Transport-minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith explained that the estimated cost of the upgrading was THB17 billion and work would likely start within the next few months. He continued by saying the project would be put out to tender before August and interested contractors would submit e-bids.
The minister added that after the closing date for bids it would take another month to evaluate the submissions. Once the successful bidder has been announced work can begin straightaway. Mr Termpittayapaisith said the upgrade would be completed some time during 2019.
The line between Prachuap Khiri Khan and Chumpon is 167kms long and has 20 stations. It is part of the main Thai southbound route from Bangkok to Hat Yai and the Malaysian border at Padang Besar.
The bulk of Thailand’s railway lines are single track. The three other projects awaiting cabinet approval will also upgrade lines from single to dual. The first, Nakhon Pathom to Hua Hin, is also a section of the southern route. The other two link Lop Buri to Nakhon Sawan and Nakhon Ratchasima to Saraburi.
Rail track upgrade from Prachuap Khiri Khan gets thumbs up
News in Asia
The government of Thailand yesterday endorsed the first of several planned railway line upgrades. The cabinet gave the green line for a project to turn the track from Prachuap Khiri Khan to Chumpon from single to double.