Thai-Chinese High-Speed Rail Project: Systems Work Still Under 1% Completion, 61.51% Behind Schedule, Train Production to Begin This Year
Daily News, February 2, 2025, 8:09 PM.
Progress on Contract 2.3, concerning the rail systems, electrical systems, and machinery, including train procurement and personnel training for the first phase of the Thai-Chinese high-speed railway project (Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima), is currently at 0.95%, a significant 61.51% behind schedule. The Chinese side is expediting the detailed design of the train, with production slated to commence this year. They are also in the process of selecting contractors to initiate track laying and systems installation. Meanwhile, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is accelerating civil works and expects to deliver some sections to the Chinese side for track laying by the end of 2025, aiming for service commencement in 2028.
"Daily News Transportation Innovation News Team" reports that the construction of the first phase of the high-speed rail project, spanning 14 contracts over 253 kilometers with a budget of 179 billion baht, marks Thailand's first high-speed rail line. Construction began with a groundbreaking ceremony on December 21, 2017. Now in its eighth year, the project has achieved an overall progress of 39.47%, with a delay of 41.42%. Two contracts have been completed, ten are under construction, and two are awaiting signing.
The focus is currently on Contract 2.3, valued at 50.633 billion baht, which covers the rail systems, electrical systems, and machinery, including train procurement and personnel training. This contract is being undertaken by the Chinese side, specifically China Railway International Co., Ltd. and China Railway Design Corporation. With progress at a mere 0.95% and 61.51% behind schedule, the project is currently in the detailed design phase for the high-speed rail system and related systems, including the train design itself. This involves consultations with the SRT on aspects such as interior and exterior color schemes, patterns, and restroom facilities.
It is anticipated that the Chinese side will finalize the designs and submit them to the SRT for consideration, with train production commencing within 2025. The production process is expected to take no more than two years, followed by approximately six months of operational testing starting around the end of 2027, leading up to the service launch in 2028. This remains the latest target opening date, following multiple postponements from the original plan of 2026.
The "Fuxing Hao" CR300 model, capable of reaching speeds up to 300 kilometers per hour but operating at a maximum of 250 kilometers per hour in actual service, will be used for this project. Six trains, comprising 48 carriages (8 carriages per train), will be brought to Thailand, each with a capacity of around 560 seats, with no standing passengers. Of these six trains, four will be in active service, while two will serve as backups.
The train carriages are air-conditioned, measuring 2.8-3.7 meters wide, 20 meters long, and 3.7 meters high. The seating is divided into three classes: second class with a 3-2 configuration throughout the carriage, first class with two seats on each side, and business class with single seats on one side, located in the carriage behind the driver's cabin. The trains feature closed-system restrooms and various amenities.
In addition, the Chinese side is preparing to open bidding for contractors to install the track system, electrical and mechanical systems, and related high-speed rail systems. It is expected that by the end of 2025, the SRT will gradually hand over completed sections of the construction site to the Chinese side to begin installing these systems, particularly in sections where construction progress exceeds 50-60%, as previously agreed.
Currently, the SRT is expediting construction and addressing challenges in certain contracts that are significantly behind schedule. These include Contract 3-1 (Kaeng Khoi-Klang Dong and Pang Asok-Ban Dai Ma), at 4.16% progress with an 8.13% delay; Contract 3-5 (Khok Kruat-Nakhon Ratchasima), at 12.13% progress with a 77.94% delay; Contract 4-2 (Don Mueang-Nuan Kroh), at 1.74% progress with a 98.07% delay; Contract 4-4 (Chiang Rak Noi Maintenance Center), at 29.87% progress with a 3.59% delay; and Contract 4-6 (Phra Kaeo-Saraburi), at 9.04% progress with a 90.86% delay.
The delays are largely attributed to land expropriation issues with private landowners, resulting in less than 50% of the construction area being available, as seen in Contracts 3-1 and 4-2. Additionally, the lengthy payment process for completed work has affected the contractors' cash flow and led to plan adjustments, such as in Contract 3-5, where the plan was revised to an elevated track.
