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The Samak government earlier said the construction works would be completed within three years, after construction contracts are signed.

 "The public should rest assured that the urban train routes would be materialised despite the change in the minister or the government. As to all, public convenience must come first.

He noted that there should be no obstacle in achieving the target, given that rail transportation is a focus of the government. Once the plan is comleted, Thailand would be the centre of passenger and goods shipment," Transport Minister Santi Prompat said.

 In times of high oil prices, while the trains would solve long-term problems, he said buses should switch to natural gas to save costs in the near term.

 Prapat Chongsanguan, governor of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), is confident that the civil works of all train routes under MRTA's supervision could be completed within two years. However, he said, the engineering systems should take a longer time as it requires thorough installation and testing.

 He said he would discuss with advisors to ensure the completion of civil works in two years. Possibly, private contractors who can meet the schedule would receive special attention.

- The Nation