BMCL believes it has the edge in bidding for three new routes
Bangkok Metro (BMCL), operator of the capital's subway, is on track to bid for the operating concessions on three of the five proposed mass-transit routes.
"BMCL is ready to participate in the bidding on every condition defined by the government in terms of either the joint private-public or private investment format," managing director Sombat Kitjalaksana said yesterday. The company believes it has a competitive edge in terms of cost for the bidding on three rail routes - the Blue, Purple and Red lines - as they are extensions of the existing subway system. The company is now in talks with suppliers of signalling systems and rolling stock, including Germany-based Siemen and France-based Alstom. The company will choose whatever supplier offers the best solution. The company is also considering an appropriate method to raise funds. The Purple line's Bang Yai-Bang Sue section and the Blue line's Bang Sue-Tha Pra-Bang Khare section, which are the responsibility of Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), are expected to open for bidding on route operation in August. The bidding for civil-engineering work is planned for next year. The Red line's Rangsit-Bang Sue section is expected to open bidding to contractors in December next year. The Red line is under the supervision of the State Railway of Thailand. Sombat said BMCL would likely pass on the bidding to operate the Green line's Mor Chit-Saphan Mai and Bearing-Samut Prakan sections. The Green line is an extension of the Skytrain route, so BMCL would likely be handicapped in the bidding compared with Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc, the operator of the Skytrain. If the terms of reference for the Purple and Blue lines require seamless linkage with the existing system, the company would be favoured. Passengers would also benefit from expected lower ticket fares if the company ran the integrated lines. Ch Karnchang Plc, the parent of BMCL, will also join the bidding for civil-engineering work on the three lines, he said. According the Cabinet resolution of November 7, the five rail routes will need Bt165.4 billion for construction, with part of the financing coming as a loan from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation. Concessions to operate the five lines, which will be opened to the private sector, are expected to be worth Bt45 billion.
Watcharapong Thongrung The Nation
|
