Feasibility study of part of Chiang Mai electric rail system ordered
Transport Ministry says more investment will be required for proposed underground tunnel in Old Town area
With the electric train system in Bangkok and the surrounding areas proceeding according to plan, Transport Minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit has turned his attention to developing similar systems upcountry.
The Ministry has assessed that the first regional electric rail project requiring urgent development is the Chiang Mai Mass Transit Project. The development would not only ease traffic in the city but also provide access to new tourist attractions outside the urban area.
Addressing current concerns regarding the potential impact of the project on historical sites within the city, which could affect the image of tourist attractions, Suriya said he had proposed that a feasibility study be conducted on the construction of an underground tunnel in the city area and on continuing with the original plan for areas outside the city.
“When a project faces concerns, we must revisit the issues. Developing an underground tunnel in the city area could mitigate the concerns about impacts on tourist attractions while allowing normal traffic flow. Meanwhile, the areas outside the city can proceed according to the original plan. I believe this approach will enable the project to move forward,” said Suriya, who is also a Deputy Prime Minister.
He added that although the budget will need to be increased if the project is to move forward, it will be a worthwhile investment.
In his view, the study should not take long, with clarity expected by 2025.
Regarding the Chiang Mai Mass Transit Project (Red Line), the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) earlier completed its study of the development of the route from Nakhon Ping Hospital to Mae Hia Samansamakkee Junction, a distance of approximately 15.8 kilometres, with an estimated investment of 29.52 billion baht.
The MRTA plans to develop the system as a light rail transit (LRT/Tram) with 16 stations.
There will be two Park & Ride facilities, one at Nakhon Ping Hospital accommodating 1,600 cars and 800 motorcycles, and another at the Chiang Mai Provincial Transport Office, supporting around 1,200 private cars and 2,800 motorcycles. A maintenance centre would be built on a 25-rai plot at Nong Hor Junction.
The MRTA is moving forward with the project and is in the process of submitting the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report for consideration by the expert committee.
According to the initial project timeline, the MRTA aims to evaluate the appropriate investment model for the project in 2024/25, and submit the proposal to the Cabinet for approval in 2026. The project will enter the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) process for selecting private investors in 2027/28, with construction beginning in 2028, and the project becoming operational by 2031.
