Thailand Invests US$9 Billion to Build 3-Airport High-Speed Rail Link

• 1 February 2023
• Construction Focus
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The Don Mueang–Suvarnabhumi–U-Tapao high-speed railway, officially known as the High-Speed Rail Linking Three Airports Project, is in progress and expected to be completed by 2029, government deputy spokesperson Tipanan Sirichana said on Sunday 29 January. 

Gen Prayut, as chair of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Committee, had expedited the construction of the project to ensure a modern, convenient, fast and seamless transport system linking the three airports. 

This railway project is 220 kilometres long and costs approximately THB224.54 billion or US$ 6.8 billion. A private company will operate the system for 50 years. After the end of the 50-year concession, the property – worth about THB300 billion or US$ 9.11 billion– would be handed over to the government. 

Trains will run at a maximum speed of 250 kilometres per hour. The entire route will cross five provinces – Bangkok, Samut Prakan, Chon Buri, Rayong and Chachoengsao – with a total of nine stations connecting Don Mueang airport, Suvarnabhumi, and U-tapas. 

“Apart from linking the three airports and serving as major infrastructure for the EEC, the high-speed railway is intended to attract more foreign investment and create about 100,000 jobs in the industrial sector. There will be smart cities along the rail route, which can be further connected with other parts of the ASEAN region,” Ms Tipanan said. 

Thailand also recently announced construction on the THB290-billionU-Tapao aviation city early this year. (Read more)

Photo credit to panyagroup

• Road and Infrastructure