BANGKOK, 3 August 2015 – The Ministry of Transport has revealed that its officials will be traveling to Chengdu, Southwest China, regarding the Thailand-China high-speed railway project.
Transport Minister ACM Prajin Juntong revealed that the committee responsible for the railway project was scheduled to meet today to prepare ahead of the three-day visit to Chengdu, Sichuan province from August 6-8. The project is a collaboration between the governments of Thailand and China.
Chinese authorities have completed initial blueprints for 50% of the project, particularly for Bangkok – Saraburi and Saraburi – Nakhon Ratchasima. However, these blueprints are inconsistent with those of the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning, especially in pockets of Ayutthaya, Saraburi, Nakhon Ratchasima, Udon Thani, and Nong Khai provinces.
These inconsistencies can lead to changes in land expropriation and environmental impact. Once transport officials return from Chengdu, the ministry expects railway blueprints to be finalized and construction to begin some time between October and December this year.
