This September, "Surapong" Proposes Cabinet Approval for "Thai-Chinese High-Speed Rail" Phase 2
Source: Thansettakij
Wednesday, July 3, 2024, 05:28
Surapong orders the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to proceed with the "Thai-Chinese High-Speed Rail" Phase 2, with a budget of 330 billion baht. The proposal is expected to be submitted to the Cabinet for approval within this September, while Phase 1 is currently facing issues with two contracts. The signing of the private sector contract is anticipated by 2027.
The government is accelerating the implementation of the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project in both phases. Once completed, it will be a significant rail transport system in the country, reducing travel time between Thailand and China-Laos more conveniently.
Mr. Surapong Piyachot, Deputy Minister of Transport, disclosed that the progress of the high-speed rail project Phase 2, Nakhon Ratchasima-Nong Khai, covering 356 km with a budget of 330 billion baht, has now completed its design and adjustments, ensuring no railway crossings, thus not affecting local traffic. The project has passed the review by the board and the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) Committee, which has approved the EIA report.
The proposal is currently being prepared to be submitted to the Ministry of Transport, expected to be forwarded to the Cabinet for consideration within September. The bidding process and construction are expected to commence within 2024, aiming for service commencement by 2029. The investment model will be reviewed for appropriateness, in consultation with the Budget Bureau. The goal is to complete the project on schedule and ensure its benefits are realized as soon as possible.
For the Phase 2 high-speed rail project, Nakhon Ratchasima-Nong Khai, the budget is allocated as follows: 235.129 billion baht for civil engineering works, 10.31 billion baht for land acquisition and property compensation, 80.165 billion baht for rail system, electric train system, and mechanical system investment, and 10.06 billion baht for project management consultancy, supervision, and certification. The bidding will be conducted electronically (E-Bidding) for 10 contracts, including 9 for civil works and 1 for system installation and signaling.
Moreover, the civil engineering works in Phase 2 have been adjusted to include 202.48 km of elevated tracks and 154.64 km of ground-level tracks to minimize impact on local communities. There will be five major stations: Buayai, Ban Phai, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, and Nong Khai.
Mr. Surapong further stated that the progress of the regional high-speed rail project, Bangkok-Nong Khai (Phase 1: Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima) covering 250.77 km, has reached over 33.48% completion. He urged the SRT to expedite construction and resolve obstacles to ensure the project is operational by 2028.
Currently, two out of fourteen contracts face issues. Contract 4-1 Bang Sue-Don Mueang encounters overlapping areas with the high-speed rail linking three airports project, which is being resolved by the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) board. The SRT has also adjusted the train speed for one station, reducing from the planned 250 km/h to 160 km/h for the Don Mueang-Bangkok Apiwat section.
Mr. Surapong mentioned that Contract 4-5, civil works for Ban Pho-Phra Kaew, involves the Ayutthaya station area, with the Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) report approved by the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP) and submitted to UNESCO.
"We believe there should be no issues as the route follows the existing railway line. Since we lost contact with UNESCO in 2020, the process has been followed correctly, and Ayutthaya station will remain. The bid price by Boonchai Panich (1979) Co., Ltd. under Civil Engineering Co., Ltd. (CIVIL) is also secure as the company has maintained its price on a month-to-month basis. The contract with the private sector is expected to be signed within this year."
Source: Thansettakij Newspaper, Issue July 4-6, 2024
HIA Ayutthaya Station Sent to UNESCO Source - Daily News Wednesday, July 03, 2024 07:46
Results expected in 1 month (Aug), contract signing possible this year
Mr. Surapong Piyachot, Deputy Minister of Transport, revealed that the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has reported that the National Committee on the World Heritage Convention has sent the Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) report for the World Heritage Site of the Historic City of Ayutthaya, in connection with the Ayutthaya High-Speed Rail Station, to UNESCO in Paris, France for feedback. The response is expected around August 2024.
This project is part of the cooperation between the Thai and Chinese governments to develop the High-Speed Rail System Phase 1 from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima, covering approximately 253 km.
Mr. Surapong stated that this shouldn't be a problem as the high-speed rail station in Ayutthaya is on the existing railway line and station, which has been operating without affecting the World Heritage site. He believes the Ayutthaya station should remain and not be removed.
The contract with Boon Chai Panich (1979) Co., Ltd., the contractor for contracts 4-5, hasn't been signed yet, pending clarity on the Ayutthaya station HIA from UNESCO. The private sector is maintaining their original price of 10,325 million baht, with negotiations continuing monthly. It's expected that the contract can be signed within 2024.
SRT has been instructed to expedite construction and resolve obstacles to open the service as planned by 2028. As of May 2024, the overall project progress, which began construction in 2017, is at 33.48%. Two contracts have been completed, ten are under construction, and two haven't been signed yet.
Mr. Surapong also mentioned that SRT is preparing to propose the High-Speed Rail Phase 2 project from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai, covering 357.12 km with a budget of 341,351.42 million baht. This is expected to be presented to the Cabinet for consideration by September 2024, with bidding to open within 2024. The project's detailed construction design is complete and has been approved by the SRT board. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report has been approved by the expert committee and is ready for submission to the National Environment Board.
The bidding will be divided into approximately 8-10 contracts, using loan funds. SRT has been instructed to learn from the obstacles encountered in Phase 1 to ensure Phase 2 progresses according to plan, with construction completion and service opening expected in 2029.
Source: Daily News, July 4, 2024 edition (afternoon frame)
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