SRT weighs transition options to prevent Airport Rail Link disruption
The SRT may seek a two- to three-month extension before considering whether its subsidiary should assume management if the private party returns the project as scheduled.
- The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is considering negotiating a two to three-month operational extension with the current private operator to allow time for a transition.
- Another option is for SRT's subsidiary, S.R.T. Electrified Train Company Limited (SRTET), to assume management of the rail link to ensure service continuity.
- The SRT board is also urgently deciding whether to hire a private company for a short-term management contract lasting six months to one year.
Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn gave an update on efforts to resolve issues concerning the Airport Rail Link project after the private party submitted a letter seeking to exercise its right to stop train operations after September 30.
To prevent possible disruption to passenger services, the governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is in discussions to find a way forward.
One preliminary option is to negotiate an extension of train operations for about two to three months, allowing time to prepare for the transition.
The SRT could then consider placing the project under the management of its subsidiary, S.R.T. Electrified Train Company Limited (SRTET).
If the private party confirms that it will return the project as originally scheduled, the SRT is ready for SRTET to assume management immediately to ensure continuity of train services.
The SRT board is now working urgently to decide whether to hire a private company to help manage train operations for a short period of six months to one year.
The exact duration has yet to be determined.
Phiphat added that the Ministry of Transport, which oversees the SRT, confirmed that the SRT, as the contracting party to the High-Speed Rail Linking Three Airports Project, had completed the handover of land to the private sector ahead of the deadline, in line with the agreed conditions.
On the assessment of whether implementing the project would offer value for money, or any agreement on continuing the work, Phiphat said the matter falls directly under the authority of the Eastern Economic Corridor Policy Committee (EEC Policy Committee).
The Ministry of Transport will not overstep or interfere with the committee’s decision.
