Nesac suggests Red Line as a priority
The National Economic and Social Advisory Council (Nesac) has suggested the government accelerate implementation of the Red Line electric-train project as its first priority.
Speaking at a public hearing yesterday, Kriang Visitsora-ut, chairman of a Nesac study committee for the extension of five electric-train projects, said the Bang Sue-Rangsit and Bang Sue-Phya Thai sections of the Red Line would connect to the Airport Rail Link project linking the metropolitan area to Suvarnabhumi Airport."Connection between the city area and the new airport will be beneficial to commuters and the country's overall economy," said Kriang. As per the Transport Ministry's plan to be proposed to the Cabinet soon, another Red Line section - Bang Sue to Taling Chan - is considered a commuter route linking suburban areas with the main part of the city. But the proposed rail here is an only 1 metre wide (the "metre gauge") and will not seamlessly connect with the Airport Rail Link's 1.435-metre wide rail, or "standard gauge". Kriang said the committee's research found the Red Line's Bang Sue-Taling Chan section faced a land-expropriation problem. In addition, only small numbers of commuters are expected. Therefore, the bidding for this section should be put on hold. He said the committee also suggested the Red Line's Bang Sue-Taling Chan section should adjust its rail size to fit with that of the Airport Rail Link. Moreover, the government should be engaged in investing in civil-engineering work, electric-train systems, signalling and rail operations. This would lower ticket prices and thus attract commuters. He said that conversely, if the private sector were allowed to participate in the bidding, ticket prices would not be under control or implemented under a co-ticket system that would benefit passengers. "Under the time limit, the government should choose to implement the line that provides the greatest benefit," said Kriang. Watcharapong Thongrung, The Nation
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