Rail Transport Department switching track to Thai-made sleepersThe Rail Transport Department wants to expand the use of Thai-made rail fasteners and sleepers in double-track railway construction, to bolster domestic industries and save on state budget. "We have already begun producing some materials ourselves," Mr Sorapong said, referring to Thai-made concrete sleepers. Even rubber farmers will enjoy a windfall if the study confirms rubber can be used as a raw material, Mr Sorapong said. The country needs 6.6 million rail fasteners and 1.65 million sleepers for construction of the 993-kilometre rail line under the first phase of the double-track railway projects. "We should take this opportunity to set a standard for Thai railway construction," Mr Sorapong said, expressing confidence domestically produced materials will become a key part of the construction project.

Source: Bangkok Post January 28, 2020 00:00 UTC