BANGKOK, July 31 (Xinhua) -- The northern Thai city Chiang Mai's light rail transit project on Wednesday opened the first public hearing in Thailand's northern province.
Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) Governor Phakhaphong Sirikanthamat chaired the public hearing on Chiang Mai Red Line light rail project, attended by over 250 people, including locals and representatives of educational institutes, public and private sectors.
The public hearing considered a feasibility study, design, environmental impact assessment and preparations for bidding documents for the rail project designed to alleviate traffic congestion in downtown Chiang Mai.
The Red Line light rail project is designed to cover a 12.5-km route and have 12 stations along the way, according to the MRTA.
The rail route between Nakhon Phing Hospital and Mae Hia Samarn Samakkhee intersection will pass several important venues such as the 700-Years Stadium, Chiang Mai airport, Chiang Mai Convention and Exhibition Center and Chang Phuek bus terminal.
The construction of the rail project is to be carried out in Public-Private Partnership mode.
