The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (“OTP”) invites submissions of qualifications and proposal data (collectively referred to as the “Proposal”) from interested U.S. firms that are qualified on the basis of experience and capability to execute a Technical Assistance (“TA”) related to the implementation of an Integrated Logistics and Intermodal Transport Development Plan (“Project”) in Thailand. The Proposal submission deadline is March 17, 2023 at 4:30 p.m. Bangkok time/ 4:30 a.m. EST. The U.S. firm selected will be paid in U.S. dollars from a US$1,360,740 grant to the Grantee from the U.S. Trade and Development Agency.
About the Grantee
The Grantee for this TA is OTP, which serves as the primary planning arm of Thailand’s Ministry of Transport (“MOT”). OTP is responsible for formulating master plans for Thailand’s transportation sector, drafting transportation policies, developing transportation safety measures, and assessing the compliance of modal agencies with MOT’s planning, projects, and appropriations.
Project Background
In order to reduce the logistical costs, emissions, and safety issues associated with road-based shipping, the Thai government is shifting its attention to railway infrastructure as a key component of its overall freight transportation modal share. As part of Thailand’s Rail Transport Infrastructure Development Plan 2015-2022, the State Railway of Thailand (“SRT”) is constructing new railway lines, converting existing lines to double track, and improving rail connections to neighboring Association of Southeast Asian Nations (“ASEAN”) countries. While only eight percent of Thailand’s tracks were double tracked in 2015, SRT aims to have over 80% double tracked by 2035, with a total of 1,859 miles of new double-tracked lines. These upgrades will allow trains to run simultaneously in opposite directions, which will be essential for expanding freight capacity and reducing travel times in the improved SRT system. With the increase in network size and double-tracking of the railway, SRT’s system capacity will increase from 35 to 80 million passengers, and the network will reach 14 new provinces in Thailand.
Improved rail infrastructure is a necessary but not the only condition to achieve the needed reduction in logistics costs for Thailand to become a regional logistics hub. Intermodal infrastructure, including intermodal facilities and inland dry ports, must also be expanded and improved. An integrated logistics facility co-located with a rail intermodal terminal with capability to offer special functions conveniently to the private sector would focus on efficient integration of production, assembly, warehousing, customs clearance, testing, and other value-added services with transport operations. These integrated logistics and intermodal transport (“ILIT”) centers are envisioned as a key instrument to achieve Thailand’s objectives for improvements in the overall freight transportation system.
About the Technical Assistance
The TA will develop specific recommended actions to promote the modal shift of freight traffic from road to rail in Thailand. The TA will identify infrastructure, technology, and operational improvements that would strengthen Thailand’s intermodal transportation system and support the country’s efforts to establish itself as a regional transportation and logistics hub for Southeast Asia. The TA also includes the preparation of detailed technical designs for three (3) intermodal facilities that could serve as a proof of concept to demonstrate the effectiveness of integrated freight operations between road and rail carriers.