DOCSLIB.ORG

Kingdom of Thailand: Improvement of Railway Passenger Services (Financed by the Government of France)

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Kingdom of Thailand: Improvement of Railway Passenger Services (Financed by the Government of France) Technical Assistance Report Project Number: 46095 Capacity Development Technical Assistance (CDTA) October 2012 Kingdom of Thailand: Improvement of Railway Passenger Services (Financed by the Government of France) The views expressed herein are those of the consultant and do not necessarily represent those of ADB’s members, Board of Directors, Management, or staff, and may be preliminary in nature. CURRENCY EQUIVALENTS (as of 1 September 2012) Currency unit – baht (B) B1.00 = $0.0320 $1.00 = B31.2500 ABBREVIATIONS ADB – Asian Development Bank GMS – Greater Mekong Subregion km – kilometer MOT – Ministry of Transport OTP – Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning SRT – State Railway of Thailand TA – technical assistance TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE CLASSIFICATION Type – Capacity development technical assistance (CDTA ) Targeting classification – Targeted intervention—Millennium Development Goals Sector (subsector) – Transport, and information and communication technology (rail transport, urban transport, transport management and policies) Themes (subthemes) – Economic growth (widening access to markets and economic opportunities); social development (other vulnerable groups); environmental sustainability (urban environmental improvement); private sector development (public–private partnerships); capacity development (organizational development) Location (impact) – Urban (high), national (high), rural (low), regional (low) Partnership – Government of France NOTE In this report, "$" refers to US dollars. Vice-President S. Groff, Operations 2 Director General K. Senga, Southeast Asia Department (SERD) Director J. Lynch, Transport and Communications Division, SERD Team leaders A. Kunth, Infrastructure Specialist, SERD J. Leather, Principal Transport Specialist, SERD Team member O. Jetwattanna, Senior Project Officer, Thailand Resident Mission, SERD In preparing any country program or strategy, financing any project, or by making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area in this document, the Asian Development Bank does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area. 1 I. INTRODUCTION 1. The Government of Thailand requested Asian Development Bank (ADB) support to help improve the performance of its railways so that they could take a more substantial role in the country’s transport system. The development of modern and efficient railways will help reduce the country’s transport bottlenecks, improve overall integration and safety of the transport system, and reduce negative environmental impacts, such as climate change. 2. Connectivity between Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) countries is a key priority of ADB operations in the region. One of the most effective means of improving connectivity is by improving land transport links along major GMS corridors. Thailand—located at the geographic center of the GMS—will necessarily act as the hub of a GMS railway network, and as the gateway to Malaysia and Singapore. 3. The capacity development technical assistance (TA) was first identified and agreed with the government when preparing the Thailand country operations business plan, 2012–2014. It was then confirmed and expanded through regular site visits and meetings with the government and State Railway of Thailand (SRT) carried out jointly by ADB’s Southeast Asia Transport and Communications Division and Thailand Resident Mission. The draft TA paper was submitted to the government’s Public Debt Management Office early in July 2012. ADB conducted consultations with senior government representatives (Prime Minister’s Office, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Transport, and SRT). The government expressed its support and appreciation of ADB’s proposed interventions, and supported the TA impact, outcome, outputs, implementation arrangements, cost, financing arrangements, and terms of reference.1 II. ISSUES 4. The SRT-operated network is 4,130 kilometers (km) long; 3,880 km are single track. The network consists primarily of four main lines that radiate outward from Bangkok (located in the central region), and serves the four outlying regions of the country: northern line (975 km), northeastern line (1,143 km), eastern line (621 km), and southern line (1,625 km). The SRT network serves 42 of the country’s 76 provinces, and has the potential to provide a strong foundation for passenger transport in Thailand, and to connect with neighboring Southeast Asian countries. The current SRT-operated infrastructure is outdated, poorly maintained, and does not meet market expectations. Currently, SRT operations have high operation and maintenance costs, and low fares and charges; the service is poor. From 2007 to 2009, SRT had 171 rail accidents, and averaged 107 derailments per year. 5. Thailand’s Eleventh National Plan emphasizes the need for expanding infrastructure and transport systems to improve connectivity between Bangkok and the country’s provinces and neighboring countries. The cabinet approved an investment program requiring $6 billion equivalent in financing to launch a modernization program for the existing railway network, which is owned and operated by SRT. 6. The current SRT operation is mixed freight service and passenger service. The government is concentrating on the rehabilitation and upgrading of tracks, and procurement of locomotives and rolling stock. The core justification of these investments is to reduce Thailand’s high logistics costs in order for Thailand to remain competitive within the region. 