Two contracts are still pending: Contract 4-1 (Bang Sue-Don Mueang), spanning 15.21 kilometers, is awaiting revisions to the joint investment agreement for the high-speed rail project connecting three airports (Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao) due to overlapping structures. The contract signing is expected by March 2025.
Contract 4-5 (Ban Pho-Phra Kaeo) awaits clarity on the Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) for the Ayutthaya Historical Park World Heritage Site, connected to the Ayutthaya high-speed rail station. UNESCO experts have conducted an on-site HIA assessment in Ayutthaya. Pending adjustments by the Thai side to lower the Ayutthaya station roof to below 35 meters and modify the station building to prevent structural overlap with the existing station, the revised design will be submitted to the experts by March 3, 2025. The final report is expected to take approximately one year to gain approval through the various procedures.
The SRT has presented the matter to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Suriya Jungrungreangkit for signing with the contractor, Boonchai Panich (1979) Co., Ltd., to proceed with the track construction. This awaits approval from Mr. Suriya, along with adjustments to the construction plan to ensure the overall service launch remains on schedule.
Cabinet Meeting on Feb 4th: Transport Ministry Proposes High-Speed Rail Project Phase 2, Worth 340 Billion Baht
Bangkok Business, February 4th, 2025, 6:05 AM
The Transport Ministry will propose to the Cabinet today (Feb 4th) to proceed with the second phase of the Bangkok-Nong Khai high-speed rail project, worth over 340 billion baht. The Finance Ministry will also propose a draft ministerial regulation on the procurement of goods and services that the government wishes to promote or support, aiming to promote Thai products.
According to reports from the Government House, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra will chair the Cabinet meeting today. Several important issues will be addressed, notably the Transport Ministry's proposal seeking approval to proceed with a joint project between the Thai and Chinese governments. The project involves developing a high-speed rail system to connect Bangkok and Nong Khai. This phase 2 covers the Nakhon Ratchasima-Nong Khai section, spanning 357.12 kilometers with a budget of 341.35142 billion baht. The goal is to ensure the project's completion according to schedule.
Suriya Instructs the SRT to Learn from the First Phase of the "High-Speed Train" Project and Accelerate the Second Phase's Construction: "Nakhon Ratchasima - Nong Khai"
Daily News, February 4, 2025, 4:34 PM
Suriya instructs the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to learn from the various problems of the first phase of the high-speed train project and apply those lessons to accelerate the construction of the second phase: "Nakhon Ratchasima - Nong Khai." He urges that the number of civil work contracts be reduced from the previous phase to avoid delays, aiming for service commencement as planned in 2031. He suggests private sector PPP involvement in train operations to potentially save the government 80 billion baht.
On February 4th, Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, revealed that the SRT must expedite the drafting of the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the second phase of the Thai-Chinese high-speed train project, spanning Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai over 357.12 kilometers, with a budget of 341,351.42 million baht. The target is to open bidding around June 2025, begin construction in November 2025, and commence service in 2031. He emphasized that the SRT should consider reducing the number of civil work contracts compared to the first phase (Bangkok - Nakhon Ratchasima), which had 14 contracts, as an excessive number of contracts could lead to delays, similar to what happened in the first phase.
Suriya continued that he has assigned the SRT and related parties to use the experience and lessons learned from the first phase to improve the second phase's execution and ensure timely completion. He also instructed the SRT to accelerate the construction of the first phase, especially contracts facing issues, and to expedite resolutions. For delayed contracts, he wants contractors to increase their workforce to meet the 2028 target. He mentioned that contract 4-1 (Bang Sue - Don Mueang) is expected to have its joint investment agreement for the high-speed train project connecting three airports (Don Mueang-Suvarnabhumi-U-Tapao) submitted to the Cabinet around April. Contract 4-5 (Ban Pho - Phra Kaeo) is awaiting UNESCO's decision but will be expedited for signing with the contractor. He also indicated that train operations would follow a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model under the Public-Private Partnership Act B.E. 2562, covering the entire route from Bangkok to Nong Khai.
