Thailand Seeks Solution to High-Speed Rail Construction Delay
Deputy Minister of Transport Suraphong Piyachote seeks a way forward regarding overlapping areas in the Bang Sue - Don Mueang section of the planned high-speed rail line. If a promotional certificate is not finalized by "CP" in May, the Board of Investments (BOI) may order a bidding process to accelerate the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail construction.
Piyachote remains confident that 12 out of 14 construction contracts are underway with an opening goal of 2028 for the Bangkok-Nong Khai high-speed line. However, two remaining contracts are awaiting finalization.
Negotiations between the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and the private contractor for the three-airport high-speed connection (Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, U-Tapao) are focused on resolving the overlapping construction area. This project, overseen by the EEC, hinges on successful contract amendment negotiations.
"If the private sector involved in the three-airport project fails to obtain a BOI investment promotion certificate by May, it will impact the entire high-speed rail project," said Piyachote.
Transport Minister Suriya Rungruangkit has indicated that if the certificate issue persists, delays in the three-airport high-speed contract amendment will require immediate action to proceed with the Thai-Chinese railway to prevent larger project setbacks.
The Ministry of Transport aims to initiate the SRT bidding process for the remaining section of the Thai-Chinese rail line if the Bang Sue - Don Mueang overlap issue is unresolved by May. Construction is estimated at 9 billion baht, with a further budget request of 5 billion baht proposed for immediate action.
Piyachote emphasizes that a swift solution is vital to the remaining portions of the Thai-Chinese rail line to maintain the 2028 opening goal. May represents a critical deadline as Thailand has already allocated funds to ensure the project remains on track.
Source - bangkokbiznews
Thursday, April 18, 2024 06:16
Thailand's High-Speed Rail Project Continues Development; Ayutthaya Station Impact Report Submitted to UNESCO
Thailand's first high-speed rail line continues its development, though delays persist in the system's infrastructure. Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr. Suraphong Piyachote, has confirmed receipt of a Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) report detailing the potential impact of the Ayutthaya High-Speed Train Station on the Historical City of Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has submitted this report to the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP) for further review. ONEP will be presenting the report to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Paris sometime during April 2024.
Construction progress on the Phase 1 Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima high-speed rail project continues. However, out of a total of 14 project contracts, 2 remain unsigned. These include Contract 4-5, with an estimated value of 10.325 billion baht, and Contract 4-1 for the Bang Sue-Don Mueang section, worth approximately 10 billion baht. The SRT plans to issue a Notice to Proceed (NTP) to contractors once contracts are signed, prioritizing track construction while delaying the Ayutthaya station.
Contract 4-1 faces complications due to structural overlap with the proposed high-speed rail link connecting three airports (Don Mueang-Suvarnabhumi-U-Tapao). Amendments to the joint investment contract for the three-airport project are necessary before construction on this section can begin.
Mr. Suraphong clarified that if the private sector is granted the concession for the three-airport rail project and avoids building overlapping structures, the SRT will need to re-bid for contractors and increase the contract limit by approximately 4 billion baht. Despite these challenges, the SRT aims to open Phase 1 of the Thai-Chinese High-Speed rail in 2028, a revision from the original target of 2023. Phase 2, covering the Nakhon Ratchasima-Nong Khai section, is currently undergoing an environmental impact assessment (EIA) review.
At present, Phase 1 of the high-speed rail has seen the completion of two of its 14 contracts. Overall project progress stands at 32.31%, lagging behind schedule by 28.76%. Notably, the railway, mechanical, and electrical system development contract is less than 1% complete, with a 45.88% delay, making the original service start date of 2027 unlikely.
"Suraphong" pushes to finalize Thai-Chinese railway contracts, addresses concerns surrounding high-speed infrastructure at 3 airports.
Mr. Suraphong Piyachote, Deputy Minister of Transport, provided an update on the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project (Phase 1, Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima). With a total distance of 250.77 km and an investment of 179,412.21 million baht, 12 of 14 civil works contracts are signed. Two remain pending:
Contract 4-5 (Ban Pho-Phra Kaeo section): Awaits the Ayutthaya Station's Heritage Impact Assessment (HIA) report. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) expects to submit the official HIA report to UNESCO after the Songkran festival. UNESCO representatives were involved as consultants during the HIA study. Contract signing should follow, with an allocated budget of 9,913 million baht.
Contract 4-1 (Bang Sue-Don Mueang section): Relies on the resolution of a joint structure with the 3-Airport High-Speed Rail project. An investment promotion certificate is required from the BOI by Asia Era One Company Limited; this deadline has been extended to May 22, 2024. The government will negotiate if the certificate deadline expires. In that case, the SRT will adopt the joint structure.
