High-speed rail: Most profitable half first, Japan says

Build 380-km high-speed rail line from Bangkok to Phitsanulok first, only takes three years & more profitable, says Japan.

TRANSPORTATION

High-speed rail: Build most profitable half first, says Japan

24/06/2016
Amornrat Mahitthirook

Japan has recommended Thailand construct the first 380-kilometre section of the 672km Thai-Japanese high-speed train route, says Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith.

Japan's railway department presented the preliminary feasibility study on the investment project yesterday.

BUILD PHITSANULOK TO BANGKOK SECTION FIRST

The section which Japan suggests be built first would link Bangkok with the northern province of Phitsanulok.

The remaining stretch covers 292km from Phitsanulok to Chiang Mai.

Constructing the Bangkok-Phitsanulok section section first was proposed because the study shows that it would yield a better economic return than the other part.

PROJECT SCHEDULE

The findings will be proposed to the cabinet for approval by next month. Subject to its approval, Japan will begin a comprehensive final- stage feasibility study.

A detailed construction plan would also be drawn up for the project which could be complete by next year.

Bidding for route construction should begin in 2018 and the construction work is expected to take only three years, as opposed to the five years estimated previously, said Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith.

When the work is completed, this first section of the Thai-Japanese rail project should be able to launch its high-speed train service without having to wait until the Phitsanulok-Chiang Mai section is built, the minister said.

HOW TO BEST USE LAND ALONG THE ROUTE?

The ministry also plans to request a budget for a study on how best to use land along the Thai-Japanese rail route.

Thailand and Japan have not reached an agreement on who will operate the high-speed rail service.

One possibility is the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) will form a subsidiary to manage the operation.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/1018377/japan-splits-up-high-speed-rail-plan

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