Expected to cost B24 billion, construction of the 60-kilometre LRS will take about 36 months to complete.
The initial design of the project, based on a low-floor tram system, comprises 21 stations running from Tha-Noon in Phang Nga to the terminal at Chalong Circle.
The 30-metre long tram will have a maximum speed of 100 kmh with a limit of 20 to 40 kmh in downtown areas. Double tracks will be used in certain areas, yet to be specified, whilst others will be served by a single track.
The main depot is expected to be located behind the Nissan Thalang Showroom near Tesco Lotus Thalang.
Some areas of Phuket Town, such as the Chartered Bank Junction in Phuket Town, may be turned into pedestrianised zones. However, further studies will be required on this topic.
Although she said she felt positive about the project, Phuket City Mayor Somjai Suwansupapana also raised some concerns, especially regarding the Chartered Bank intersection where Phang Nga Rd meets Thepkrassattri Rd.
She said she was worried about how traffic would be handled if the intersection were pedestrianised and vehicles had to be re-routed via Montri Rd or Yaowaraj Rd, where traffic congestion is already a problem.
Also, for the part of the track that runs down Thepkasattri Rd in town, the team may need to talk to the Phuket City Municipality because, in some areas, there are underground cables, and the Municipality also has plans to build a car park in the city centre.
Mayor Somjai further stated that the lifestyle of the local people in old Phuket town needs to be preserved. Noise pollution may become an issue as the roads in Phuket Town and branching off from Thepkrasattri Rd are narrow. Moreover, she said, doesn’t want to see overhead power cables.
Logistics expert Dr Keerati Kijmanawat said, “For some areas, such as Heroines Monument and Phuket Town, we will use a battery system so there will be no need for overhead cables; two systems will be used to power the tramway: mains power and batteries.”
Sirigate Apirat, Secretary of the LRS Project told The Phuket News, “We are now in the process of checking all the details of the project and seeing what points need correcting or adding.
“The information we have gathered today will be taken into account and we will adjust our plans accordingly.
“We are also still studying the environmental impact assessment on the project but this will take years to finish as we need to carefully consider this because Phuket is protected environment area.
“However, the Minister of Transport, ACM Prajin Juntong has agreed to the project and has stated it should start as soon as possible.
“Some may question why we are not going to build a skytrain or underground system, but our research showed us that a tram system is the best investment and the best possible choice.
“In some areas the traffic will need to be re-organised. Vehicles might be allowed in some areas while other areas may have to be pedestrianised. These are issues regarding the city centre area only; details have not yet been finalised and we are still working on them.”