BANGKOK, Sept 15 (TNA) – The government is quickly expanding and integrating the networks of roads, railways, waterways and air transport to distribute development to all regions in the country, according to the government spokesman.
Anucha Burapachaisri, deputy secretary-general to the prime minister and acting government spokesman, said the government was determined to improve infrastructures and expand transport networks from Greater Bangkok to regions for the sustainable development of the country.
According to him, the government prioritizes the urgent expansion of electric railways in Greater Bangkok also to effectively solve traffic congestion. It plans to complete 554 kilometers of 14 electric railways in Bangkok and adjacent provinces as soon as possible.
Two new electric monorails will start services this year. They are Pink Line from Khae Rai to Min Buri and Yellow Line from Lat Phrao to Samrong. The networks which cover Bangkok, Samut Prakan and Nonthaburi will be fully operated late next year.
Meanwhile, the government is developing the Bang Sue Grand Station to be the biggest transport hub of Thailand and Southeast Asia. With 5G communication technology, it will also be the first smart transport center of Thailand and Southeast Asia.
Mr Anucha also mentioned a high-speed railway project from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima that will open in 2026, its second phase from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai to begin operation in 2028, an eastern high-speed railway to link Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi and U-Tapao airports and a double-track railway from Khon Kaen to Nong Khai to be completed in 2026.
For water transport development, the government implements the third-phase expansion projects of Laem Chabang and Map Ta Phut ports and a liquefied natural gas hub project set for completion in 2026 to also serve the energy demand of Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam.
For air transport, the government has improved airports nationwide to raise their combined capacity to serve 139 million travelers a year. The second phase of Suvarnabhumi airport will be completed next month. Together with the improvement of U-Tapao airport and the construction of its aircraft maintenance center, Thailand will become an aviation hub of the region.
The transport infrastructure development would facilitate transport, boost economic development, promote tourism, distribute prosperity nationwide and enhance national competitiveness, Mr Anucha said. (TNA)