Suriya added that the second phase's budget of 341,351 million baht includes 237,454 million baht for civil works, 12,418 million baht for land acquisition and compensation (approximately 1,345 rai of land and 1,428 structures to be acquired), 81,313 million baht for track, electrical, and mechanical systems and train procurement, 6,530 million baht for civil work construction supervision, 2,821 million baht for project management and electrical system installation supervision, and 813 million baht for independent engineer consultants. He stated that having the private sector participate in train operations and the Na Tha goods transfer center project through PPP would save approximately 80 billion baht, or about 23% of the project budget. He concluded that once the first phase is completed, operations will begin immediately without waiting for the second phase's completion.
On February 4th, at the Ministry of Transport, Mr. Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, gave an interview after the Cabinet approved the Thai-Chinese high-speed train project (high-speed) Phase 2, Nakhon Ratchasima - Nong Khai section, a distance of 357.12 km, with a budget of 341,351.42 million baht. He stated that the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) must expedite the drafting of the Terms of Reference (TOR) for the project. It is expected that bidding will open in June 2025, construction will begin in November 2025, and services will open in 2027. He emphasized the need to consider reducing the number of civil work contracts compared to the Phase 1 project, Bangkok - Nakhon Ratchasima section, which had 14 contracts, as this was too many and could cause delays in completion.
In addition, he assigned the SRT and relevant parties to use the experience and lessons learned from the Phase 1 project to adapt to Phase 2 to ensure smooth work and completion according to the planned schedule. He also expedited the construction of the Phase 1 project, especially contracts that are still facing various problems, urging them to resolve them as soon as possible. Any contracts that are still delayed must require contractors to bring in more labor to complete construction and open services as targeted in 2027. Initially, it is expected that contract 4-1, the Bang Sue - Don Mueang section, which has a structure overlapping with the high-speed train connecting three airports (Don Mueang - Suvarnabhumi - U-Tapao), will be amended in a joint venture submission to the Cabinet in April. As for contract 4-5, the Ban Pho - Phra Kaeo section, they are awaiting results from UNESCO, but will expedite the signing of the contractor as soon as possible. If the construction of the track can proceed while waiting for the Ayutthaya station, there is no objection.
Regarding the train operation model, private sector investment (PPP) will be used in accordance with the Public-Private Partnership Investment Act B.E. 2562 throughout the route from Bangkok to Nong Khai, including the Natha Freight Transfer Center project. This will help save the project budget by 80 billion baht or 23%. Once Phase 1 is completed, it will be operated immediately without waiting for Phase 2.
For the Phase 2 project, with a budget of 341,351 million baht, it consists of: civil works cost of 237,454 million baht, land acquisition and compensation cost of 12,418 million baht, rail system installation cost, electrical and mechanical systems, and procurement of trains 81,313 million baht, civil works construction control cost of 6,530 million baht, project management and rail system installation control cost of 2,821 million baht, and independent engineer consultant fee of 813 million baht.
News reports from the SRT indicate that contract 4-5 has been discussed with Boonchai Panich (1979) Co., Ltd., the contractor who has maintained the original price of 10,325 million baht. It is expected that the contract will be signed in April after the SRT submits a report amending the impact on cultural heritage (Heritage Impact Assessment: HIA) of the Ayutthaya station World Heritage Site by adjusting the roof height and not overlapping the original station structure according to expert recommendations within March. This includes discussing a plan to build the track first to completion before signing the contract.
Source: Daily News, February 6, 2025 (Afternoon Edition)
แบ่งประเภทที่นั่งเป็น 3 ระดับ second class จัดเรียงแบบ 3-2 ตลอดความยาวตู้โดยสาร, First class จัดเรียงฝั่งละ 2 ที่นั่ง และBusiness class เก้าอี้เดี่ยวฝั่งละ 1 ที่นั่งใช้ตู้โดยสารหลังห้องคนขับ
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