Deputy Transport Minister visited Saraburi to expedite the Thai-Chinese High-Speed Rail Phase 1 project from Bangkok to Korat amid a 34% overall delay. He instructed the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to enforce strict safety measures and highlighted that tunnel construction has progressed over 99%, preparing for the planned opening.
Siriwong Angkasunkit, Deputy Minister of Transport, accompanied by Bancha Chaowarin, Governor of Saraburi Province, and Pichet Kunathamrak, Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport, visited to monitor progress on the Thai-Chinese High-Speed Rail Phase 1 construction between Bangkok and Nakhon Ratchasima, specifically contracts 4–7 covering Saraburi to Kaeng Khoi and Saraburi Station. They were welcomed by Kampol Boonchom, Chief Engineer of Special Projects and Construction, along with executives from the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and related agencies.
Siriwong Angkasunkit, Deputy Minister of Transport, said the visit aimed to oversee and accelerate Phase 1 of the Thai-Chinese High-Speed Rail project to meet scheduled plans. He emphasized that SRT must manage the project efficiently while prioritizing the highest safety standards, especially in construction zones near the railway line and areas with public traffic. Strict accident prevention and impact mitigation measures must be enforced.
Regarding tunnel construction sites, he instructed SRT to closely monitor safety conditions, prepare preventive measures, and maintain emergency response plans to ensure public confidence.
Kampol Boonchom, Chief Engineer of Special Projects and Construction at the State Railway of Thailand, revealed that Phase 1 of the Thai-Chinese High-Speed Rail from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima spans approximately 250.77 kilometers, divided into 14 civil engineering contracts. The cumulative planned progress is 90.487%, while actual progress is 55.978%, representing a 34.509% delay. SRT is actively monitoring and expediting each contract's work, coordinating with relevant agencies to resolve issues and obstacles to maintain continuous construction and achieve project goals.
For contracts 4–7 covering Saraburi to Kaeng Khoi over 12.99 kilometers, the cumulative planned progress is 81.50%, actual progress is 73.25%, a delay of 8.25%. Construction continues on elevated structures and various high-speed rail system components in the area. Segment installation is 86% complete, Balance Beam construction at 33%, and Switch Beam work at 68%.
The Saraburi High-Speed Rail Station is located in Takut Subdistrict, Mueang Saraburi District, Saraburi Province. It is an elevated station with four floors: the first floor serves as the building entrance and long-distance train platform; the second floor houses ticketing areas for high-speed and long-distance trains; the third floor is a passenger waiting area; the fourth floor is the high-speed rail platform. The station includes two platforms each 450 meters long and four railway tracks.
Currently, construction at Saraburi station has a cumulative planned progress of 47.22%, with actual progress at 29.30%, a delay of 17.92%. The State Railway of Thailand will continue to monitor and accelerate work while ensuring construction standards meet requirements so the station can support future high-speed rail services.
Meanwhile, contracts 3–2 covering tunnel works at Muak Lek and Lam Takhong, key parts of the project, show cumulative planned progress of 99.77% and actual progress of 99.99%, ahead of schedule by 0.22%. Specific tunnel works progress includes 87.25% for the Hin Lap tunnel, 95.53% for the Khlong Phai tunnel, 95.56% for the Muak Lek tunnel, and 85.22% for the Pha Sadet tunnel.
The State Railway of Thailand continues to closely monitor and accelerate Phase 1 of the Thai-Chinese High-Speed Rail project, collaborating with relevant agencies to resolve problems and obstacles in each area. Concurrently, it enforces construction and safety standards to ensure efficient progress and achievement of project objectives.
Phase 1 of the Thai-Chinese High-Speed Rail from Bangkok to Nakhon Ratchasima is a crucial rail infrastructure project for the country's transport development. It will enhance travel and freight efficiency, linking Bangkok with the Northeast region, supporting interregional travel and goods transport, and playing a key role in upgrading Thailand's rail network and connecting with regional rail systems in the future.