SRT to ask for more double track rail lines

BANGKOK, Feb 17 (TNA) -- The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) will request the cabinet to build new double track rail lines and on increase of its personnel, especially locomotive drivers, to cope with future demands, said Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith. After ordering SRT senior officers on accelerating an ongoing construction of electric rail line, Mr Arkhom said he would propose to the cabinet in March for the SRT to construct two more rail lines linking between Den Chai district in Phrae to Chiang Khong district in the northernmost province of Chiang Rai. Construction costs for 326-kilometre distance from Den Chai to Chiang Khong is more than 85 billion baht. Another route is from Ban Phai district in the northeastern province of Khon Kaen to Nakhon Phanom province bordering Laos, he said. More than 60 billion baht is needed for the construction of rail line from Ban Phai to Nakhon Phanom. Total distance is approximately 355 kilometres. Also, the SRT has conducted feasibility studies to build electric trains running between Bangkok to Nakhon Sawan, Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima, Bangkok to Hua Hin and Bangkok to Chachoengsao, said Mr Arkhom. Presently, the SRT has about 14,000 officials and it needs at least 19,000 to cope with future demands, he said, adding that he would request the cabinet within the next few months to allow the agency to employ more personnel. (TNA)