In a significant stride towards enhancing Thailand’s rail infrastructure, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is on the verge of finalizing a crucial contract for the construction of a 13.3km rail track in Ayutthaya province. This undertaking is part of the expansive Sino-Thai rail project that extends from Bangkok to Nong Khai.
Governor Nirut Maneephan revealed that the contract, valued at 10.3 billion baht, is set to be signed with Boonchai Panich (1979) Co Ltd later this month. The forthcoming Ban Pho-Phra Kaeo stretch is a linchpin in the larger rail project, poised to significantly impact transportation connectivity in the region.
Awaiting a draft contract from the Office of the Attorney-General (OAG) to kickstart construction, the SRT is diligently moving forward with its plans. A Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) for the elevated rail track at the Ayutthaya station has been submitted for approval to UNESCO and various agencies, emphasizing the commitment to preserving historical sites amidst modern development.
The project also entails negotiations over the Bang Sue-Don Mueang section, grappling with a route overlap issue with the Don Mueang–Suvarnabhumi–U-Tapao high-speed railway. Anticipated resolutions by year-end may prompt the SRT to directly manage the construction contract, mitigating potential delays.
The ambitious Thai-Chinese high-speed line’s first phase, the Bang Sue-Don Mueang section, is on track to be operational by 2028. With a total budget of 179 billion baht, the entire Thai-Chinese high-speed train project spans 606 km across eight provinces, encompassing two phases: Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima and Nakhon Ratchasima-Nong Khai. This transformative initiative promises to reshape Thailand’s transportation landscape, fostering economic growth and connectivity across regions.
