Thai Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said Tuesday that the government will try to solve problems related to environmental impact assessment (EIA) this month, so as to start the construction of the long-awaited Thailand-China railway project.
"As soon as the EIA is approved, we can start the construction. EIA is the requirement for the construction," Arkhom told Xinhua during a press conference in the Transport Ministry.
He mentioned that the only remaining problem that hinder the approval of EIA lies in three cement companies in Saraburi Province.
"We are now talking with the three companies and we will send the EIA for the seventh time to the expert team for approval, we hope we can figure it out in this month," Arkhom said, adding that once the EIA is approved, the first section of the project can begin.
Thailand plans to start the construction of the 253-km railway, linking Thai capital Bangkok with northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima, in four sections, with the first running 3.5 km long, the second 11 km, the third 119.5 km and the fourth 119 km.
