Stalled High-Speed Rail Contract Amendment: EEC Still Aims for Early 2025 Start
Source: ผู้จัดการออนไลน์ (Manager Online)
Wednesday, November 20, 2024 10:11
Delays plague the contract amendment for the high-speed rail linking three airports. Disagreement arises from a minister's opinion to present a single, comprehensive proposal to the Cabinet before signing the amended contract. Meanwhile, the EEC maintains its plan to start the project in early 2025.
Mr. Chula Sukmanop, Secretary-General of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy Committee, stated that the contract amendment for the high-speed rail project linking three airports (Don Mueang - Suvarnabhumi - U-Tapao) has not yet been submitted to the Cabinet for consideration. The EEC still anticipates the Cabinet's approval by the end of 2024, with the Notice to Proceed (NTP) issued in early 2025.
He added that the EEC Policy Committee meeting on November 18, 2024, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Mr. Pichai Chunhavajira, did not discuss the high-speed rail project.
The meeting focused on approving the draft plan for infrastructure and public utilities for the EEC Business Center and Smart Livable City project. The EEC and relevant agencies will proceed with the approved plan.
@ Stumbling Block: Minister Wants Single Cabinet Submission
Sources reveal that the delay in submitting the contract amendment to the Cabinet stems from differing opinions on whether to present the issue in two stages or as a single, comprehensive proposal. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) stated that typically, after the EEC Policy Committee approves the contract amendment, the Cabinet is informed of the board's decision. Subsequently, if there are specific issues requiring Cabinet approval, the relevant agency must finalize those details and then present them to the Cabinet for a second approval.
In the case of the high-speed rail project, the contract amendment involves significant changes to the joint investment agreement, requiring review by the Attorney General's Office, which usually takes no more than 30 days.
Sources indicate that some ministers believe all matters should be finalized before a single presentation to the Cabinet to avoid delays. This disagreement has prevented a conclusion on the matter.
Dispute Denied Over High-Speed Train Contract Amendment; "Suriya" Awaits Review, Expects Cabinet Submission in 2 Months
Source - IQ Infoquest News Agency
Saturday, November 23, 2024 08:51
Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit addressed the alleged disagreements among cabinet ministers regarding the amendment of the high-speed train project connecting three airports (Don Mueang - Suvarnabhumi - U-Tapao).
Rumors suggested differing opinions on whether the amendment should be presented to the Cabinet for consideration twice or just once. Mr. Suriya denied any conflict, stating that the delay in submitting the amendment to the Cabinet is due to some outstanding issues.
Currently, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, as Chairman of the Eastern Economic Corridor Policy Committee (EECPC), is reviewing the amendment for accuracy and thoroughness.
Mr. Suriya emphasized that the government is not rushing the high-speed train project connecting the three airports and expects it to be submitted for Cabinet approval within the next two months.
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