The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is preparing to establish a new company dedicated to operating the forthcoming high-speed train routes in the northeastern region of the country, with the primary goal of enhancing Thailand’s railway links with China.
Drawing inspiration from the existing SRT Electrified Train Co. Ltd, responsible for managing Bangkok’s Airport Rail Link and the SRT Red Line, the envisioned new company is expected to take on a similar operational structure. The Ministry of Transport is actively engaged in crafting the organizational blueprint for the prospective unit, with the expectation of finalizing the study’s outcomes by the end of 2023.
The strategic timeline aims to ensure the new company’s establishment promptly thereafter, enabling it to be operational by the time China provides technological expertise and knowledge concerning high-speed trains in 11 specific areas to Thai personnel. This anticipated transfer of knowledge is projected to occur in the latter part of 2024.
In parallel with this development, the SRT said the ongoing project, involving the creation of a 253-kilometer-long high-speed train track connecting Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima in the Northeast, has advanced significantly, nearing completion of approximately 24% of its total scope. The undertaking carries a price tag of 179 billion baht, commencing construction in 2017, and anticipates offering high-speed train services in its initial phase by 2027.
Specific achievements include the successful completion of a 3.5-kilometer section between Klang Dong and Pang Asok stations in Nakhon Ratchasima. Furthermore, an 11-kilometer stretch connecting Sikhio and Kut Chik stations has surpassed 98% completion and is poised to finalize later this year.
Construction works are also in progress across multiple segments spanning regions including Saraburi and Nakhon Ratchasima, which covers areas such as Muak Lek, Kaeng Khoi, and Lam Takhong. (NNT)
