On January 22, 2019, Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak revealed after chairing a meeting of the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Policy Committee that the committee approved the Orange Line electric train project from Bang Khun Non to Min Buri (Suwinthawong) by the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), with a total investment of 235 billion baht under the PPP Fast Track initiative. This project is expected to contribute to economic growth by connecting the eastern and western parts of the city.

Ms. Pantip Sri-phimol, an advisor on state enterprise development at the State Enterprise Policy Office (SEPO), stated that the Orange Line PPP project will follow the PPP Net Cost model, where the government will invest in land acquisition for the western section, while the private sector will invest in civil works for the western section, as well as the electric train systems, train operations, and maintenance for the entire route. The operational period will be 30 years from the start of service for the eastern section.

Under this arrangement, the private sector will collect fares, generate revenue from commercial development, and bear all operational costs, with the government providing no financial support (subsidy) for the electric train systems and operations of the Orange Line project. This project aims to enhance travel connectivity for passengers in suburban residential areas on both the eastern and western sides, facilitating efficient access to the city center and completing the transportation network on both sides according to the M-MAP master plan, while alleviating traffic congestion in the city.

Additionally, the PPP committee was informed of the progress of the 11 PPP Fast Track projects valued at 820 billion baht, of which three projects have already been approved: the Yellow Line, Pink Line, and Blue Line, with the Orange Line recently approved. It is anticipated that the Purple Line, valued at 100 billion baht, will be approved within this year.

Remaining projects, such as the construction of the Bang Pa-In-Korat and Bang Yai-Kanchanaburi motorways, are under consideration. For the construction of urban rail systems in major provinces like Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Nakhon Ratchasima, the MRTA has amended laws to allow for the construction and operation of electric trains in these provinces. Once the new law is enacted, the PPP projects can proceed.

The PPP committee has instructed the Ministry of Transport and project owners to expedite the implementation of projects under the PPP Fast Track initiative according to the timeline. The Purple Line project from Tao Poon to the Kanchanaphisek Ring Road, valued at 128 billion baht, is expected to be presented to the PPP committee by early 2019. Additionally, the committee is monitoring the public transport projects in Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Nakhon Ratchasima to align with the government's policy of decentralizing investment and developing infrastructure in the regions, as well as addressing traffic congestion in major cities," Ms. Pantip stated.

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