Identifying factors affecting the success of rail infrastructure development projects contributing to a logistics platform: A Thailand case study

Abstract

     This research identified factors affecting the success of rail infrastructure development projects contributing to Thailand's logistics platform. Projects included in this research were double tracking the existing railways and the construction of new routes. Most projects were in the preparatory stage. The researchers extracted 24 factors from the literature review and categorized them into five dimensions. AHP and fuzzy AHP were deployed and leading success factors were identified. It was found that a rail development master plan has the highest influence on a project's success. The researchers recommend that the Thai government should establish a large-scale, long-term, integrative rail master plan for not only freight transport but also passenger services, since both cannot be solely developed. Along with the initiation of the rail master plan; stimulation should proceed in parallel on: a transit-oriented development scheme; promotion of local market development for a rail parts and assembly industry; implementation of public-private partnerships; and the institution of a new rail regulative agency.