‘High speed’ remains the catchphrase

The government is still moving ahead with building high-speed rail networks running at speeds of 250 kilometres per hour following confusion after Pansak Vinyaratn, chief policy adviser to Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, said a switch to medium-speed trains is planned.

Chula Sukmanop, director-general of the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning, said 250 km/h is considered high-speed rail, not mediumspeed.

High-speed rail uses an integrated system of specialised rolling stock and dedicated tracks.

Mr Pansak on Wednesday said the government will switch its railway investment from high-speed to medium-speed trains following strong criticism about the cost-effectiveness of the scheme.

Medium-speed trains are capable of 250 km/h and carry a lower investment cost than high-speed ones as well as being suitable for product shipments.

Multiple definitions for high-speed rail are in use worldwide, with the European Union Directive 96/48/EC, Annex 1 defining high-speed rail as a set of three elements with precise criteria: infrastructure including a track built specially for high-speed travel or specially upgraded for high-speed travel; rolling stock, with a minimum speed of 250 km/h on lines specially built for high speed or 200 km/h on existing lines that have been upgraded; and operating conditions, as rolling stock must be designed along with infrastructure for complete compatibility, safety and quality of service.

The first such system began operations in Japan in 1964 and was widely known as the bullet train.

Mr Pansak said the government should use a 1.435-metre track for the railways, as this standard gauge could conveniently connect with China’s and Europe’s rail systems.

Chanvit Amatamatucharti, deputy secretary-general of the National Economic and Social Development Board, agrees with the speed and gauge, saying that in the future the country can run at a higher speed if necessary on the standard gauge.

Construction of the first phase of the four routes — Bangkok-Phitsanulok, Bangkok-Hua Hin, Bangkok-Rayong and Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima — are scheduled to be completed by 2019.

The Transport Ministry is in the process of conducting a feasibility study on appropriate routes, a health impact assessment and an environmental impact assessment.

The government is expected to call bids for the technical system for highspeed trains either this year or early next.