Mr. Suraphong stresses that while the route and Ayutthaya station are not within the World Heritage Area, the HIA is essential to avoid future issues when projects pass through ancient sites. He is confident any increased budget due to the potential joint structure can be procured and the Ministry of Transport is ready to proceed with the project. The SRT will directly undertake the work if the 3-airport railway resolution isn't reached by May. While the 2028 opening goal remains, Mr. Suraphong acknowledges the current uncertainty impacting stakeholders.
Source - IQ InfoQuest News Agency, Thursday, April 18, 2024 6:00 PM
SRT expects progress on rail contracts
Source - Bangkok Post
Friday, April 19, 2024 02:21
SUPOJ WANCHAROEN
Unesco awaits HIA report on Ayutthaya
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) expects the last two construction contracts of the Thai-Chinese high-speed train first-phase project to be signed and implemented soon, according to Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote.
The 179.41 billion baht firstphase project connects Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima, stretching 250.77 kilometres. At present only two out of a total of 14 contracts have not yet been signed. The first one is contract No 4-5 and the other is contract No 4-1.
Contract No 4-5 covers the 13.30km Ban Pho-Phra Kaeo section in Ayutthaya with a budget of 9.91 billion baht. Mr Surapong said this contract will be signed later after a heritage impact assessment (HIA) report on Ayutthaya station is completed.
The Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning has written to Unesco saying the HIA report will be sent this month, Mr Surapong said. He added the report will likely be approved as Unesco had monitored the SRT during the HIA process.
"There shouldn't be a problem because the HIA, the first of its kind in Thailand, was conducted [voluntarily] even though the work doesn't pass through any part of Ayutthaya's World Heritage site," he said.
The other contract, No 4-1, concerns the building of a 15.21km section between Bang Sue and Don Muang in Bangkok.
The initial design is to be shared with the high-speed railway project linking three airports - Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi and U-Tapao.
Work has not yet started as Asia Era One Company of the CP Group-led consortium - the concessionaire - must receive an investment promotion certificate from the Boad of Investment (BoI) first. That matter is expected to be resolved by May 22.
If the BoI does not approve the investment promotion, the government must find a solution. This might mean the SRT will invest solely in this section to ensure the continuity of the high-speed train project's construction, scheduled to be completed in 2028. A decision by the SRT is expected next month, Mr Surapong said.
U-Tapao Aviation City Project Aims for Construction Start This Year
Bangkok, Thailand April 20, 2024 UTA, the consortium developing U-Tapao Aviation City, is eager to begin construction but awaits resolution of the stalled high-speed rail project linking three airports. Despite delays and over 4,000 million baht in expenses, UTA hopes the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) will allow construction to start this year. Meanwhile, the Royal Thai Navy has seen strong interest from 30 companies bidding on U-Tapao Airport's second runway construction.
Key Points:
Project Stalled: The U-Tapao project has been unable to start construction due to unresolved issues with the 3-airport high-speed rail project, despite UTA fulfilling other contractual conditions.
Mounting Costs: UTA has invested over 4,000 million baht in project preparation costs without any generated revenue.
Construction Readiness: UTA has requested access to the site for preparatory work as they anticipate receiving the 'go-ahead' to begin construction this year.
Government's Role: EEC and the Thai government are seen as critical in resolving the high-speed rail impasse to allow the project to proceed.
Runway Bidding Success: Over 30 companies have expressed interest in bidding on the second runway for U-Tapao Airport, a project undertaken by the Thai Navy.
Statements
Putthipong Prasatthong-osot, President of Bangkok Airways (UTA Partner): Emphasizes UTA's commitment and readiness to start construction immediately upon receiving the green light.
Putthipong Prasatthong-osot: Believes the Thai government will find a solution to the high-speed rail issue and allow the project to move forward.
Capt. Ratan Wanphunga, Royal Thai Navy: Highlights the strong private sector interest in constructing U-Tapao's second runway.
Thailand Approves $10B+ Investment in High-Speed Rail Expansion, Aims for 2031 Launch
BANGKOK April 22, 2024 In a move to boost regional connectivity, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) board has approved a substantial multi-billion-dollar investment into Phase 2 of the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project. This phase focuses on the 357-kilometer Nakhon Ratchasima-Nong Khai section of the line.
The total investment of 341,351.42 million baht (approximately $10 billion USD) has been earmarked for this extension. Construction is expected to take four years, with the service targeted to open in 2031.
Project Details
This phase of the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project includes the construction of:
- 357 km of high-speed rail line (mix of elevated and ground-level)
- Five stations: Bua Yai, Ban Phai, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, and Nong Khai.
- Four maintenance depots and a central maintenance center
- Natha Cargo Transshipment Center, a PPP initiative with a 5,686.21 million baht investment (approximately $165 million USD) to support cross-border trade
Economic and Connectivity Benefits
"This significant investment is crucial for enhancing cross-border transportation and economic growth between Thailand, Laos, and China," said Nirut Maneepan, Governor of the SRT. "We expect the project to create jobs, promote tourism, and improve connectivity within the region.
