BANGKOK -(Dow Jones)- Thailand will invite the private sector this month to join the bidding for the construction of a 27-kilometer-electric rail project, known locally as the blue line, worth THB52.46 billion ($1.57 billion), a government official said Tuesday.

The bidding is for two subway construction contracts and two elevated construction contracts, Permanent Secretary for Transport Suphoth Sublom told reporters.

Interested parties must submit their proposals in February and March for the two sets of contracts, he said.

Results from the bidding are expected to be submitted for Cabinet approval in April and May, with the contract signing slated within the 2010 fiscal year, which ends Sept. 30, Suphoth said.

The government will also shortly unveil details of a 34.5 kilometer monorail project, locally known as the pink line, and a 12-kilometer project, called the orange line, he said. He didn't say when bidding for these projects will begin.

-By Bangkok Bureau, Dow Jones Newswires; 66 2 2660744; djnews.bangkok@dowjones.com

(END) Dow Jones Newswires

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