Thai-Chinese Railway Joint Meeting Approves "Rail Research Institute" for Technology Transfer
Transportation innovation takes a step forward
The Thai-Chinese railway joint meeting has greenlit the certification of Thailand's "Railway Technology Research and Development Institute" (RTA). The RTA will serve as the coordinating agency for railway technology transfer, and Thailand has been assigned to host the 32nd meeting to promote the country's high-speed train development. Phase 1 of the high-speed train project, connecting Bangkok to Korat, is slated for opening in 2028, while Phase 2, extending to Nong Khai, is targeted for a 2033 opening.
Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, co-chaired the 31st Meeting of the Joint Committee for Railway Cooperation between Thailand and China in Beijing with Mr. Wu Hao, Secretary-General of the National Development and Reform Commission of China. This meeting marks a significant step in promoting the high-speed rail project between the two countries. Key points discussed include:
Construction Progress:
Phase 1 (Bangkok - Nakhon Ratchasima): Guidelines and measures have been approved to expedite construction. Two of the 14 civil works contracts are complete, with 10 underway. The remaining two contracts are awaiting signatures. The estimated completion and opening date is 2028.
Phase 2 (Nakhon Ratchasima - Nong Khai ): The detailed civil works design is complete, and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report has been approved by the expert committee. The project will be presented to the National Environmental Board and State Railway of Thailand (SRT) board of directors for approval before submission to the Cabinet. Construction is expected to start in 2025 with a projected opening in 2033.
Railway Connection to Laos: Plans are underway to connect the Nong Khai railway project to Vientiane, Laos PDR. This includes the construction of a new bridge across the Mekong River. Feasibility studies are complete, and SRT has requested a budget allocation for detailed design and EIA preparation.
Natha Development: The SRT is exploring private sector investment to develop Natha as a cargo transshipment and container storage center with multimodal transportation capabilities. The development, set to be completed in 2028, will facilitate cross-border goods transportation between Thailand, Laos, and China.
Mr. Suriya highlighted the establishment of the Railway Technology Research and Development Institute (RTA) under the Ministry of Transport. The RTA will facilitate the transfer of technology and innovations in railway systems. The meeting approved holding the 32nd Joint Committee meeting in Thailand to further drive project progress and strengthen the sustainable development of rail infrastructure in both countries.
BAFS Adjusts Plans Amid High-Speed Rail Delay, Seeks Government Support
Prachachat Thurakit, May 11, 2024 - 7:22 a.m.
As the May 22 deadline for "Asia Era One" to submit documents for an investment promotion certificate for the high-speed rail project connecting 3 airports approaches, ongoing projects at U-Tapao Airport and Aviation City are being forced to adjust their plans.
The delayed high-speed rail project, valued at 224,544 million baht, has been awaiting a joint venture agreement between the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and Asia Era One Company since October 2021. This delay is significantly impacting other projects, including the aviation fuel service system project at U-Tapao Airport, a joint venture between Bangkok Aviation Fuel Services Public Company Limited (BAFS) and PTT Oil and Retail Business Public Company Limited (OR).
Oil Pipeline Installation on Hold
M.L. Natthasit Diskul, President of BAFS, stated that while the oil tank and office building are near completion, the high-pressure oil pipe system remains on hold. This is due to a dependency on U-Tapao International Aviation (UTA), the winning bidder for the U-Tapao Airport and Aviation City Development Project. BAFS can only proceed with the pipeline installation after UTA finalizes the parking lot model.
Further delays stem from the uncertainty surrounding the high-speed rail project. If the project is confirmed, UTA is prepared to build a station. However, the May 22 deadline for Asia Era One to apply for an investment promotion certificate with the Board of Investment (BOI) is crucial in determining the project's future.
BAFS Requests Government Assistance
M.L. Natthasit emphasized that the delays are not due to BAFS, as the company has complied with all contract conditions. Originally slated for completion in 2027, the project is now postponed to 2029. BAFS is requesting government support, such as contract extensions and loan guarantees, to mitigate the impact of these delays on the company and other investors in the Eastern Special Development Zone (EEC).
UTA Expects NTP by End of 2024
Mr. Weerawat Panthawangkun, CEO of UTA, acknowledged the project's delay from the original plan, partly due to the COVID-19 pandemic and uncertainties regarding the high-speed rail project. UTA anticipates receiving the Notice to Proceed (NTP) by the end of 2024, after the government clarifies the high-speed rail situation.
