The Thai government and a Charoen Pokphand Group-led consortium have signed a THB 225 billion ($7.4 billion) PPP contract to construct high speed rail links between three international airports in the country. Earlier this year, the Thai government awarded the project to the consortium and a deadline of October 25, 2019 was set for the final contract. Construction work on the project is expected to commence in 12-24 months and be completed within five years. The project entails construction of a rail network spanning 220 km, connecting Suvarnabhumi and Don Mueang airports in Bangkok and U-Tapao airport in Rayong province. The rail network is part of the Eastern Economic Corridor initiative, a THB 1.7 trillion plan to build infrastructure and develop advanced industries along the country’s eastern coast.
