The Transport Ministry has said that all major deals on investment projects worth a total of 570 billion baht under the government's flagship Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) will be finalised next month.
Deputy Transport Minister Pailin Chuchottaworn said the investment projects under the EEC "fast track" scheme are being planned in Chachoengsao, Chon Buri and Rayong provinces.
They are the 224 billion-baht high-speed rail project linking Don Mueang airport in Bangkok with Suvarnabhumi in Samut Prakan and U-Tapao in Rayong; the 200 billion-baht project to develop the U-Tapao airport and the eastern airport city; the 84 billion-baht project for the third-phase development of Laem Chabang port; the 55 billion-baht project for the third-phase development of Map Ta Phut port, and the 10 billion-baht project to build an aviation maintenance, overhaul and repair centre at U-Tapao.
Mr Pailin said the bidding processes, the submission of the bidding results to the cabinet and the signing of the deals are all expected to be completed by next month.
He added that the transitional period of the government will not affect the approval of megaprojects because the current government is not a provisional one and still holds full authority under the constitution to approve urgent investment projects.
According to Mr Pailin, at least two groups of investors are expected to submit proposal envelopes today while negotiations on the high-speed rail project linking the three airports with a consortium led by Charoen Pokphand Group (CP Group) must be concluded by next month, following several delays.
"The rail infrastructure projects and high-speed project are important and the new government -- no matter which party it comes from -- will have to give them priority and go ahead with them. These projects will facilitate the travel of the people," Mr Pailin said.
A Transport Ministry source said that the National Economic and Social Development Board has rejected two electric rail projects due to problems associated with land ownership rights management.
Therefore, the projects will be left to the next government to handle, which will delay the construction and the opening of service for another year, the source said. The two electric rail projects are Purple Line and Orange Line extensions.
