The Cabinet has acknowledged an eight-year investment
plan for transport development, from 2015 to 2022, in order to facilitate
the movement of passengers and goods.
The plan involves the development of dual tracks, a mass rapid transit system
in Bangkok and its vicinity, major highways, water transport networks, air
transport, and public transport.
The objective is to bring about social and economic stability, security, and
safety. It will also provide opportunities for Thailand’s competitiveness and
prepare the country for the implementation of the ASEAN Community. The Ministry
of Transport told the Cabinet that the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy
and Planning and the State Railway of Thailand were planning to construct dual
track railway lines, both meter gauge and standard gauge.
As for the mass rapid transit system in Bangkok and its vicinity, construction
of four routes will be accelerated. They include the Purple Line, from Bang Yai
to Bang Sue, 23 kilometers in length; the Blue Line, from Hua Lamphong to Bang
Khae, Bang Sue, and Tha Phra, 27 kilometers in length; the Green Line, from
Bearing to Samut Prakan, 12.80 kilometers in length; and the Red Line, from
Bang Sue to Rangsit, 26 kilometers in length.
The Pattaya – Map Ta Phut motorway, covering 32 kilometers, will be constructed
in the 2015 fiscal year, together with the expansion of four-lane highways and
the construction of highway networks linking Thailand with neighboring
countries.
Regarding water transport networks, the Cabinet has been asked to
approve two major projects: one for the construction of a pier at the Laem
Chabang Port in Chon Buri province, and another for the construction of the Single
Rail Transfer Operator, Phase One, also at Laem Chabang Port.
In order to enhance Thailand’s competitiveness in air transport, designing
surveys have been carried out for the construction of several projects at
Suvarnabhumi Airport. The projects include a reserve runway, an airside, a
multi-terminal, and public utilities. Another project involves the expansion of
Phuket International Airport to cope with the expected growing number of
passengers from eight million to 12.5 million a year and to provide more facilities
for passengers.
The Ministry of Transport has formed a committee, chaired by the Permanent
Secretary for Transport, to hold discussions with the Royal Thai Navy
on the development of U-Tapao Airport in Chon Buri into a commercial airport.
The project aims to facilitate the transport of goods and passengers and to
link U-Tapao Airport with Suvarnabhumi Airport. It is expected that the project
will be finalized in February 2015.
Concerning the issue of public transport, a total of 3,183 NGV buses will
be purchased in 2015, and a number of the new buses are set to run on a trial
basis in March in the same year.
(thailand.prd.go.th)