Framework of cooperation on Thai-Sino rail project agreed on
THE Thai and Chinese governments have agreed on an outline of the framework of railway cooperation after the ninth round of meetings on the issue, Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said.
He added that it would take another six months to work out details on the engineering system and design for the project. He said the government had been pushing for the project to materialise and expected construction to commence by mid-2016.
The government also plans to hold a foundation-laying ceremony before commencing the construction of the Operation Control Centre in Ayutthaya’s Bang Pa-in district on December 19. The OCC is currently being designed.
As for the interest paid on loans for the railway project, Arkhom cited the Finance Ministry as saying the rate should not exceed 2 per cent per annum.
Meanwhile, the blueprint for two routes under the project should be ready this month. The routes are Bangkok-Kaeng Khoi and Kaeng Khoi-Nakhon Ratchasima, while the other two – Kaeng Khoi-Map Ta Phut and Nakhon Ratchasima-Nong Khai – are nearly 50 per cent complete and should be completed in time for Cabinet consideration in February.
