Acting governor Thawin Samnakorn said last week that the agency's proposal to the Transport Ministry contained three key requests - raising the construction project's estimated budget from Bt5.24 billion to Bt5.8 billion, extending the SRT's debt from five to eight years (2004-2011), and cancelling the bidding conditions with China initiated by the previous government.

The previous budget was based on assumptions in 2004 and has been revised up to reflect current economic circumstances, he said.

The SRT has also suggested conducting the tender via an electronic auction with participation by both international and local contractors.

"If the Cabinet approves our proposal, the project is expected to open for bidding in May," Thawin said.

For the procurement of rolling stock on the 87-kilometre route from Chachoengsao

to Laem Chabang in Chon Buri, the SRT will discuss further with the Port Authority of Thailand and the private sector on how to structure a joint investment.

"This project follows the government's policy to accelerate rail projects as they are beneficial to the country in terms of increasing transport efficiency," Thawin said.

The SRT will also discuss with the transport minister details of extending the line from Chachoengsao to Lop Buri and Nakhon Sawan, to link the East with the North.

"If the minister agrees, the SRT will revise its investment plan again and propose it to the Transport Ministry," he said.

Watcharapong Thongrung

The Nation