1 The TA first appeared in the business opportunities section of ADB’s website on 14 September 2012. 2 7. One of the key strategic issues for future SRT operation is the role of passenger transport in Thailand, with regard to (i) freight transport operations, and track and equipment access; (ii) the public service obligation, and (iii) integration with other modes of transport. 8. Historically, and as presently managed and operated, the railway passenger service is a key product that SRT provides to the public. Often it is the only transport mode that is affordable to the poor (passenger services are provided to the poor through the public service obligation at minimal cost and with low quality service). III. THE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE 9. The TA will directly support social inclusiveness by developing railway passenger services that are primarily used by the poor. The TA will assist the government in preparing a strategic (planning) framework for the development of SRT passenger services. In general the scope of work will be divided into three main components: (i) review existing SRT passenger demand forecasts and identify new commercial passenger service opportunities; (ii) prepare a draft SRT passenger station management and operations manual; and (iii) prepare a road map, implementation plan, and strategy framework for upgrading SRT passenger service. 10. The TA is part of ongoing and planned assistance provided by ADB to Thailand’s rail subsector, which focuses on (i) preparing a restructuring plan and reform agenda, 2 (ii) improving SRT’s financial and accounting systems,3 and (iii) planning for the GMS railway association.4 11. ADB’s involvement in the railway system is consistent with Strategy 2020, which targets climate change mitigation, as well as ADB’s Sustainable Transport Initiative Operational Plan, which focuses on rail transport. ADB’s involvement in rail transport is consistent with ADB’s Transport Sector Assessment Strategy and Road Map for Thailand. ADB will provide support to building a sustainable transport system in Thailand by modernizing railways. The TA is consistent with ADB's current country partnership strategy, 2007–2011 for Thailand; its strategies include environmental protection and increased global competitiveness. It identifies infrastructure development as a core strategic area of partnership. The TA is included in the Thailand country operations business plan, 2012–2014. A. Impact and Outcome 12. The impact will be the establishment of a modern SRT passenger service by unbundling SRT business operations through implementation of a new passenger service strategy and guidelines. The outcome will be the adoption of a new passenger service strategy and guidelines. 2 ADB. 2012. Technical Assistance to the Kingdom of Thailand for Supporting Railway Sector Reform. Manila (small- scale TA 8078-THA). 3 Proposed policy and advisory TA for Accounting and Financial Management System Reform of Thailand’s Railway Sector (Project 45042). 4 ADB. 2010. Technical Assistance for Planning the Greater Mekong Subregion Railway Coordination Office. Manila (small-scale TA 7678-REG). 3 B. Methodology and Key Activities 13. Three outputs are envisaged for the TA: (i) a review of SRT passenger demand forecasts and identification of new commercial passenger service opportunities, (ii) a draft SRT passenger station management and operations manual, and (iii) a road map and implementation plan and strategy framework for upgrading SRT passenger service. The key activities will be (i) collect and review data and planning methodology, and prepare a new forecast methodology; (ii) undertake railway station reconnaissance missions, benchmark with best international practices, and formulate recommendations for improvement; (iii) prepare a railway passenger strategy for SRT to determine if passenger services within the SRT network have a viable future, and prepare an analysis of the type and most effective use of public– private partnerships to finance some
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Thai Railway Guide
