Government will invest 300 billion baht in transport projects next year

SURAT THANI, Nov 20 – The Transport Ministry announced to implement mega transport projects worth 300 billion baht in 2018 and they include the development of U-Tapao airport to provide international services. Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith told the 35th annual meeting of the nationwide chambers of commerce in Surat Thani that in the past government investment had been slow because of delayed disbursements and the lack of new investment projects. The latest implemented government investment project was Suvarnabhumi airport. He said the Transport Ministry will spend 309 billion baht in fiscal 2018. Of the budget, 152.16 billion baht will be invested in roads, 96.20 billion baht in railways, 7.32 billion baht in water transport, and 53.54 billion baht in air transport. Besides, there are 103 transport projects for the Eastern Economic Corridor development. Their costs were estimated at 745.71 billion and their implementation was set between 2017 and 2021. They include the development of U-Tapao airport to become an international facility to handle up to 60 million travelers a year. It will serve domestic and international flights and there will also be an aircraft maintenance center. U-Tapao airport will function together with Suvarnabhumi airport that will serve 90 million passengers and Don Mueang airport that will handle 30 million people a year, Mr Arkhom said. (TNA)