The Eastern Economic Corridor Policy Committee (EECPC) has confirmed that construction on three key infrastructure projects—a high-speed rail link, U-Tapao Airport expansion, and an aircraft maintenance centre—will begin in 2025, with operations set to start in 2029.
The high-speed rail project, valued at THB271.766 billion, will connect Don Mueang, Suvarnabhumi, and U-Tapao airports via a 220 km route with nine stations. The updated contract, reflecting pandemic-related delays, is under final review and is expected to be signed this year, enabling construction to commence.
The U-Tapao International Airport and Eastern Airport City project, worth THB218.701 billion, will expand terminal capacity to accommodate 60 million passengers annually. Preparations include hiring contractors for the second runway, upgrading cargo facilities, and developing the Eastern Aviation City.
The U-Tapao Aircraft Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) Centre, with a THB10,000 billion investment, will support up to 70 daily flights and handle 110 wide-body and 130 narrow-body aircraft annually. Initially planned as a Thai Airways-led joint venture, the project will now be opened for private sector bids, with Thai Airways and Bangkok Airways preparing a joint investment proposal.