Deadline for Asia Era One
Asia Era One has until May 22, 2024, to submit additional documents to the BOI for an investment promotion certificate. Obtaining this certificate is crucial for the SRT to issue the NTP to commence construction. The delay in this process has stalled the project for four years since the initial BOI approval in June 2020.
The delay is attributed to ongoing negotiations to amend the joint venture contract. Asia Era One has requested adjustments, including faster disbursement of the joint investment amount and government assistance with soft loans and a contingency fund.
Conclusion
The future of the high-speed rail project and its impact on related developments remain uncertain. The outcome of the negotiations between the government and Asia Era One will significantly influence the timeline and scope of the project.
อัพเดต! (12/5/67) รถไฟความเร็วสูงกรุงเทพ-โคราช ช่วงรังสิต-บ้านโพ มีความคืบหน้าเพิ่มขึ้น
Max Puttipong
May 12, 2024
Starting production of Thai-Chinese high-speed trains next year
Source: Daily News
Monday, May 13, 2024 04:13
CR300 Fuxinghao, 6 trains, 48 cars, awaiting 70% completion of civil works to install the tracks.
The Ministry of Transport reports that the 31st meeting of the Joint Committee for Railway Cooperation between Thailand and China was held in Beijing, People's Republic of China. Mr. Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport co-chaired the meeting with Mr. Wu Hao, Secretary-General of the National Development and Reform Commission of China. In addition to reporting on the construction progress of the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project, Phase 1, Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima section, distance 253 kilometers (km), and Phase 2, Nakhon Ratchasima-Nong Khai section, distance of 357 km, the meeting also covered the progress of contract work 2.3, rail system work, electrical and mechanical systems, including the procurement of trains and personnel training, which are being handled by the Chinese side, consisting of China Railway International Co., Ltd. and China Railway Design Corporation.
Currently, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has approved the preliminary design draft of Contract 2.3, including the tracks, cars, and various system works, such as electrical and mechanical systems. Following this, the Chinese side will design details in various parts, such as pattern design, colors, and seat cushions. The Chinese side plans to open a bidding process to find a manufacturer (vendor) within 2024 to design details and produce the cars. It is expected that the Chinese side will complete the detailed design in early 2025 and propose it back to the SRT for further consideration. The production of the cars is expected to begin in 2025 and take no more than 2 years, with testing to commence around the end of 2027, approximately 6 months before the opening of service in 2028.
Initially, the CR300 model "Fuxinghao" train will be used, a model currently in service in China. It can reach a maximum speed of 300 km per hour, but will operate at a maximum speed of 250 km per hour. Six trains of 48 cars will be brought to Thailand, with each train having 8 cars and approximately 560 seats. There will be no standing tickets. Of these 6 trains, 4 will be in service, and 2 will be reserved. The cars are air-conditioned, with a width of 2.8-3.7 meters, a length of 20 meters, and a height of 3.7 meters. Seats are divided into 3 classes: second class, arranged in a 3-2 pattern throughout the passenger coaches; first class, arranged with 2 seats on each side; and business class, with single chairs, 1 seat on each side. The passenger compartment is located behind the driver's cabin. The train has closed restrooms and various other facilities.
Currently, contract work 2.3, with a budget of approximately 50,633 million baht, has a performance of 0.92% and is delayed by 45.88%. Meanwhile, the construction of civil works, 14 contracts, with a budget of 179 billion baht, has a performance of 32.31% and is delayed by 28.76%. Two contracts have been completed, 10 contracts are under construction, and 2 contracts are awaiting signing: Contract 4-1, Bang Sue-Don Mueang section, and Contract 4-5, Ban Pho-Phra Kaeo section. When the overall construction work is approximately 70% complete, the Chinese side will install the tracks, signaling system, and continue testing the vehicles.
Source: Daily News newspaper, issue date May 14, 2024 (afternoon edition)
"Suriya" discusses with representatives of the Kunming city government cooperation to promote transportation, pushing for high-speed rail and the R3A road connecting Thailand - Lao PDR - China.
Online Manager, 18 May 2024, 09:35
Suriya opens the doors to welcome representatives from the Kunming city government, promoting cooperation in transportation between Thailand and Kunming. The aim is to advance the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail and develop the R3A road route, which connects Thailand, Lao PDR, and China.
