Saraburi: The Ministry of Transport is actively overseeing the high-speed rail construction project in Saraburi Province, with efforts underway to accelerate completion in line with the planned schedule. The Department of Rail Transport recently inspected the project site to assess progress and expedite construction, ensuring adherence to the timeline.
According to Thai News Agency, Mr. Siripong Angkasakulkiat, Deputy Minister of Transport, visited the site to evaluate the ongoing work and receive updates on the Thailand-China High-Speed Rail Project Phase 1. He was accompanied by Mr. Pichet Kunathamarak, Director-General of the Department of Rail Transport. The focus was on construction contracts 4-7, which cover the Saraburi - Kaeng Khoi section spanning 12.99 kilometers. Currently, the progress stands at 73.25%, trailing behind schedule by 8.25%. The construction includes elevated structures and high-speed rail system components, with track segment installation at 86% completion, four balance beams at 33% completion, and 17 switch beams at 68% completion.
The Saraburi High-Speed Rail Station, located in Takud Subdistrict, Mueang Saraburi District, is designed as an elevated station with four floors. The first floor is designated for entrance and platforms for long-distance trains, the second floor for ticket sales, the third floor as a passenger waiting area, and the fourth floor as the high-speed rail platform, featuring two platforms each 450 meters long and four railway tracks. The station's construction is currently 29.30% complete and is 17.92% behind schedule. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is tasked with closely monitoring and accelerating the work to meet construction targets and accommodate future high-speed rail services.
Meanwhile, Contract 3-2, which involves tunnel works in Muak Lek and Lam Ta Khong, is a key project currently at 99.77% cumulative planned completion and 99.99% cumulative actual completion, slightly ahead of schedule by 0.22%. The progress includes Hin Lap Tunnel at 87.25%, Khlong Phai Tunnel at 95.53%, Muak Lek Tunnel at 95.56%, and Pha Sadet Tunnel at 85.22%. With main tunnel structures complete, ongoing work focuses on entrances, exits, drainage systems, and other internal elements.
The Deputy Minister of Transport has directed the SRT to expedite and closely monitor the progress of the project's first phase. This includes collaboration with relevant agencies to address challenges and ensure construction standards and safety are maintained, aiming for efficient project operation and goal achievement.