    1 THAI RAILWAY GUIDE Effective 1 October 2015 2 Table of Contents Table of contents ...................................................................... 2 Southern Lines Schematic...................................................... 73 2015 calendar ........................................................................... 3 Table 13 Southern Lines – Southward Trains ................. 74 – 76 2016 calendar ........................................................................... 4 Table 14 Southern Lines – Northward Trains ................. 77 – 79 Using the timetable ................................................................... 5 Table 17 Special Tourism Trains ............................................. 80 Travel warning .......................................................................... 5 Table 18 Kanchanburi – River Kwai – Nam Tok ..................... 80 Contact information .................................................................. 5 Table 17 Maha Chai Line – Westward Trains ......................... 81 System map.............................................................................. 6 Table 18 Maha Chai Line – Eastward Trains .......................... 82 Railway access to points of interest ......................................... 7 Table 19 Mae Khlong Line ...................................................... 83 General information .................................................................. 8 Table 20 Thon Buri – Salaya commuter service ..................... 83 Principal stations .....................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • The Kingdom of Thailand Ministry of Transport State Railway of Thailand
    The Kingdom of Thailand Ministry of Transport State Railway of Thailand INVITATION TO TENDER CONSTRUCTION OF MASS TRANSIT SYSTEM PROJECT IN BANGKOK (RED LINE) (I) Funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) LOAN No. TXXXI-1 The Ministry of Finance (MOF), Kingdom of Thailand has received an ODA Loan from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) toward the cost of the Construction of Mass Transit System Project in Bangkok (Red Line) (I) and proceed of this loan will be applied to the eligible payments under the contracts for which this Invitation to Tender is issued. The State Railway of Thailand, Ministry of Transport, Kingdom of Thailand, as the Executing Agency, is inviting tenders for the following contracts under the Project. A. Contract 1: Civil Works for Bang Sue Grand Station and Depots The Works include the construction of 1) Bang Sue Grand Station with building services comprising a) 4 platforms for Commuter Train and 8 future platforms on third floor, b) 12 platforms for Long Distance Train on second floor, c) passenger concourse with MRTA System connecting structure on first floor and d) car parking area in basement, 2) Chatuchak station with building services along railway line, 3) elevated railway on precast segmental box girder over concrete piers or portal frames and at-grade railway approximately 6.20 km. in length, 4) Commuter Train Depot, Long Distance Train Depot, Stabling Yards (excluding Trackworks) and other related train operation control building,5) roads, flyover and drainage system and 6) modification or removal of Hopewell Project’s structures. B. Contract 2: Civil Works for Bang Sue – Rangsit Railway The Works include the construction of 1) 6 stations with building services along railway line, 2) elevated railway on precast segmental box girder over concrete piers or portal frames and at-grade railway on pile foundation approximately 20.15 km.
    [Show full text]
  • Timetables in Thailand About the Railway of Thailand
    FBS in Thailand Adding International Line Data and Timetables FBS-Timetables for Thai- land Creating Graphic Timetables and Other Timetable Documents – an Example – Institut für Regional- und Fernverkehrsplanung iRFP e.K. Hochschulstraße 45 01069 Dresden © iRFP March 2021 FBS in Thailand Adding International Line Data and Timetables Timetables in Thailand About the Railway of Thailand Railway operations on meter-gauge tracks: Something that is narrow- gauge railway to us, means every- day business in Thailand. On a rail- way network stretching over a total length of about 4500 km, numerous local trains share tracks with national and international long-distance trains, night trains and freight trains – an example of a small gauge being successfully used to realise great amounts of traffic. The train lines of Thailand traverse highly diverse areas and land- Model AD24C engine by Alstom in Nam Tok scapes: From flat plains around its capital Bangkok, to mountainous regions in the north and northwest, that are quite a challenge for railways to pass. Thailand is also known for its other specialities considering railway traffic, one particular instance being the line from Bangkok to Mae Khlong, which partly goes through a market, that has to be temporarily demounted, whenever a train is closing in, just to be put back up as soon as it passed. The train traffic has great relevance in Thailand, which is the reason for a lot of investment in its development and upkeep. The new Bang Sue Grand Station in Bangkok, to be opened in July 2021, will be the largest railway station in Southeast Asia.
