BANGKOK, Jan 12 (TNA) — The Mass Rapid Transit Authority off Thailand (MRTA) will call bids for a light rail system in Phuket in the third quarter o this year in a bid to ease traffic congestions in the southern resort island of Phuket.
MRTA deputy governor Theerapan Tachasirinugune on Friday chaired a Market Soounding meeting aimed at gauging interest and reactions of potential investors, local administrative organisations and other sectors to co-invest on the 34. 83 billion baht rail project.
Reiterating that return on investment is as high as 12.51 per cent, Mr Theerapan assured participants that the light rail system would be divided into two phases.
The first phase of the construction will run from Phuket International Airport to Chalong intersection, a total distance of 41.7 kilometres with 21 stations along the route.
Total investment for the first phase is approximately 34.83 billion baht and passenger fares are between 100-137 baht per trip, he said.
Construction will start in 2020 and become operational in 2023.
The second phase of the construction for the light rail system will start from Tha Noon to Muang Mai with a total distance of 16.8 kilometres.
The MRTA will compile opinions expressed during the meeting and forward to the cabinet for its approval, expected to be made middle of this year. (TNA)
