The Cabinet will today consider six proposed electric-rail routes costing Bt165 billion. Construc-tion is due to commence in October.

Environmental-impact assessments have been completed for the Red Line only.

"We propose to start with construction of the Bt11 billion, 15-kilometre Bang Sue to Taling Chan route. Bidding will kick off in April," Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning director-general Maitree Srinarawat said.

"Construction plans are designed to match loan approvals from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation," Maitree added.

Of the six new routes, the Bang Sue to Taling Chan, Bang Sue to Rangsit and Bang Sue to Makkasan legs form the Red Line.

The others lines are known as Purple, Green, and Blue.

Construction of all routes should start before June 2008. Deputy Prime Minister MR Pridiyathorn Devakula said each route would take three years to build.

Finance Ministry, Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning, State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand officials are working out financing.

In today's Cabinet submission the Transport Ministry said a detailed financing plan should be ready soon.

"The Cabinet is considering a rough plan. Details concerning money, financing sources and construction schedules will be submitted later," said SRT chief engineer Prasert Attanant.

The Cabinet will today consider the results of a public hearing conducted by the ministry and the Suan Dusit Rajabhat University.

Public hearings were done over the Internet and in person-to-person interviews and workshops. Most people support the new rail links and suggested starting with the 60-kilometre Rangsit to Bang Sue to Taling Chan route.

Two thirds of respondents suggested fares between Bt13 and Bt36. One third suggested a fixed fare of Bt24 for all distances.