High-Speed Rail Linking Nong Khai, Vientiane Expected to Complete in 2028

The Nong Khai-Vientiane stretch of the Thai-China high-speed rail (HSR) venture is anticipated to conclude building in 2028, revealed Thai Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote on 14 December.

With an estimated value of THB 3 billion (roughly USD 86 million), the 7.3-kilometer part will endure a feasibility examine commissioned by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT). The ultimate design choice is anticipated within the upcoming yr, adopted by the bidding course of scheduled to kick off in 2025.

Thailand is advancing its purpose of integrating the rail system with the Bangkok-Nong Khai high-speed prepare venture, aiming to bolster regional connectivity and commerce prospects with China by way of the Laos-China Railway. 

Notably, Thai fruit exports, notably durian, have seen important development in 2023. The Nong Khai crossing has witnessed substantial development, with recent durian exports dominating at over THB 2 billion (USD 57 million), reflecting a 364 p.c surge from 2022.

All the Thai part of the Thai-China HSR venture, protecting 606 kilometers from Nong Khai to Bangkok, is in progress. 

Nevertheless, the preliminary section, which goals to put 253 kilometers of tracks between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima at a value of THB 179 billion (round USD 5 billion), is just 28.6 p.c full. Delays attributed to land expropriation points have hindered progress, impacting the venture’s timeline, which ideally ought to now be 50 p.c, as reported by the Bangkok Publish.

Moreover, issues relating to the venture’s affect on World Heritage websites have prompted a look ahead to the evaluation outcomes required by the United Nations Instructional, Scientific, and Cultural Group (UNESCO), in keeping with Surapong.

Nonetheless, the feasibility examine for the phase connecting Nakhon Ratchasima and Nong Khai has been finalized. Nevertheless, the Ministry awaits the submission of the environmental affect evaluation from the SRT. 

Upon completion, these segments are anticipated to boost cargo and passenger actions between Thailand and China.