Ambitious plans to connect the eastern seaboard by high speed rail to Bangkok have been discussed for the first time this week.
The proposed route would link three main airports.
Proposals were presented by rail authorities at the Asia Hotel in Pattaya in a first public forum to offer opinions about the plans.
The meeting was told that initial plans suggest the railway would run all the way from Don Meuang airport to Rayong – a 260 kilometre project that is part of massive infrastructure improvements in the country’s communications network.
The railway – whose exact route is still up for grabs – would run between Bangkok, Samut Prakan, Chachoengsao, Chonburi and Rayong.
There would be ten stations namely:
Don Meuang, Bang Seu, Makkasan, Suvarnabhumi, Chachoengsao, Chonburi, Sri Racha, Pattaya, U-Tapao and Rayong.
The line is expected to be standard gauge 1.435 metre wide track.
Much would be elevated but there would also be tunnels.
Budget at present is set at 28 billion baht.
At the Asia hotel officials from the government and private sector, business leaders and local representatives were all given a chance to offer insights into the project and propose details.
(Source:-Pattaya News)