Mass Rapid Transit Thailand orders rethink to light railway projects in Chiang Mai, Phuket, Korat and Phitsanulok
Chiang Mai News reported that the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) had ordered a slowdown and rethink concerning plans for a light railway in the northern Thai city of Chiang Mai.
The move by the MRTA also refers to similar projects planned for Nakhon Ratchasima in the north east, Phitsanulok in the north and Phuket in the south of the country.
The board of the MRTA has called for “reconsideration of the appropriateness and value” of the tram schemes.
They fear that despite collaborations via PPP (Public Private Partnership) deals between private investors and the government, the transport schemes might be a non-starter.
The fears center on investors pulling out due to lack of use of the systems leaving the MRTA high and dry.
As regards Chiang Mai there have already been feasibility studies and routes suggested but these are now on hold as the rethink has been ordered.
Source: Chiang Mai News & Thaivisa
