Phuket Island light rail transit

The Phuket Island Light Rail Transit project is a planned 58.6 km light rail transit system for Phuket and Phang Nga Provinces in Thailand. The completed project will consist of 23[1] or 24[2] stations from Takua Thung District in Phang Nga Province to Phuket City, then terminating at Chalong. Phase one will connect Phuket International Airport to Chalong. The second phase will extend the line north to Takua Thung District. The line will have both at-grade and elevated sections. The cost of the project is estimated at 39.4 billion baht (approximately US$1.2 billion).

Phuket Island Light Rail Transit
Overview
OwnerMRTA
LocalePhuket and Phang Nga, Thailand
Transit typeLight rail transit
Number of lines1
Number of stations23 or 24
WebsitePhuket Light Rail Transit
Operation
Operation will start2024
Technical
System length58.6 km (36.4 mi)
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8 1⁄2 in)
Phuket Island LRT
 S01 Phuket International Airport
 S02 Thalang
 S03
Thao Thep Krasattri and
Thao Si Sunthon Monument
 S04 Koh Kaew
 S05 Phuket Bus Terminal
 S06 Phuket Rajabhat University
 S07 Tung Ka
 S08 Meung Kao
(Old Town)
 S09 Clock Tower
 S10 Bang Neow
 S11 Phuket Public Library
 S12 Saphan Hin
 S13 Sakdidet
 S14 Dao Rung
 S15 Wichit
 S16 Chaofa (East)
 S17 Palai
 S18 Ban Koak Tanod
 S21 Tha Chalong Intersection

The project is planned to be tendered in late 2019 with construction starting in 2020 for a scheduled 2024 opening of Phase 1.[3]

History

The original plan for mass transit on Phuket Island was first proposed in 2005. However, it was not until 2010 that the Phuket governor proposed a heavy rail metro idea as a requirement for the island to meet increasing tourism and local transport demands.[4] By mid-2014, the project had evolved into a planned light rail line of nearly 60 km in length running from the north of the island to the south.[5] The Ministry of Transport approved the project in principle in November 2015.[6] Public meetings were held in February 2017 seeking feedback and comments from the public into the project.[7]

In April 2017, it was announced that the MRTA had approved the Ministry of Transport's Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) design of the project with a view to seeking cabinet approval in 2018.[8] Cabinet approval was granted on 11 September 2018.[1]

Alignment

The LRT line will run along the north-south axis of Phuket Island. The planned route stretches from Takua Thung in Phang Nga to Chalong in Phuket. Phase one will connect Phuket International Airport with Chalong, about 40 kilometres.[9] Phase one construction is expected to take three years.[1] The MRTA and the OTP are studying the second phase, from Takua Thung to Phuket Airport.[1]

The line is projected to serve up to 70,000 passengers per day, passing by 40 schools and business districts en route. Fares are expected to cost from 15 to 25 baht.[1] Some critics have cited officials who say that fares will top out at 100–137 baht.[10]

Planning Progress

Contracts for project investment studies were signed by the end of July 2018 and were completed by the end of 2018. They were then submitted to the MRTA board for approval by in early 2019, after which they will be reviewed by the Transport Ministry. Bidding for the project should start in 2019.[9][1] Phuket provincial authorities have reportedly been in discussions with both Siemens and Bombardier regarding the project.[11]

According to OTP Deputy Director Wilairat Sirisoponsil, the Phuket light rail project design is complete, and has been added into the PPP (Public–Private Partnership) Fast Track.[12] However, detailed design issues have arisen with the Department of Highways opposed to some sections of the project and concerns regarding any impact on road lanes. These design issues should be finalised in June 2019[13] However, the design changes may increase the overall budget by 2 billion baht according to the MRTA. [14]

See also

References
  1. Theparat, Chatrudee; Jotikasthira, Om (12 September 2018). "MRTA closes in on 2 rail plans". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 2019-01-31.
  2. "Phuket light rail to be completed by 'about 2023', says Vice Governor". Phuket News. 2018-08-30. Retrieved 31 January 2019.
  3. "Phuket tram project needs B2bn extra". Phuket News. 31 May 2019.
  4. http://www.manager.co.th/Daily/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9540000101547
  5. "Details of light rail tram system for Phuket revealed". The Phuket News. 4 June 2014.
  6. "Phuket gets nod for B23.5bn light rail". Phuket News. 20 November 2017.
  7. "Phuket input sought for light-rail plans". Phuket News. 31 January 2017.
  8. "เร่งรถรางเบาภูเก็ตเฟสแรกชง ครม. นำร่องสนามบิน-ห้าแยกประมูลปลายปี 60". Manager. 28 April 2017.
  9. "Bidding date set for 2020 for Phuket's new tram network". Bangkok Post. 18 July 2018. Retrieved 18 July 2018.
  10. Newton, Tim (2019-01-22). "The 35 billion baht white elephant – Phuket's light rail". The Thaiger. Retrieved 31 January 2019.
  11. "Siemens, Bombardier considered for Thai airport rail contract - FAZ". Reuters. 19 February 2018.
  12. Mueanhawong, Kritsada (2018-06-04). "Phuket light rail and Patong tunnel project update". The Thaiger. Phuket. Retrieved 2018-11-06.
  13. "Phuket tramway design to be finalised next week". Phuket News. 7 June 2019.
  14. "Phuket tram project needs B2bn extra". Phuket News. 31 May 2019.
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