The High-Speed Rail Project Phase 1, from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima, consists of 6 stations: Bang Sue Central Station, Don Mueang Station, Ayutthaya Station, Saraburi Station, Pak Chong Station, and Nakhon Ratchasima Station. The project is divided into 14 construction contracts, covering a distance of approximately 253 kilometers. The travel time from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima is estimated to be 1 hour and 30 minutes, with an investment budget of 179,412.21 million Baht. It is expected to be operational in 2026. Details of the project are as follows.
Construction Contracts: Out of the 14 contracts, one is completed, which is Contract 1-1, Bang Sue to Pak Chong. Ten contracts are currently under construction, including Contract 2-1, Sikiew to Kut Chik (37% completed); Contract 3-4, Lat Krabang to Sikiew and Kut Chik to Khok Kruat (58.89% completed). Three contracts are in the procurement phase: Contract 3-1, Kaeng Khoi to Bang Sue, and Pak Chong to Bandai Ma.
Design Contracts: The Thai Railway Department has signed contracts with China Railway Design Corporation (CRDC) and China Railway International Corporation (CRIC) for the design phase, which has been completed.
Railway Systems Contracts: Contracts for the rail system, electrical system, and machinery, as well as the procurement of train sets and staff training, have been signed with CRDC and CRIC on October 28, 2023. The total budget for this phase is 50,644.5 million Baht, with a project duration of 64 months. The contractors have completed the initial design phase, and the Thai side is currently conducting reviews before proceeding to the next step.
Establishment of a Special Organization: The Ministry of Transport is preparing to establish a particular organization to operate the high-speed rail project in the future. The organizational structure is currently under study.
Research and Development Institute for Rail Systems: The Ministry of Transport has established a research and development institute for rail systems to support technology transfer within the high-speed rail project. This institute operates as a state-owned enterprise under the ministry’s supervision. Currently, efforts are underway to recruit personnel for the institute’s operation. The project’s second phase, from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai, is also being prepared for submission to the Cabinet for approval.
Linking the High-Speed Rail Project: A committee has been formed to oversee the connectivity of the high-speed rail projects between Thailand, Laos, and China. The following action plans have been discussed:
Management of the Existing Mekong River Bridge: The existing Mekong River Bridge will be upgraded to accommodate seven trains in each direction, for 14 trains, with a load test to enhance its strength.
Construction of a New Mekong River Bridge: Thailand and Laos will jointly invest in a new Mekong River Bridge, located about 30 meters away from the existing one. Currently, three options are being considered: (1) Building a new bridge to accommodate both trains and vehicles on the same structure, (2) Constructing a new bridge for trains and vehicles with separate structures, and (3) Building a new bridge exclusively for trains while upgrading the existing bridge to carry heavier loads. Preliminary study results will be presented to the Lao government in August 2026.
Development of Cargo Transfer Areas: This involves two phases, with the urgent phase focusing on developing the Nong Khai station area into a cargo transfer facility. The long-term step involves transforming the Nong Khai area into a container transfer hub. Currently, discussions are ongoing to involve private sector investment in the government’s business activities, subject to approval by the Thai Railway Department.
Rachada concluded that the 30th Joint Committee Meeting on Railway Cooperation between Thailand and China had significant outcomes. Both parties agreed to cooperate on Phase 2 of the High-Speed Rail Project from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai within the framework of Thai laws and regulations. Additionally, they approved convening the 31st Joint Committee Meeting, scheduled after the Trilateral Meeting between Thailand, Laos, and China regarding railway connectivity between Nong Khai and Vientiane.
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SOURCE: http://today.line.me
