EABC Rail and Road Infrastructure Working Group Meeting
On Monday 22th August 2016, EABC Rail and Road Infrastructure Working Group led by our President Mr. Rolf-Dieter Daniel and Chairman Mr. Georg Wolff together with Working Group members and EABC Executives met with MRTA led by Mr. Gardphajon Udomdhammabhakdi Director of MRT Project Development Department.
The EABC Rail and Road Infrastructure Working Group expressed its objective to promote further development of railway and competent rail system to Thailand. The EABC presented the importance of life cycle cost for PPP projects as businesses need to consider for investments. Remark was made to the ISO Standards which are International standard, the European Standards are also International standard that work in many countries. Thailand is pride in becoming ASEAN logistic hub and a trading nation, appropriate standard that enhance connectivity for ASEAN’s railway is necessary.
The next step for the OTP, EABC and the related agencies is to work together on small taskforces. The EABC addressed priority should be made in 3 areas: 1) RAMS and Signaling, 2) Central Authority, 3) Civil Engineering.
The President concluded this meeting that it is very important to
- Set standard is very important because it allows interoperability and greater connectivity of the transports in Thailand and ASEAN.
- The starting point is European standard – International standard allows Thailand to enjoy worldwide suppliers which provide availability of parts, competitive prices and services.
- Safety is the most important. Therefore, Thailand should not use out-dated designed specification.
- The EABC has pool of experts. Rail development is new as mentioned. We can help fill the gaps for lacking of expertise. We also have colleagues in Europe who can help provide knowledge but we can only help if you open to us.
- The EABC and the working group that we established with the OTP are working hard for the benefits of Thailand. European businesses are long-term investor and we want to see Thailand and the people prosper further.