    [Show full text]
  • 11661287 31.Pdf
    The Study on the Integrated Regional Development Plan for the Northeastern Border Region in the Kingdom of Thailand Sector Plan: Chapter16 Transportation CHAPTER 16 TRANSPORTATION 16.1 International and Inter-Urban Transport System of Thailand 16.1.1 National Highway System in Thailand The DOH1 network of national highways has a total route length of approximately 55,000 km, of which there are about 20,000 km of 1-, 2- and 3-digit roads and 30,000 km of 4-digit roads. All provinces (changwats) are connected to this network and most long-distance (inter-province) traffic uses these roads. Table 16.1 Highway Classification by Numbering System 1-digit route Highway Route No.1: Bangkok - Chiangrai (Phaholyothin Road) Highway Route No.2: Saraburi - Nongkai (Friendship Road) Highway Route No.3: Bangkok - Trad (Sukhumvit Road) Highway Route No.4: Bangkok - Amphoe Sadao, Songkla (Petchkasem Road) 2- digit route Primary highway in the regions 3-digit route Secondary highway in the regions 4-digit route Highway linking Changwat and Amphoe or important places in that province. Source: Department of Highways, Ministry of Transport and Communications 1 Department of Highway, Ministry of Transport and Communication, Thailand 16-1 PLANET NESDB - JICA Table 16.2 Highway Classification by Jurisdiction (1) Special Highway and Highways registered at the Department of Highways (DOH) by the order of National Highway the Director-General with the approval of the Minister. Highways registered at the Department of Highways (DOH) by the order of (2) Concession Highways the Director-General with the approval of the Minister. Roads registered at Provincial City Hall by the order of the Governor with (3) Rural Roads the consent of the Director-General of the Public Works, Department of the Secretary-General of the Office of the Accelerated Rural Development.
    [Show full text]
  • Catering on State Railway of Thailand (SRT) Trains Pensri Kalyanamitra
    Onboard Services Catering on State Railway of Thailand (SRT) Trains Pensri Kalyanamitra SRT Background southern line opened later on 19 June 1903. The northern line was originally built to standard gauge (1435 mm), but it The Royal State Railways of Siam (RSR) was established in was decided to standardize on meter gauge in September 1895 under the Ministry of Public Works. Construction of the 1919 and the northern line was re-gauged over the next first line between Bangkok and Nakornratchasima started in 10 years to link with the neighbouring countries of today’s 1891 and the first service was run from Bangkok to Ayutthaya Malaysia, Cambodia, and Myanmar. On 1 July 1951, on 26 March 1896. The Thonburi–Phetchaburi section of the RSR changed its name to the present State Railway of Thailand (SRT). During SRT’s long history, it has passed through many modernization phases to improve the organization but although SRT and other authorities are working closely on railway reconstruction plans, there have been few changes in the SRT administration due to internal and external factors. Currently, the government has provisionally approved an investment of about 180 billion baht (US$5.8 billion) in SRT to develop rail by upgrading the existing infrastructure; these plans include the Track and Bridge Rehabilitation Project, Track Doubling Project, Electric Diesel Locomotive Purchasing Project, Installing Signalling and Level Crossing Project, etc. In addition, SRT has implemented a Restructuring Plan by establishing three business units: Traffic, Property, and Rolling Stock Maintenance, as well as one subsidiary to operate the Airport Rail Link Project.
