Thai Govt to extend Airport Rail Link

BANGKOK, October 4 (TNA) - The Transport Ministry plans to extend the distance of Suvarnabhumi Airport’s Airport Link with total investment of over 30 billion baht and construction due to complete within three years, says Deputy Transport Minister Police Lieutenant General Chatt Kuldiloke. Presently, the 28km rail link connects Suvarnabhumi Airport on the eastern approaches of Bangkok and the City Air Terminal in the capital’s Makkasan area, shortening travel times for inbound and outbound air travellers as well as easing arrivals and departures compared to existing airport transport. Pol. Lt. Gen. Chatt told reporters Thursday that the plan to extend the Airport Link came after all the low-cost airlines have begun operating from Don Mueang Airport from October 1. Studies on whether the planned extension project which starts from Phaya Thai station to Don Mueang Airport would have any impact on environments would take about six months after which construction designs would be prepared, he said. Initially, the planned construction passing the Chitrlada Palace in central Bangkok would be an underground rail system, he added. (TNA)