The SRT will break down construction into 13 contracts, facilitating competitive bidding and ensuring the highest quality in project execution.
Source - Manager Online
Monday, April 22, 2024 06:32
Auction for 14 contracts totaling 340 billion baht by Board Forwarding Transport-Cabinet.
Mr. Nirut Maneepan, Governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), disclosed that during the SRT board meeting on April 18, it was decided to endorse the collaborative endeavor between the Royal Thai Government, the Thai Kingdom, and the Government of the People's Republic of China to develop the high-speed rail infrastructure connecting Bangkok to Nong Khai, Phase 2, spanning from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai, covering a distance of 357.12 kilometers. The approved budget amounts to 341,351.42 million baht. The proposal is slated to be submitted to the Ministry of Transport by April 2024 for subsequent deliberation at the Cabinet meeting. The construction timeline targets completion by '73 with operational commencement in '74.
Furthermore, Mr. Nirut elaborated on the Phase 2 High-Speed Train Project, which encompasses routes spanning four provinces: Nakhon Ratchasima, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, and Nong Khai, totaling 357.12 kilometers. The infrastructure entails 202.48 kilometers of elevated track and 154.64 kilometers at ground level, housing five stations: Bua Yai, Ban Phai, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, and Nong Khai. Additional facilities include a container storage area and a cargo transfer hub at Natha Railway Station, Nong Khai Province, along with two maintenance centers located at Chiang Rak Noi Railway Station in Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya Province and Natha Railway Station in Nong Khai Province.
The track design, set at 1.435 meters, enables trains to achieve a maximum speed of 250 kilometers per hour. The estimated travel time from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai is approximately 1 hour and 44 minutes, and from Bangkok to Nong Khai, it is projected to take around 3 hours and 28 minutes. Pending Cabinet approval, SRT will initiate an auction immediately post-project design completion. The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report is undergoing evaluation, having received approval from the expert committee overseeing the Environmental Impact Assessment Report and is poised for submission to the National Environment Board.
Mr. Nirut further detailed that Phase 2 of the High-Speed Railway Project is segmented into 14 contracts, comprising 11 contracts for high-speed railway construction, one contract for the Chiang Rak Noi Maintenance Center, and another for the Natha Product Transfer Center and rail system, electrical, and mechanical systems. Construction is slated to commence in 2024, with civil construction spanning four years and electric train system work requiring 5.5 years. The total project budget amounts to 341,351.42 million baht, apportioned as follows: civil construction costs at 235,129.40 million baht, rail system investment costs including electrical and mechanical systems at 80,165.61 million baht, land ownership costs and asset compensation at 10,310.10 million baht, and consulting fees for project supervision, management, and independent engineering at 10,060.10 million baht, with the Natha transshipment center construction valued at 5,686.21 million baht.
Moreover, Mr. Nirut highlighted SRT's decision to segregate the Natha interchange center construction from the Phase 2 high-speed railway development, opting to solicit private investment through state enterprise participation (PPP). Previously, SRT commissioned a consultant to conduct a feasibility study and analysis for private sector involvement in government enterprise investments for the product interchange center project and the container storage area to bolster rail transportation in Nong Khai Province (Natha Transshipment Center). The board meeting subsequently sanctioned the project with a budget of 5,686.21 million baht, covering land ownership costs, civil construction costs, rail system investment, equipment and locomotive investment, and consulting fees.
127 years of the State Railway of Thailand 'Thai trains are not the same'
Source - Transport Journal
Monday, April 22, 2024 08:32
127 years ago, on March 26, 1896, His Majesty King Chulalongkorn, accompanied by Her Majesty the Queen, presided over the inauguration ceremony of the Royal Railway. The inaugural line in the kingdom was the Nakhon Ratchasima line, with one section completed between Bangkok Station and Ayutthaya. Since then, the Thai royal railway enterprise has been established, with March 26 commemorated as the founding day of Thailand's railway industry.
Currently, the railway system is pivotal to Thailand's transportation infrastructure, serving both passenger and freight sectors. Aligned with government policy, which prioritizes rail transport as the primary mode of conveyance, the aim is to reduce logistics costs, crucial for sustaining economic growth and enhancing competitiveness regionally. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) plays a central role in this endeavor, striving for efficiency, cost reduction, and modern, quality service provision while upholding sound governance practices. Leveraging modern technology, the organization continually develops its workforce and fosters employee well-being.
Under the leadership of Mr. Nirut Maneepan, Governor of the State Railway of Thailand, significant projects have been undertaken over the past four years. These initiatives include continuous development of railway infrastructure to facilitate travel, freight transport, and social connectivity, yielding substantial benefits. Notably, the establishment of the "Bangkok Apiwat Central Station," ASEAN's largest railway hub, signifies a milestone in Thailand's rail network. Despite these advancements, traditional stations like Bangkok Station (Hua Lamphong) remain operational, catering to local, suburban, and tourist services.