    [Show full text]
  • Executive Summary
    EXECUTIVE SUMMARY The Context and Objectives Infrastructure is a key factor in economic development. Infrastructure development can also help in narrowing gaps between developed and backward regions. Infrastructure, especially transport and connectivity, is crucial for regional cooperation and integration. In the absence of efficient physical connectivity, any initiatives taken towards regional trade liberalization will remain ineffective. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) secretariat has identified infrastructure development as one of the Priority Integrated Sectors (PIS) of the ASEAN economic community. It would also be of crucial importance for programmes of regional economic cooperation and integration within the East Asia Summit (EAS) framework. It was in that context that infrastructure development was studied as part of the work programme of the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA). This project aims to analyze the current status, issues, and challenges facing infrastructure development in East Asia and examine the role that regional cooperation can play in meeting these challenges. Specific objectives include 1) examining infrastructure rankings of EAS countries in terms of availability and quality of infrastructure development globally as well as within the region and progress made over time; 2) surveying and analyzing the status of infrastructure development, issues, and challenges faced by different EAS countries; 3) collecting basic geographical data at the subregional level and developing a spatial economic model to simulate various effects xii of infrastructure development on contiguous subnational regions. Methodology The study adopted a three-pronged approach to achieve its objectives. The methodology followed included the construction of an East Asian Index of Infrastructure Development.
    [Show full text]
  • Trans-Asian Railway in the Southern Corridor of Asia-Europe Routes
    ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE TRANS-ASIAN RAILWAY TRANS-ASIAN RAILWAY IN THE SOUTHERN CORRIDOR OF ASIA-EUROPE ROUTES UNITED NATIONS ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COMMISSION FOR ASIA AND THE PACIFIC DEVELOPMENT OF THE TRANS-ASIAN RAILWAY TRANS-ASIAN RAILWAY IN THE SOUTHERN CORRIDOR OF ASIA-EUROPE ROUTES UNITED NATIONS New York, 1999 ST/ESCAP/1980 This publication was prepared by Peter Hodgkinson, Consultant, with financial support by the Government of Germany through GTZ German Technical Cooperation. The description employed and the presentation of material in this publication do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Secretariat of the United Nations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area, or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. This publication has been issued without formal editing. CONTENTS Page 1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................1 2. NETWORK IDENTIFICATION............................................................................................3 2.1 Routes of international significance .........................................................................3 2.1.1 Route TAR-S1.............................................................................................5 2.1.2 Route TAR-S2.............................................................................................5 2.1.3 Route TAR-S3.............................................................................................7
    [Show full text]
  • Singapore – Kunming Rail Link
    SINGAPORE – KUNMING RAIL LINK Ad-Hoc Expert Group Meeting for Cooperation on Facilitation of International Railway Transport 12-13 March 2015 1 BACKGROUND • 6,617 km rail development project to link ASEAN with China • To provide more enviromentally friendly, efficient and economical mode for passenger and freight transport . • Flagship Project under ASEAN-Mekong Basin Development Cooperation. • Prioritised project under Master Plan on ASEAN Connectivity • Track Gauge: Meter Gauge • Two lines: • Eastern Line : Thailand, Cambodia, Viet Nam • Western Line : Thailand, Myanmar • Common line : Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand • Spur line to Lao PDR 2 BACKGROUND • Current network : • Cambodia • Lao PDR (Spur Line) • Malaysia • Myanmar • Singapore • Thailand • Viet Nam • Kunming, PRC • Future interest: • Surabaya, Indonesia to Singapore @ Malaysia via: 1.Port (Multimodal); or 3 2.Bridge PROGRESS MISSING LINK SPUR LINE Cambodia Myanmar Lao PDR – Viet Nam Thailand Viet Nam UPGRADE Cambodia Malaysia Thailand 4 MISSING LINK 5 MISSING LINK CAMBODIA Section Status Poipet (Thailand - Ongoing. border) – - Estimate completion by Sisophon end of 2015. [48 km] Phnom Penh – Loc Ninh (Viet - Funding negotiation Nam Border) ongoing [254 km] 6 MISSING LINK THAILAND Section Status Namtok - Three - Feasibility of this section Pagoda Pass is still being discussed (Myanmar between Thailand and border) [153 km] Myanmar - Expected completion by end of 2015 Aranyaprathet – - Simultaneous with Klongluk Cambodia portion of [6 km] 7 missing link [Poipet – Sisophon] ARANYAPRATHET-KLONGLUK-POIPET-SISOPHON THAILAND-CAMBODIA RAIL BRIDGE POIPET-SISOPHON 8 ARANYAPRATHET-KLONGLUK MISSING LINK MYANMAR Section Status - Feasibility of this Thambyuzayat - section is still being Three Pagoda discussed between Pass (Thailand Thailand and border) [153 km] Myanmar 9 MISSING LINK VIET NAM Section Status Mu Gia – Tan - Technical assistance Ap – Vung for Feasibility Study Anh (119km) being discussed with Republic of Korea.
