMICS yesterday urged Prime Minster General Prayut Chan-o-cha to put on the national agenda the need to fix structural problems relating to the railways before rushing to build a number of new railroads.

They expressed concern that the current plans for railroad development, if they went ahead without proper deliberation of the Kingdom's overall infrastructure-development strategy, would adversely affect Thai interests, especially farmers and small and medium-sized enterprises.

Chulalongkorn University's Faculty of Engineering yesterday held a press conference, at which it said it would soon submit to the government advice on strategic development of the country's infrastructure, and the railway system in particular.

The PM along with ministers is currently on a three-day visit to Japan.

Among other matters, the government delegation is scheduled to sign agreements with the Japanese government for collaboration in a study of the construction of two railroads from the East to the West, linking Myanmar to Laos via Thailand.

This follows the Prayut administration's decision to give the Chinese government the right to construct two rail lines worth Bt400 billion — one from Nong Khai to Map Ta Phut via Kaeng Khoi in Saraburi, and the other from Bangkok to Kaeng Khoi.

The two governments are set to hold their final meeting on the matter later this week. The collaboration with both China and Japan is aimed at building dual-track railroads with 1.435-metre gauge, running mid-speed trains at a maximum of 180 kilometres per hour.

At yesterday's press conference, the CU academics called on the government to revamp the Kingdom's railway management system and the structure of regulatory bodies, as well as increasing route operators' efficiency. In addition, the railway system should be developed in accordance with city planning, the rail-industry sector and trade as an integrated plan, they said.

"Otherwise, we will not reap the benefits we deserve, since the railways are still used as a tool for economic expansion by great-power countries," said Assistant Prof Pramual Suteecharuwat of the university' Faculty of Engineering. "We do not oppose the government's policy to build more railroads, including those running high-speed trains. But, we want the government to have a definitive strategy, with actual plans to brace for how the country will be impacted by them," he explained.

Pramual said the faculty would submit three main issues for the government's consideration, covering: a definitive overall strategy; the technology that will be used; and development plans for human resources and businesses related to the railway system. He said that if the railroads were to be linked to other countries, as planned, Thai farmers could be hard hit by pass-through transport as there would be an influx of imported crops at cheaper prices.

The government would, therefore, have to tell farmers how to tackle such a threat, he added. Moreover, when the railroads are being built, there will be a requirement for many new businesses related to railway construction, such as parts and carriage assembly, but the government has never had a clear direction on this matter, said the academic.

For example, he said Bangkok's three metro electricity-driven mass-transit lines used different technologies, which resulted in higher maintenance costs as they were unable to share resources, such as depots.

Pramual said that if the government had a clear policy to develop the railway network, this would lead to an effort to create uniform carriage sizes, making carriage assembly attractive enough to investors.

This would in turn enable Thai operators to absorb the technology and, if they could assemble the carriages, it would help the country reduce its capital outflow, he added

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/business/Get-infrastructure-on-track-PM-urged-30253748.html


-- The Nation 2015-02-10

[davehowden]

Far too much sensible thinking going on here, El Capitano will not be amused.

[taony]

Give advice to the government? Good idea!!

[Laughing Gravy]

Finally someone talking sense. If I was the prime Minister I would have this chap as an advisor. Someone telling it how things are and what really needs doing. well done that professor.

[ratcatcher]

Far too much sensible thinking going on here, El Capitano will not be amused.

No, but he might be amazed. Sensible thinking! Now there's a concept.

[Tatsujin]

"... have a definitive strategy, with actual plans ..."

That'll be another new "first" for Thailand ... seriously tho, the "Govt" should listen to people a little more ... things are a little too "rushed" just at the moment, and it's not going to end well, for anyone.

[Dublin]

The big man thinks the Chinese will come and build all his new railways, wait till they start looking for there money back and he is nowhere to be seen... The Thai people will be left to foot the bill, no money for repairs, no money for maintenance it will soon become no better than whats already in place. The guy in the report is speaking perfect scene repair the current infrastructure then look at improving it.

[tomacht8]

Many good aspects.

Especially the compatibility of different transport systems is important from the point of view of follow-up costs.

For example look in Bangkok, the coordination between BTS, MRT and bus systems.

A composite transport system would be more than useful.

A monthly ticket valid for all systems, same cash and barrier systems, etc.

It would be much more efficient to buy only one ticket for all systems, then 3 times for each system individually.

What a waste of money and time

[rickirs]

"... we want the government to have a definitive strategy, with actual plans to brace for how the country will be impacted by them,"

Nice idea but the Junta wants the railway built in two years and doing any actual planning will delay that timetable. Why is two years so important? Perhaps the Junta estimates that is about how long it has to be in control so that it can reap the benfits of that government-to-government project.

[MaiChai]

Thai railway's are really antiquated. A rebuilding program would be much more sensible. Anyhow Thais regard the railway as something the poor use; if they were more comfortable and modern then the mindset would change.

[Thian]

Yes and start selling retour tickets for the skytrain as well.

Siam Paragon needs more counters and ticket vending machines, it's a disgrace to be in the long qeueu there.

[falangjim]

Yes and start selling retour tickets for the skytrain as well.

Siam Paragon needs more counters and ticket vending machines, it's a disgrace to be in the long qeueu there.

I agree. The whole BTS ticketing system needs an overhaul. I don't feel like a rabbit using my Rabbit Card; more like a tortoise trapped between queues of people slotting change into machines and queues of people using the counters. So inefficient. And get rid of those horrible junk food booths that clog the runways leading up to that mess.

Edited February 10, 2015 by falangjim