The amendment to the contract for the high-speed rail project that will connect three airports has been put on hold pending the appointment of a new chairman of the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) Policy Committee. The appointment is subject to the approval of the new Cabinet, which is yet to be formed, the EEC office said on Friday.

The 276.5 billion baht railway project will connect Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and U-Tapao international airports and create a high-speed link between Bangkok and the EEC areas.

The Secretary General of the Office, Chula Sukmanopsaid EECO expects the new CEO to be appointed this year and construction to begin soon after and be completed on schedule within five years. The line is scheduled to open in 2029.

He added that all government-owned construction sites are now 100% ready for handover to contractor Asia Era One, a subsidiary of the Charoen Pokphand (CP) Group.

Chula said the Thai State Railway had negotiated with the consortium led by CP Group to change the contract terms that would allow the much-delayed project to start.

The request for a treaty amendment was approved by the Cabinet on October 19, 2021.