    [Show full text]
  • 6.3 Railway Bridge 35 6.4 Track Work 38 6.5 Drainage 41
    Executive Summary Report Detailed Design of Track Doubling Project for Transportation and Logistics (Section: Prachuap Khiri Khan – Chumphon) TTAABBLLEE OOFF CCOONNTTEENNTTSS Page 1 INTRODUCTION 1 1.1 Background 1 1.2 Objectives 1 1.3 Scope of Work 2 1.4 Development Targets 2 1.5 Project Components 4 2 EXISTING CONDITIONS 6 2.1 Route Alignment 6 2.2 Station 8 2.3 Track 11 2.4 Railway Bridge 12 2.5 Signalling, Traffic Control and Telecommunication Systems 12 2.6 Railway Crossing 13 3 DEMAND FORECAST 14 4 TOPOGRAPHIC SURVEY AND GEOTECHNIC SURVEY 17 4.1 Topographic Survey and Mapping 17 4.2 Geotechnical Survey 18 5 ALIGNMENT DESIGN 21 5.1 Alignment 21 5.2 Track Diagram 31 6 RAILWAY STRUCTURE AND TRACK WORK DESIGN 33 6.1 Geotechnical Foundation 33 6.2 At–Grade Railway Structure 33 6.3 Railway Bridge 35 6.4 Track Work 38 6.5 Drainage 41 PCBK / CMCL / UAE i Executive Summary Report Detailed Design of Track Doubling Project for Transportation and Logistics (Section: Prachuap Khiri Khan – Chumphon) TTAABBLLEE OOFF CCOONNTTEENNTTSS Page 7 STATION DESIGN 45 7.1 Architecture or Railway Station and Functional Areas 45 7.2 Platform Height 58 7.3 Civil and Structural Works of Station and Functional Areas 58 7.4 Electrical and Mechanical Systems for Station and Functional Areas 59 7.5 Intermodal Facilities 61 7.6 Station Access Roads 62 7.7 Freight Transport Facilities 63 8 RAILWAY CROSSING TREATMENTS AND FENCING 66 8.1 Railway Crossing 66 8.2 Safety Fencing 71 9 TRAIN OPERATION DESIGN 74 9.1 Forecasted Services 74 9.2 Train Diagram 75 10 SIGNALLING
    [Show full text]
  • Scoping Study for the Special Border
    INDONESIA-MALAYSIA-THAILAND GROWTH TRIANGLE SCOPING STUDY FOR THE SPECIAL BORDER ECONOMIC ZONE (SBEZ) IN THE INDONESIA-MALAYSIA-THAILAND GROWTH TRIANGLE (IMT-GT) SCOPING STUDY FOR THE SPECIAL BORDER ECONOMIC Zone (SBEZ) in the INDONESIA-MALAYSIA- THAILAND GROWTH TRIANGLE (IMT-GT) 15 May 2014 The views expressed in this publication are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views and policies of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) or its Board of Governors or the governments they represent. ADB does not guarantee the accuracy of the data included in this publication and accepts no responsibility for any consequence of their use. By making any designation of or reference to a particular territory or geographic area, or by using the term “country” in this document, ADB does not intend to make any judgments as to the legal or other status of any territory or area. ADB encourages printing or copying information exclusively for personal and noncommercial use with proper acknowledgment of ADB. Users are restricted from reselling, redistributing, or creating derivative words for commercial purposes without the express, written consent of ADB. Contents Acknowledgments v Executive Summary vi I INTRODUCTION 1 1 Background and Coverage 3 1.1 Study Objective 3 1.2 Background 3 1.3 Activities Carried Out Under the Study 4 1.4 Report Structure 5 2 SBEZ Concept and Implementation Framework 7 2.1 SBEZ Concept 7 2.2 Motivation for Thai-Malaysian SBEZ 9 2.3 SBEZ Components 11 2.4 Roadmap 15 II BORDER AREA PROFILE 17 3 Characterization of Study
    [Show full text]
  • The Largest Railway Station in Southeast Asia
