Thailand Advances in Long-Awaited Infrastructure Projects
Key developments in transportation projects including the Three-Airport Rail Link and Korat's mass transit system
The Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy Committee has announced potential work commencement in April for the Three-Airport Rail Link, contingent on approved contract amendments.
This high-speed rail project, conceived to connect Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-tapao airports, has faced significant delays, primarily due to negotiations with the CP Group-led consortium, Asia Era One, which originally secured the contract in 2019. The completion timeline is now set for 2029, marking a five-year delay.
Alongside the rail link project, the Eastern Aviation City initiative, which includes the expansion of U-tapao Airport, has also received the committee's approval.
This expansion involves an additional 714 rai of land allocated for a second runway to enhance aviation safety.
Furthermore, updates to the Eastern Economic Corridor of Innovation (EECi) plans have been sanctioned, aiming to broaden its scope to include commercial production activities with a focus on the modern automotive, smart electronics, and bio-agriculture sectors.
In Nakhon Ratchasima, the government has approved a long-anticipated electric rail mass transit project, setting the stage for modern transportation solutions in Thailand's third-largest city.
Spearheaded by Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit's recent approval, the 11.2-kilometre Green Line will link Save One Market with the Baan Naree Sawat Protection and Career Development Centre.
Following comprehensive studies by local authorities and the State Railway of Thailand, the preferred design is a rubber-tyred tram system that will operate on an elevated structure with automatic controls, utilizing a public-private partnership model.
The overall investment for the Green Line is estimated at 8.2 billion baht, with fares initially set at 10 baht per journey.
The design work is anticipated to commence this year, with subsequent public hearings to follow.
Construction is scheduled to begin post the opening of the Bang Pa In-Nakhon Ratchasima Motorway (M6) and the completion of the Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima high-speed railway.
This high-speed rail project, conceived to connect Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-tapao airports, has faced significant delays, primarily due to negotiations with the CP Group-led consortium, Asia Era One, which originally secured the contract in 2019. The completion timeline is now set for 2029, marking a five-year delay.
Alongside the rail link project, the Eastern Aviation City initiative, which includes the expansion of U-tapao Airport, has also received the committee's approval.
This expansion involves an additional 714 rai of land allocated for a second runway to enhance aviation safety.
Furthermore, updates to the Eastern Economic Corridor of Innovation (EECi) plans have been sanctioned, aiming to broaden its scope to include commercial production activities with a focus on the modern automotive, smart electronics, and bio-agriculture sectors.
In Nakhon Ratchasima, the government has approved a long-anticipated electric rail mass transit project, setting the stage for modern transportation solutions in Thailand's third-largest city.
Spearheaded by Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit's recent approval, the 11.2-kilometre Green Line will link Save One Market with the Baan Naree Sawat Protection and Career Development Centre.
Following comprehensive studies by local authorities and the State Railway of Thailand, the preferred design is a rubber-tyred tram system that will operate on an elevated structure with automatic controls, utilizing a public-private partnership model.
The overall investment for the Green Line is estimated at 8.2 billion baht, with fares initially set at 10 baht per journey.
The design work is anticipated to commence this year, with subsequent public hearings to follow.
Construction is scheduled to begin post the opening of the Bang Pa In-Nakhon Ratchasima Motorway (M6) and the completion of the Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima high-speed railway.
