Light-rail service proposed for Phuket

The network, which would cost almost Bt13 billion to develop, would connect key points on the island, including Phuket International Airport, Patong, Chalong Circle and Phuket city.

Allina Salima of Jade Trust Fund International presented the plan to Phuket Governor Wichai Phraisa-ngop at Phuket Provincial Hall on April 30.

The proposed network would consist of three lines.

The first, connecting Phuket International Airport and Chalong Circle, would be 41.4 kilometres long and cost an estimated Bt7 billion.

The second line, connecting Patong with Phuket city, would be 18.4km long and cost Bt2.8 billion.

The third line, running from the bypass road junction though Phuket city to Chalong Circle, would be 16.8km long and cost Bt2.9 billion.

The three lines would total 76.6km in length and cost Bt12.7 billion to construct, according to preliminary calculations.

The network could be developed as a "closed" system exclusively for use by the network or as an "open" system, which would permit other vehicles to travel along the routes.

"Phuket would be glad to invest in a light rail system around Phuket island. This is one of the solutions to traffic problems in Phuket. We would like to support this project," Wichai said.

Salima said his company was ready to invest in the project and had a lot of experience investing in other cities. The company will conduct further research and report back to the province in 30 days' time.

The proposal is not the first of its kind for Phuket, where proposals for various kinds of light-rail transport systems date back decades.

A consultant study by a private firm hired by the province in early 2006 concluded that hilly terrain would make a rail route connecting Phuket city and Patong impractical.

The consultants recommended building a single rail link between the airport and Phuket city at an estimated cost of about Bt20 billion.