Efforts to expand the railway network include the implementation of double-track projects and the introduction of new railway lines, aligned with the Ministry of Transport's directives. Notable achievements include the opening of several double-track sections, enhancing connectivity and efficiency. Future plans entail extending double-track services across key regions, with ongoing progress in the construction of new routes, such as the Den Chai-Chiang Rai-Chiang Khong and Ban Phai-Maha Sarakham-Roi Et-Mukdahan-Nakhon Phanom lines.
Furthermore, the Thai-Chinese high-speed rail project, connecting Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima, demonstrates Thailand's commitment to modernizing its rail infrastructure. Progress is steady, with significant milestones achieved in civil works and systems implementation, aiming for operational readiness by 2028.
Additionally, the reinforcement of 50 diesel-electric locomotives signifies a leap in locomotive technology, enhancing passenger and freight transport capabilities nationwide. This initiative ensures adequate resources to support expanded train services and the gradual rollout of double-track projects, facilitating improved scheduling and operational efficiency.
The State Railway of Thailand intends to propose to the Cabinet the advancement of the 'High-Speed Thai-China' project connecting Korat to Nong Khai. As of April 22, 2024, at 2:40 p.m.
With a budget of 341 billion baht, the State Railway of Thailand is moving forward with Phase 2 of the "Thai-Chinese High-Speed" project, spanning from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai. The plan is to present it to the Cabinet to commence the bidding process next year, with a targeted service launch set for 2031.
Mr. Nirut Maneephan, Governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), provided updates on the collaboration between the Thai and Chinese governments regarding the high-speed rail system. He mentioned that Phase 1, covering the Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima section, is progressing steadily, with only two more contracts awaiting signing to initiate construction. The expected service launch for this phase is 2029.
On April 18th, the SRT Committee approved Phase 2 of the Thai-Chinese High-Speed project, covering the Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai section, spanning 357.12 kilometers, with a total budget of 341.351 billion baht. This includes costs for civil construction, land acquisition, rail systems, and project management consultancy.
The detailed design for the Thai-China High-Speed Project has been completed, awaiting submission to the National Environment Board (EEA) for consideration and approval of the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report. Upon approval, SRT will report to the Ministry of Transport and submit it to the Cabinet for bidding approval.
The bidding process for contractors is expected to commence electronically (E-Bidding) within 2025, divided into 13 contracts to maintain competition. Construction duration for civil works is estimated at 4 years or 48 months, with the construction divided into elevated and ground-level runways to minimize local disruption. The project includes five large stations: Bua Yai, Ban Phai, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, and Nong Khai, with an anticipated completion by 2030 and service readiness by 2031.
'SRT' plans to build 'Thailand-China high-speed rail' Phase 2!
Post Today 22 April 2024
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has announced its plans to proceed with Phase 2 of the Thailand-China high-speed rail project, marking a significant milestone in transportation development. Approved during the recent SRT Board of Directors meeting on April 18, the project entails constructing the high-speed rail system from Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai, covering a distance of 357.12 kilometers with a total budget exceeding 300 billion baht.
Mr. Nirut Maneepan, Governor of the State Railway of Thailand, disclosed the details of the project, highlighting its comprehensive financial breakdown. The budget allocation includes expenses for construction, land acquisition, rail system infrastructure, and project management consultancy. With the project's detailed design now finalized, the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) report is currently under review by the National Environment Board for subsequent approval by the Ministry of Transport and the Cabinet.
Phase 2 of the Thai-China high-speed rail initiative is set to kick off with electronic bidding for contractors scheduled within 2025. Divided into 13 civil works contracts, including route alignment and maintenance center construction, the project aims to maintain a competitive environment. The timeline forecasts completion by 2030, with operations expected to commence by 2031.
In response to local concerns, the civil construction design has been adjusted to minimize community disruption, featuring a combination of elevated and ground-level runways across the route. The project will incorporate five major stations, strategically located to optimize accessibility and efficiency.
Furthermore, the SRT Board of Directors has endorsed a separate endeavor focusing on private investment in the transshipment center and container storage facility at Natha, Nong Khai Province. This initiative, aimed at bolstering rail transport support, will be presented to relevant authorities for approval. Envisioned as a joint venture between the public and private sectors, the project is slated to enhance cargo handling capacity, with an estimated volume projection of 11.06 million tons by 2047.
The decision to segregate the Natha contract from the main Thai-China High-Speed Project Phase 2 underscores its pivotal role in facilitating freight transfer and aligns with broader transportation infrastructure objectives. As the project moves forward, it reflects a concerted effort to harness public-private partnerships for sustainable development and economic growth in the region.
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