January 8, 2019 - Mr. Worawut Mala, acting governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), revealed the progress of three dual-track rail projects in the Northeast: 1. Khon Kaen-Nong Khai, a distance of 174 kilometers with a budget of 26.663 billion baht; 2. Jirath Road Junction-Ubon Ratchathani, a distance of 309 kilometers with a budget of 37.527 billion baht; and 3. The new route from Ban Phai to Nakhon Phanom, a distance of 355 kilometers with a budget of 67.965 billion baht. These projects are currently under consideration by the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC), with the Khon Kaen-Nong Khai route having already passed the environmental impact assessment by the National Environmental Board.

 

Mr. Worawut stated that the proposal for all three routes aligns with the policy of Mr. Akhom Termpithayapaisith, the Minister of Transport, who aims to present them as a package. The Northeast is considered a strategic route for Thailand's rail freight transport from Nong Khai to Map Ta Phut, as it serves both people and goods, including high-speed rail services. Therefore, this region needs to be developed first.

 

He further mentioned that the plan to utilize non-core railway land aims to increase revenue by 10% this year compared to last year, through expedited leasing contracts for projects that have reached their contract expiration. For core business, the expected revenue from ticket sales this year is 3.8 billion baht, with 1.8 billion baht from goods, and if a freight transport center is established, it could generate 2 billion baht.

 

Regarding the development plan for areas around the mass transit station (TOD), the focus will be on the extension of the red line suburban railway from Taling Chan to Siriraj, the river station, and the area at kilometer 11. In 2021-2022, plans are in place to develop the Ratchadapisek area and the RCA district consecutively.

 

As for the progress of the development project for the staff housing, office building, and golf course at Khon Kaen station, under the Public-Private Partnership Act of 2013, this project is still in the conceptual phase, and inquiries are being made to investors to gauge interest. The total area is approximately 108 rai, located in the city center of Khon Kaen, adjacent to Mittraphap Road, and can connect to Nong Khai province and Vientiane, Laos.

 

However, the goal is to develop the area to support dual-track rail, light rail, and the high-speed rail project between Thailand and China, which will help advance Khon Kaen's development. It is estimated that the number of passengers using the service will be between 28,000 and 38,000 per day, with the light rail running within Khon Kaen city over a distance of 22 kilometers, the second phase of the Thailand-China high-speed rail project, and the Khon Kaen Smart City project connecting to Khon Kaen station. Initially, the consulting firm aims to develop the area into a trade exhibition center, office buildings, residential areas, and an amusement park or mixed-use format, but they will need to consult with the private sector to assess interest and how the area can be further developed.

 

Mr. Chanarong Buristrakul, president of the Khon Kaen Real Estate Association, stated that the SRT's land is an attractive investment area because it is located in the city center and can support the economy and future direction of the province. He urged the SRT to focus on development goals in this area to accommodate growth in the Greater Mekong Subregion, serving both local residents and neighboring countries to ensure that development progresses effectively.

 

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