The Ministry of Transport has invited Japanese companies to invest in the extension networks of the Red Line electric train system.
On Wednesday, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit welcomed new Japanese ambassador Otaka Masato, who recently assumed his duties in Thailand.
During the meeting, both parties discussed opportunities for transport cooperation between Thailand and Japan, focusing on ongoing railway projects. The ministry requested assistance from Japan, particularly from companies with expertise in advanced railway technology and maintenance, to help manage the Red Line suburban railway.
Minister Suriya extended an invitation to Japan to consider investing in extension projects for the Red Line railway. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is currently preparing plans for three extension routes: the Taling Chan-Salaya route (14.8 kilometers), the Taling Chan-Siriraj Hospital route (5.7 kilometers), and the Rangsit-Thammasat University route in Pathum Thani (8.84 kilometers). Once these preparations are finalized, the ministry will provide opportunities for Japan’s railway industry to explore investment in these projects.
Mr. Suriya emphasized the ministry’s commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in expanding the success of the Automated Guideway Transit (AGT) system of the Gold Line electric train to additional projects, including the Brown, Grey, and Dark Blue lines.
He also expressed appreciation for Japan’s involvement in various ministry projects, such as the development of the Bang Sue Smart City Plan in collaboration with Japan’s Urban Renaissance Agency (UR), the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP), and the SRT Electric Train Co Ltd.
Additionally, he highlighted the ongoing collaboration between Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport, and Tourism and Thailand’s Highways Department, the Department of Rural Roads, and the Expressway Authority of Thailand (Exat) under a bilateral agreement.
