First phase of Thai-Chinese High-Speed Rail to Start Operating in 2023
05 September 2019
Reuters, citing a senior government official, reported that the first phase of an 873 kilometer high speed railway between Thailand and China is expected to begin operating within 4 years. The first 252 kilometer leg connecting the Thai capital, Bangkok, and the northeastern province of Nakhon Ratchasima will start service in 2023, deputy government spokeswoman Ms Traisuree Taisaranakul told reporters. Thailand will shoulder the total construction cost of USD 5.85 billion for the first phase, with China responsible for installing systems, design and the procurement of trains. The project part of China’s planned network of rail links across Southeast Asia that would eventually connect Kunming in southwest China with Singapore was delayed in 2016 when Thailand rejected Chinese financing due to high interest rates.
Ms Traisuree said that the next phase of the line will connect Nakhon Ratchasima to Nong Khai province, which borders Laos and will eventually link up to China.
Acting Governor State Railway of Thailand (SRT), Worawut Mala, told Reuters construction and bidding contracts will be finalized this year.
Source : https://www.reuters.com/article/thailand-railways/thai-chinese-high-speed-rail-to-start-operating-in-2023-official-idUSL3N25U2RW