High speed train construction begins in Nakhon Ratchasima

NAKHON RATCHASIMA, Dec 21 (TNA) – Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha presides over the ceremony to mark the launch of the high speed construction project in Nakhon Ratchasima today. Nakhon Ratchasima Governor Wichien Channothai said Gen Prayut will preside over the ceremony to start the piling work for the first 3.5km section of the Thai-Sino high-speed train project, stretching from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima. The governor said the high speed train project will stimulate the province’s economy and will draw more investment to the province, which is the gateway to the Northeastern region. The Cabinet approved the 253-km high speed train project, linking Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima in July 2017. The construction is expected to be completed within four years and is set to cost around 179 billion baht. Meanwhile, the governor said he would also report to the prime minister about the Chiangkrai River development project that 53 dykes must be dismantled and a public hearing must be held before the project can go ahead. The Cabinet approved the budget for the project in Aug. The governor will also ask for clarification from the prime minister about the design of the dual track railway that the province proposed the section, passing the urban area to be elevated. The State Railway of Thailand is working on the design. (TNA)