Thailand-China high-speed rail construction falls 34% behind schedule

Construction of the first phase of the Thailand-China high-speed railway, connecting Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima, is significantly behind schedule. Current progress stands at approximately 56%, falling 34.5 percentage points short of the planned 90.5%.

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) reports that the 250.77-kilometer project is divided into 14 contracts. Delays are primarily attributed to two unstarted sections. One critical area, the Bang Sue to Don Mueang stretch, involves shared infrastructure with the high-speed rail project connecting three airports. Construction methods for this shared section are not expected to be finalized until the end of the year.

Another delay involves the Ban Pho to Phra Kaeo section in Saraburi province, where the previous bidder withdrew after being unable to maintain the proposed price. While tunnel works in the Muak Lek and Lam Takhong sections are nearly complete and slightly ahead of schedule, overall progress remains stalled.

Despite the delays, Deputy Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul has reaffirmed the government's goal to complete the project by 2030. The Ministry of Transport maintains that an accelerated pace could still meet this deadline.