High-Speed Rail Project – Extension and Future Plans for Thailand-China Connection
The high-speed rail project in Thailand has faced a significant delay, with the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) approving a 201-day extension for the Saraburi-Kaeng Khoi section. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.
The high-speed rail project in Thailand has faced a significant delay, with the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) approving a 201-day extension for the Saraburi-Kaeng Khoi section
SRT Governor Veeris Ammarapala confirmed the extension, which pushes the completion date from June 7 to December 25. This delay is primarily due to structural limitations, particularly the land-use permission required from the Royal Irrigation Department.
The extension will not result in additional costs for the SRT, as contractors will not seek compensation. The project, valued at 8.56 billion baht, spans 12.99 kilometers and began construction on February 19, 2021.
Key Challenges in the High-Speed Rail Project
Land-use permissions from the Royal Irrigation Department have caused significant delays, impacting the overall progress. The SRT has assured that all necessary land has been provided to the contractors, and efforts will be made to complete the work within the new timeline.
Future Phases of the High-Speed Rail Project
In addition to the Saraburi-Kaeng Khoi section, the SRT has proposed six new railway crossing bridges in Nakhon Ratchasima. The construction of these bridges will cost approximately 797.29 million baht ($22.98 million).
This expansion is part of a larger plan to connect Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai, with an overall investment of 340 billion baht ($9.8 billion). When completed, the project will offer high-speed rail travel from Bangkok to Yunnan, China, via Laos.
The SRT also reassured the public that all materials, including steel used in the construction, meet engineering and quality standards. These measures aim to address public concerns following an earthquake in Myanmar on March 28, which triggered tremors in Bangkok.
Source: https://www.railway.supply/en/high-speed-rail-project-extension-and-future-plans-for-thailand-china-connection/ & thethaiger.com
