Tokyo eyes inland container depots for joint rail routes

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica) has proposed that Thailand build inland container depots (ICD) along Thai-Japanese rail routes to link northern and western transport networks with an eastern sea port.

Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said Jica suggested the government construct two more depots along the lower east-west corridor double-track rail route to handle shipments from northern and eastern regions to the Laem Chabang deep-sea port in Chon Buri province.

The rail lines are the Kanchanaburi-Bangkok, Bangkok-Chachoengsao-Aranyaprathet, Bangkok-Chachoengsao-Laem Chabang routes, covering a total distance of 574km.

Mr Arkhom was speaking after meeting Jica officials on Monday night to discuss progress on the railway project.

According to Jica, the first depot should be built in tambon Chiang Rak Noi of Ayutthaya's Bang Pa-In district while the second should be at the Amata Nakorn Industrial Estate in Chon Buri's Muang district, since it is a major industrial centre in the province.

Mr Arkhom said a joint venture between the State Railways of Thailand, as the major shareholder, and Japan will also be established.

The company will be divided into two sections: the first will oversee marketing, planning and customers while the second will be responsible for depot management and operating the railway, he said.

The government proposed Jica conduct a study on the construction of small depots in Udon Thani and Nakhon Ratchasima's Bua Yai district, Mr Arkhom said.