
The Thai Government is set to sign three contracts in connection with the Thai-Sino high-speed train project between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima.
According to deputy government spokeswoman Traisuree Taisaranakul, the contracts will be awarded for civil engineering works along the Nava Nakhon-Ban Pho section, rail engineering works along the Phra Kaew-Saraburi section and the construction of a maintenance depot at Chiang Rak Noi, reported Bangkok Post.
Following the signing of three contracts, a letter will be issued by the State Railway of Thailand to launch the work.
Additional three contracts, including civil works for the Ban Pho-Phra Kaew section, civil engineering works along the Bang Sue-Don Muang section, and works between Don Muang and Nava Nakhon, will also be signed after the preparation of the documents.
Work on the 253km project between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima is currently advancing. This work is estimated to cost nearly $5bn (THB179.41bn).
After the completion of the project, the Thai-Sino high-speed train route will feature six stations at Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Don Muang, Saraburi, Pak Chong and Nakhon Ratchasima.
Under the collaboration with China, Thailand will be responsible for carrying out the civil works and investments.
Last week, Bangkok Post reported that the SRT is preparing to invite bids for two double-track railway projects worth THB128bn ($4.11bn), notably the 323km rail project runs from Den Chai in Phrae to Chiang Khong in Chiang Rai, and the 355km Ban Phai-Nakhon Phanom route.
The winning firms will be announced by the end of this year.
SRT governor Nirut Maneephan said contractors for both rail projects will be selected through an e-bidding process.