According to negotiations over a contract with a CP-led collaboration, the project is five years behind schedule.
PUBLISHED: 17 Jan 2025 at 18: 53
If changes to the consortium’s contract are approved, work on the long-delayed three-airport rail link could start in April, according to the Eastern Economic Corridor ( EEC ) Policy Committee.
A recent gathering of the commission, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Pichai Chunhavajira, reviewed plans to update the deal for the high-speed rail project linking Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi and U-tapao flights.
The amended contract is being drafted by the State Railway of Thailand ( SRT), which will then be submitted for approval to the EEC Policy Committee and the cabinet.
Building may take five years to complete, with an expected beginning in 2029, five years behind schedule.
The SRT and Asia Era One, a consortium led by the Charoen Pokphand ( CP ) Group, signed the original contract in 2019. Part of the joint investment plan was a concession agreement to run the Bangkok Airport Rail Link ( ARL ).
During the Covid-19 crisis, however, declining customer figures on the ARL prompted Asia Era One to demand payment. In 2021, the government approved the contract’s correction.
Suriya Jungrungreangkit, the chancellor of transportation, refuted opposition claims that the deal adjustments favor private sector partners.
The SRT stated last month that, if the company is unable to finish the project, it would be willing to take over the entire venture.
The EEC Policy Committee, however, has approved the development of the Eastern Aviation City initiative which even includes U-tapao Airport. For the initiative, an extra 714 ray of land under the control of the Royal Thai Navy likely be provided.
According to Mr. Pichai, the expansion is intended to accommodate a second airport in order to meet aircraft safety requirements and prevent normal obstacles northern of the project area, including mountains.
The Eastern Economic Corridor of Innovation ( EECi)’s land-use plan will also be updated to allow for extracurricular activities like commercial production beyond prototype development. About 975 ray out of the 3, 454 ray allotted to work will be taken up by the gateway, he said.
The primary targets will be the current automotive, wise electronics and bio-agriculture industries. The changes are intended to boost regional economies, promote transfer of technology, and raise people ‘ quality of life.
Another plan approved in the conference was Blue Tech City, a 1, 172-rai exclusive economic territory in Chachoengsao. This professional zone will help advanced sectors such as electric vehicles, bright electronics, aircraft and digital technologies.
The project is anticipated to make 20 000 jobs and get funding worth 156 billion baht. Home businesses would be able to provide support for local entrepreneurs in obtaining 90 % of all electrical components and auto parts needed for EV production in the area.