Transport Poised To Further Upgrade Thai Railway System

[Mod]

Transport Poised To Further Upgrade Thai Railway System

BANGKOK, 1 June 2012 (NNT) – The Transport Ministry is determined to further improve the country’s railway system through several projects already in execution.

Deputy Transport Minister, Police Lieutenant General Chatt Kuldiloke, said that the Transport Ministry is intending to effectively upgrade Thailand’s railways with an emphasis on safety.

In doing so, the ministry is planning to replace the existing railway system with the 1-meter wide track for a total distance of 4,044 kilometers.

Police Lieutenant General Chatt said that about 40 percent of the targeted tracks have been upgraded, with the remainder expected to be completed by the end of 2014.

At the same time, the Transport Ministry is determined to develop the high-speed train system in the country, with a short route hoped to be operational within 3 years.

The Deputy Transport Minister said that the ministry is now working with Chinese experts to conduct a survey on a number of possible courses, including the Bangkok-Chiang Mai and the Bangkok Nong Khai routes.

Moreover, it is planning to buy 70 new locomotives and repair 56 existing units as well as to expand the Airport Rail Link to Don Muang Airport and to invest more than 5 billion baht in procuring new train cars.

Police Lieutenant General Chatt conceded that the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is still facing a major hurdle of personnel shortage and is presently recruiting more than 2,400 new staff.

NNT 2012-06-01

[davu]

...'further improve' ? Did I miss something? Really looking forward to a high speed train driven by an ex tuk tuk driver. Sorry, feeling a bit racist today, it'll pass

[nookiebear]

Yet more 'pie in the sky'