Quite an stirring milestone in the development of Thai-Chinese high-speed rail infrastructure was revealed recently, announced by Deputy Government Spokeswoman Rachada Dhnadirek. The second phase of the novel Thai-Chinese high-speed train project is optimistically expected to reach the cabinet stage before the present year winds up. Meanwhile, indications hint that the first stage of this grand project could kick-off by as early as 2026, signaling a new era in Southeast Asian transportation.
The announcement is a significant step-up towards achieving this mega infrastructure project as it comes after some comprehensive deliberations by the standing government following a review of the progress made during the 30th joint committee meeting on Thai-Chinese rail cooperation. A unanimous agreement had been reached; the second phase connecting the bustling Nakhon Ratchasima with the vibrant Nong Khai was set to take place soon. This next stance will set the stage for subsequent critical engagements, most notably, a tripartite meeting on rail network development designed to encapsulate Thailand, China, and Laos.
So, what is so striking about this second phase? Not only is it expected to span an expansive 356km distance, but it is also estimated to demand a substantial 300 billion baht investment, giving a heightened emphasis on its magnitude. The phase will also feature an impressive 185km ground track and a 171km elevated track packed with five stations – Bua Yai, Ban Phai, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, and Nong Khai, strategically located to enhance the users’ experience. Boasting a projected 13 contracts, among them, 12 relating to the actual construction and an essential one focusing on the indispensable railroad signaling system, it is expected to be fully operational by 2028.
Beyond the tracks and the stations, the project will also see the establishment of a depot equipped with a light maintenance center situated in Nong Khai’s Natha district. This will be complemented by the anchoring maintenance center set to be located in Ayutthaya’s Chiang Rak Noi. To ensure the utmost standards are adhered to, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is presently conducting an environmental impact assessment (EIA).
A multifaceted approach was also announced concerning the relationship between Thailand, Laos, and China, driven by a new coordinating panel designed to streamline the rail network. Such a structured approach is instrumental as the Thai portion in Nong Khai is anticipated to connect with Vientiane in Laos and on to Kunming in Southern Yunnan province, China.
The newly formed committee is tasked with assessing traffic management on the rail bridge traversing the Mekong River, further cementing the tri-country cooperation. This progressive undertaking will lead to the construction of a new bridge to replace the existing one, a communal project expected to significantly enhance the Thai and Lao governments’ ties. As a precursor to this, a feasibility study is underway, with the initial report expected in Laos by the end of the month.
With the budding progress of this megaproject, the Thai government cabinet was brought up to speed on the latest developments during their latest session. These developments include the impending commencement of the Thai-Chinese high-speed train project’s first phase in 2026, and the onset of a research and development-based institution specializing in rail systems. This stride towards high-speed rail travel will be managed by an entity specially proposed by the Transport Ministry. With all these stirring developments in high gear, the future of Thai-Chinese transport cooperation looks exceptionally promising.
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