BMA given green light to invest in three elevated train routes

BANGKOK, May 25 (TNA) - The Bangkok Metropolitan Council (BMC) unanimously approved Thursday an investment plan of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to construct three elevated train routes in the capital.

According to Bangkok Governor Apirak Kosayodhin, the BMC also endorsed a BMA proposal to solely invest in the three elevated train projects with a total budget of Bt719.2 million.

The city's three elevated train routes will be extended parts of the existing skytrain system operated by a private firm, Bangkok Mass Transit System Co. (BTS).

The routes include the ones from On Nuj Station to Soi Baring on the outskirts of Bangkok and from Tak Sin Bridge Station on Sathorn Road to community areas in the city's Thonburi side, including Wongwienyai.

A 21-member committee was set up to work out details of the planned investment projects, which would be further considered--with a final approval expected--at the BMC next meeting scheduled for May 31, Mr. Apitak told journalists.

The marathon BMC meeting began Wednesday with debates on the election of members the city's District Council scheduled for July 23 and on the city's allegedly corrupt mega projects.

The debates were dragged on until 02:00 a.m. Thursday when the three elevated train projects were approved unanimously, said Mr. Apirak.

TNA
May 25, 2549