Deputy Transport Minister Siripong says phase 1 (Bangkok-Nakhon Ratchasima) is 55.97% complete, 34.5% behind schedule. Full construction is targeted for 2030 with trial operations in 2031. The Don Mueang-Bang Sue section overlapping with the Airport Rail Link (High-speed 3) still needs a decision this year, possibly by splitting the contract so parts can open earlier. For a small business this is a long-horizon item: expect construction-area traffic disruption around Saraburi and Nakhon Ratchasima and plan for the station-area opportunities later, not now.