On May 17, 2024, Mr. Suriya Jungrungruangkit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, met with Mr. Liu Hongjian, Executive Committee member of the Communist Party of Yunnan Province and Secretary of the Communist Party of Kunming Municipality, and his team to discuss the promotion of cooperation in transportation between Thailand and Kunming. The focus was on driving the development of the Thai-China railway network, the Road 3 Asia (R3A) road link, and facilitating border crossings between Thailand and China. Mr. Yatham Promsorn, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, and related agencies participated in the discussion at the Ministry of Transport conference room.
Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit stated that during the meeting, there was an exchange of opinions to promote cooperation in the implementation of the Thailand-China high-speed rail project and the development of the link between Thailand, Lao PDR, and China. This cooperation is key to enhancing transportation and logistics in the Mekong Subregion. Projects such as the central Pan-Asia Railway network (Kunming - Bohan - Vientiane - Bangkok - Kuala Lumpur - Singapore) and the Singapore-Kunming Railway (SKRL) under the Belt and Road Initiative were discussed.
The high-speed rail project, Phase 1, Bangkok - Nakhon Ratchasima section, is currently under construction and expected to open in 2026. The high-speed rail project, Phase 2, Nakhon Ratchasima - Nong Khai section, is in the process of improving the environmental impact assessment report and is expected to open in 2030. Additionally, the double track railway project, Khon Kaen - Nong Khai section, spanning approximately 167 kilometers with a total of 15 stations, is expected to open in 2027.
For the new bridge construction project across the Mekong River (Nong Khai - Vientiane), the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has requested budget allocation for the detailed design and EIA report in 2024. The project includes guidelines for both sides to study the possibility of using loans from financial institutions or international cooperation organizations for the construction of a new railway line and bridge across the Mekong River. The connection route is between Vientiane South Station of the Lao PDR and Natha Station of Thailand, mirroring the cooperation model of the 4th Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge project (Chiang Khong - Huai Sai), which was a successful joint venture between Thailand and China.
Mr. Suriya highlighted the importance of supporting the development of the R3A road link, the shortest land route for transporting goods from Thailand to southern China. The R3A route connects Thailand, Lao PDR, and China through key points in all three countries, covering a total distance of approximately 1,800 kilometers. This route is crucial for Thailand's export sector, particularly for agricultural products like fresh fruits (e.g., durian, mangosteen, longan), which primarily use land transportation along the R3A route. Thailand has continuously supported and developed this route since the project's inception.
Additionally, the construction of the Chiang Khong freight transport center around the 4th Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge in Chiang Rai Province aims to support the volume of imports and exports of containerized and packaged goods between Western China and various regions. This development aids the R3A road link along the North-South Economic Corridor under the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS) cooperation, fostering economic and social benefits in the area and promoting sustainability.
High-Speed Rail Linking 3 Airports: Private Sector Shifts Focus to EEC Benefits, Construction Expected to Start This Year
Bangkok Biz News, May 21, 2024 - The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) has revealed that the private sector concessionaire for the High-Speed Rail Linking Three Airports project will no longer seek benefits from the Board of Investment (BOI), after the May 22 deadline. Instead, negotiations for benefits will take place directly with the EEC.
Mr. Chula Sukmanop, Secretary-General of the EEC, stated that discussions between the public and private sectors, including Asia Era One Company (a subsidiary of CP Group) are progressing well and nearing conclusion. To receive project benefits, the concessionaire was initially required to apply for investment promotion with the BOI. However, with the deadline passed, they will now seek benefits from the EEC.
"The framework for project implementation is in place. We just need to finalize the details in negotiations. The next step involves discussions with Asia Era One to review the project holistically. Certain details still need to be addressed this year, with construction expected to begin within the year," said Mr. Sukmanop.
He acknowledged that the project is approximately four years behind schedule but emphasized that shifting the focus to EEC benefits will not cause further delays. Negotiations with the EEC will encompass the full scope of the project, including train construction and real estate development.
Additionally, the overlap between the Lak Si - Bang Sue section of the project and the Thai-Chinese railway is under discussion. This section may no longer need to accommodate high-speed trains (250 km/h), potentially allowing for faster construction.
Overall, the shift from BOI to EEC benefits signifies a strategic move to streamline the process and ensure a comprehensive approach to project development.
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