Deputy Transport Minister Sansern Wongcha-um will chair negotiations with private-sector interests to map out how companies can offer rail-freight services using State Railway of Thailand (SRT) track, a source said.

The idea aims to improve rail-freight services. The SRT is limited in its expansion because of investment restraints caused by debt. The SRT will earn income without having to invest in new rolling stock.

The source said the plan would see companies provide their own locomotives and rolling stock.

Private companies will pay a track-lease fee and compensation to SRT employees.

The Federation of Thai Industries and the Board of Trade first proposed the entry of private companies into the rail-freight business.

The source said private companies had suggested more practical scheduling of freight services from Nakhon Sawan to Laem Chabang and Khon Kaen to Laem Chabang.

They want to see more effective scheduling of railway engineers' schedules.

Currently most freight is transported by road. Rail freight is cheaper, the source said.

"The plan will develop the goods-transportation system effectively and reduce national fuel consumption," he said.

The source said freight concessions would be offered to any company with the capability to provide services.

Watcharapong Thongrung

 The Nation