BANGKOK SEATIZENS – Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced that the State Enterprise Committee is still reviewing the amended contract for the high-speed airport rail link, so it cannot be presented to the Cabinet this week. He plans to discuss the timeline with Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira to finalize the draft.
According to Thaiger, the 276.5-billion-baht project aims to connect Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang, and U-Tapao airports with high-speed rail, enhancing links between Bangkok and the Eastern Economic Corridor. They needed to revise the contract due to unmet obligations and delays. The Cabinet approved amendments in October 2021 to address Covid-19-related revenue shortfalls.
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Updates on Thailand’s Transport Projects
The health crisis prevented the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) from delivering construction areas to Asia Era One on schedule, further delaying progress. However, Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit expressed confidence that the project faces no significant obstacles moving forward, emphasizing the need for a meticulous contract review.
In other news, the Ministry of Transport dismissed opposition claims that proposed traffic congestion fees would disproportionately benefit the private sector, asserting the policy’s accountability.
Additionally, Phuket’s transport scene is getting a high-voltage makeover with the launch of the eco-friendly Phuket Smart Bus service. Connecting Phuket Town and Patong, this service by Phuket City Development Co Ltd (PKCD) is quickly becoming popular among travelers.
(BEAM CHAYAPON)