    Thailand Puts Forward the Next Great Leap: The Largest Railway Station in Southeast Asia IF YOU LIVE IN BANGKOK, THERE IS A SLIM CHANCE THAT YOU WOULD MISS NOTICING THE EXTRAVAGANT BANG SUE GRAND STATION WHILE DRIVING ON THE SRI RAT EXPRESSWAY. IF YOU GET STUCK UP THERE IN A TRAFFIC JAM, WHICH IS COMMON IN THIS CITY, YOU COULD EVEN SPEND TIME TO CAREFULLY STUDY THE FUTURISTIC STRUCTURE FROM DIFFERENT ANGLES. Its function is explicitly hinted from its exterior that has a New York’s Grand Station-like vibe. The station is Thailand’s next mega infrastructure project which will not only help ease Bangkok’s infamous traffic congestion, but also support the country’s role as a regional transportation hub. It is positioned to strengthen Thailand’s railway system and its connections with the regional transportation network, hence enhancing economic growth. This grand station is on its way to becoming another top attraction in Bangkok – a new landmark with an external design inspired by Hua Lamphong Station but with a modern twist recognizable from miles away. If there is one word to describe the rationale of this project—it is mobility. Thailand has great ambitions to use its railway network to transport passengers and goods more effectively and more economically, particularly to lower its logistics cost which stands around 13.6% of GDP in 2018. Since the inception of the railway system in Thailand in 1893, this is probably the first bold move to upgrade the system at a mega scale. Bangsue Grand Station is just one piece of the whole jigsaw puzzle, albeit a major one.
    [Show full text]
  • Cambodia 27-28 October 2009
    Thirteenth Meeting of the GMS Subregional Transport Forum Siem Reap, Cambodia 27-28 October 2009 SUMMARY OF PROCEEDINGS Introduction 1. The Thirteenth Meeting of the Subregional Transport Forum (STF-13) was held in Siem Reap, Cambodia on 27-28 October 2009. The Meeting was jointly organized by the Ministry of Public Works and Transport of Cambodia and the Asian Development Bank (ADB). The objectives of the Meeting were: (i) to review the first draft report on the GMS Railway Strategy Study, outlining a proposed strategy and plan for the development of an integrated railway network that enhances connectivity within the GMS and with neighboring subregions; (ii) to review the progress of the transport projects contained in the Vientiane Plan of Action for GMS Development (2008-2012); and (iii) to further review and prioritize key GMS transport projects along the GMS transport corridors. (The Meeting Program and Agenda is attached as Appendix 1.) 2. The Meeting participants included delegations from the Kingdom of Cambodia, the People’s Republic of China (PRC), the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), the Union of Myanmar, the Kingdom of Thailand, the Socialist Republic of Viet Nam, and ADB. Representatives from various development partner organizations also attended the Meeting. (The list of participants is attached as Appendix 2.) 3. The Meeting was chaired by H.E. Mr. Tauch Chankosal, Deputy Minister, Ministry of Public Works and Transport, Cambodia and co-chaired by Mr. James P. Lynch, Director, Transport and Urban Development Division, Southeast Asia Department, ADB. Day 1 Proceedings: 27 October 2009 I. Opening Session 4.
    [Show full text]