The Transport Ministry will seek cabinet approval for the construction of a 25-billion-baht light rail system from Phuket International Airport to Chalong intersection to cater to the increasing number of tourists.
Chaiwat Thongkhamkoon, deputy director of the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP), said yesterday building the 60km light rail between the airport in Thalang district to Chalong intersection in Muang district requires cabinet approval.
The rail link, with a speed of 100 km/h, will have 23 stations along its route, including Phuket International Airport.
Mr Chaiwat said the investment could come under the public-private partnership programme.
So far, private firms from China, Korea and Europe have expressed interest in investing in the project.
The office is also waiting for the results of a project feasibility study, he added.
According to the OTP, the light rail link is expected to be ready for service in 2021.
The initial study found the project will help ease traffic congestion in the province as well as boost tourism in the South.
The rail link will also help shorten travelling times from Muang district to the airport as well as reduce traffic accidents and air pollution.
Mr Chaiwat said the rail link is expected to serve more than 68,000 passengers daily in its first year of service, and is expected to bring in 5.2 billion baht in annual revenue.
The project is expected to earn 15.7 billion baht for the state by 2050.
Meanwhile, transport permanent secretary Chartchai Thipsunawee said he asked the OTP, the Department of Highways and the Department of Rural Roads to come up with solutions for the level crossings problem as the train route will pass several intersections and U-turns in the province.
The agencies had to specify whether an overpass or tunnel should be built at each crossing or if traffic lights would suffice if it was found that vehicles could share the road.
Mr Chartchai said in order to connect the airport station to the airport terminals, an overpass would be built along with a 150-metre skywalk for passengers.