The start of work on the Don Mueang-Suvarnabhumi-U-Tapao high-speed railway (HSR), also known as the HSR Linking Three Airports, in Thailand has been delayed by a year. Asia Era One Company Limited, the concessionaire of the rail project, is awaiting approval of investment privileges from the Board of Investment.
Once works start, construction is expected to take four years to complete, with commissioning of the HSR line expected in 2028 or early 2029.
The 220-km-long HSR line will have 9 stations and will be based on the existing airport rail link (ARL) and State Railway of Thailand (SRT) routes, along Bangkok, Samut Prakan, Chon Buri, Rayong and Chachoengsao. Once operational, the line is expected to receive an average footfall of 147,000 passengers per day. Trains will have a maximum operating speed of 250 km/hr. Additionally, there are also plans to develop smart cities along the HSR route.