THAILAND’S cabinet yesterday okayed the construction of a high-speed train network to connect the entire country, which will also see links to Malaysia and Laos.
The seven-year scheme will see the kingdom invest US$68 billion into developing the network, which will consist of four lines and 200 high-speed trains capable of running up to 250km/hour, reported AFP.
The lines will connect Bangkok to regions in the north, south and east, as well as reach the Malaysian and Lao borders when complete.
According to a cabinet document, the new trains will reduce the travel time from Bangkok to northern Thailand from 12 hours to four hours.
Thai transport minister, Chadchart Sittipunt, was quoted as saying: “The projects, which will focus on electric trains and dual tracks, will completely change Thailand, and they will start next year.”
Meanwhile, Thai authorities are also considering a metropolitan rail network for Bangkok.
