The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) will open bidding for two dual-track railway projects next month.

SRT governor Nirut Maneephan said on Wednesday both routes will cost 120 billion baht to build and enhance fast and modern railway systems to the North and northeastern regions of the country.

He said the SRT expects to announce the winning contractors and have construction begin before the end of the year.

The Den Chai-Chiang Rai-Chiang Khong route will be 313 kilometres in length and cost 72 billion baht.

The project will start from Den Chai station in Phrae province and run to Chiang Khong station in Chiang Rai province. The SRT will divide the project in three contracts covering railway construction, signal system installation, and construction of an underground tunnel.

The Ban Phai-Maha Sarakham-Roi Et-Mukdahan route will cover 355 kilometres and cost 55 billion baht to build.

The SRT will announce the terms of reference of the projects at its online platform this month.

– Bangkok Post –