Nesac calls for extended airport railway link

The National Economic and Social Advisory Council (Nesac) yesterday urged that a complete airport link be built between Bangkok's electric railways and Suvarnabhumi. Nesac's working group on infrastructure development, led by Opas Tepalakul, asked Transport Minister Theera Haocharoen to consider building a complete airport link by extending the Red Line from Rangsit to Bang Sue to connect with the Makkasan-Suvarnabhumi railway.

The "missing link" from Bang Sue to Makkasan is only 3.5km long.

The minister said even though he agreed with the proposal, there were some technical problems as the government had opted to start with other lines that were ready for construction.

A transport source said the "missing link" had been designed as an elevated section, viewed as not feasible as it passes Chitrlada Palace.

Regulations prohibit elevated structures in areas around the palace.

Since the design has not been endorsed, the ministry cannot conclude the exact cost of the short section.

Mr Opas yesterday suggested the short link be constructed underground. The ministry should start construction of the Red Line quickly, he said.