The second phase of the Nakhon Ratchasima-Nong Khai High-Speed rail project, at a cost of US$10 billion, in Thailand has officially been greenlit for construction.The project, stretching 357.12 kilometers was approved by cabinet on Tuesday this week with the government assuming full financial responsibility over the plan. Construction of the project is expected within the year once tenders have been assigned to contractors. What’s more, the project will connect Thailand to both Laos and China, allowing fast and safe travel for citizens. Moreover, this strategic connection by the governments involved will increase trading ties between the nations.
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Progress on the first phase of the Thailand High-speed rail project
On 11th July 2017, China and Thailand agreed to construct the project that will connect Bangkok to Nong Khai. The State Railway of Thailand was appointed to head the project. The first phase of the project broke ground later in the year and was expected to be completed in 2020. This was not the case as there have been hurdles involving the pandemic, financing and liquidity problems with contractors. Additionally, there was a controversy surrounding the construction of the Ayutthaya station. Conservationists said it could affect a Unesco World Heritage site. All this led to officials pushing the operational date to 2028. Additionally, the first phase of the project is currently 35.74% complete.
Project Overview
Location: Thailand, China, Laos
Project cost: US$10 billion
Construction timeline: 2025-2030
Developer: State Railway of Thailand
Construction Timeline
Construction of the second phase of the project is expected to be completed by 2030. Operations are expected to begin by the end of 2031. What’s more, it will be divided into two parts. The first part will involve construction of the railway and five stations. The stations will be located at Bua Yai, Ban Phai, Khon Kaen, Udon Thani, and Nong Khai. Further, the second part involves the construction of the Na Tha transshipment center in Nong Khai province. It will be used to transfer goods from trains with 1.45-meter gauge railway and 1-meter gauge railway as a comprehensive one-stop service.
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