Business leaders in Nakhon Ratchasima have urged authorities to replace the proposed ground-level Orange Line light rail transit (LRT) project in Muang district with an elevated rubber-tyred electric transit system, saying it would be safer, cheaper and better suited to the province.
The proposal was made after the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) presented progress on the 24.6-kilometre Orange Line linking Theparat Hospital in Khok Kruat sub-district with the Cho Ho intersection in Cho Ho sub-district.
The MRTA's feasibility study recommends a largely ground-level LRT system, with elevated sections only at the Simathani railway bridge and the Nakhon Ratchasima intersection.
The study for the 11.65-billion-baht project is expected to be completed between August and September before being submitted to the Transport Ministry and the cabinet.
If approved, work could begin in September 2028, with services expected to start in late 2032.
At a public forum attended by local officials, business groups, community leaders and residents, participants agreed to recommend an elevated system with a flat 10-baht fare for consideration at the next provincial land traffic management meeting.
Surawut Cherdchai, managing director of Cherdchai Corporation and a board member of SRT Electrified Train, said an elevated Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit (ART) system -- a rubber-tyred hybrid of rail and bus transport -- would reduce costs while meeting the city's transport needs.
He said the entire route should run along the median of Mittraphap Road to minimise traffic disruption, improve road safety and keep existing road lanes fully operational.
Jenjira Kongthong, chairwoman of the Nakhon Ratchasima Federation of Industries, said private-sector organisations supported an elevated, rubber-tyred, virtual-track electric transit system with fares capped at 10 baht.
