Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project risks delay, may miss 2030 launch

BANGKOK: Anan Phonimdaeng, deputy governor and acting governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), said the first phase of the Thai–Chinese high-speed rail project, covering the Bangkok–Nakhon Ratchasima route, is now 250.77 kilometres long with a total investment of THB179.41221 billion (US$5.471 billion). The project, implemented in cooperation between the Thai and Chinese governments and using Chinese high-speed rail technology throughout, has so far achieved a cumulative progress of 52.4 per cent, lagging 28.2 per cent behind the target of 80.73 per cent. Regarding the target of opening services in 2030, which had previously been set, he acknowledged that the timeframe is now very tight, as the remaining civil works will require at least another three and a half years before they can be handed over for system works under Contract 2.3 to proceed. “If processes under the three civil works contracts and the rail system installation contract remain delayed beyond the revised plan, it could affect the overall service opening schedule,” Anan said. At the same time, several processes must await clarity on the appointment of a new SRT board and a new board chairman, who will have the authority to make decisions and formally sign the SRT governor's employment contract, so that management can continue without interruption. The project comprises 14 civil works contracts. Two have already been completed: Contract 1-1, the Klang Dong–Pang Asok section, covering 3.5 kilometres with a budget of THB362 million, constructed by the Department of Highways; and Contract 2-1, the Sikhio–Kut Chik section, covering 11 kilometres with a budget of THB3.11498 billion, with Civil Construction Services & Products Company Limited as the contractor. StarPicks From Miri to Dublin: Pursuing global education with Taylor’s College Another 10 contracts are under construction. These include Contract 3-1, covering the Kaeng Khoi–Klang Dong and Pang Asok–Bandai Ma sections, with a total length