Bangkok: The Airport Rail Link will continue to be operated by a private company for an additional four months, extending operations until the end of 2026. Minister Pipat Ratchakitprakarn is set to meet with the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) this afternoon to discuss the terms and conditions of this extension and to ensure that contingency plans are in place for a smooth transition if needed.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, disclosed the latest developments concerning the Airport Rail Link, whose current contract is due to expire on September 30th. Asia Era One Co., Ltd. has officially requested an extension of the operating period, submitting a letter to extend operations by four months until the end of 2026.
The Ministry of Transport has scheduled discussions with the chairman and governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to evaluate the proposals and conditions presented by the private sector. The objective is to reach an agreement that satisfies government standards, ensuring continuous service and maintaining public trust in the system.
Moreover, the Deputy Prime Minister underscored that contingency plans are ready to be implemented if negotiations do not yield a favorable outcome. A subsidiary of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is prepared to take over operations immediately, leveraging its management experience to prevent any service interruptions during the transition phase.