State Railway Unit readies takeover plan for Airport Rail Link

The State Railway Unit (SRT) of Thailand is preparing to take over management of the Airport Rail Link if the current operating contract expires on September 30. The State Railway Electrified Train Company (SRTET), responsible for the Red Line commuter rail, has been asked by SRT to handle the transition. SRTET's acting director, Air Chief Marshal Kongsak Chandrasopha, stated that the company is prepared for the task and anticipates a one-month preparation period, mainly for staffing.

SRTET estimates it would require around 300 staff to operate the Airport Rail Link. The company would continue managing the project, passing revenue directly to SRT. However, if SRTET cannot finalize the contract terms and pay rate within its one-month preparation window, SRT may extend a short-term contract with the current operator, allowing more time for transition.

Kongsak also mentioned that SRTET is considering bringing in Siemens for interim maintenance if necessary. The end of Asia Era One's contract is tied to the September 30 expiration of the high-speed rail joint investment contract. SRT is currently evaluating two options: amending the contract or terminating it. The decision will be made at a meeting of the Eastern Economic Corridor Office (EECO) Policy Committee, chaired by Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

Both SRT and its private partner have indicated a desire to negotiate an end to the contract, arguing that an amendment is necessary for the project to move forward.