Bidding for private sector involvement is expected to take place in March after the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Committee has approved the high-speed railway project connecting Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi and U-Tapao airports.
The 220-kilometre project is estimated to cost 200 billion baht (EUR 5.17 billion). It will be constructed using a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement, to reduce costs for the government and to increase efficiency. The project’s private investor will carry the burden of currency fluctuations and any delays.
Private operators wanting to participate in the project are expected to be asked to begin bidding in March with an international bidding approach to be taken to ensure transparency and fairness to investors both in Thailand and abroad. European and Japanese companies have already expressed interest in the venture.
The rail project will serve as an extension of the 29km Airport Rail Link that serves commuters from Phaya Thai in central Bangkok to Suvarnabhumi Airport in Samut Prakan. A 21km-long route will link Phaya Thai and Don Mueang airport. A longer section of track stretching 170 km will run from Suvarnabhumi airport to U-Tapao airport in Rayong.
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