The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) is moving quickly to discuss the removal of overpasses in Bangkok to make way for the construction of the Orange Line. The western section of the Bang Khun Non-Min Buri rail system is set to open by 2030, with the eastern section expected to be operational by late 2027 or early 2028.
The Notice to Proceed (NTP) was issued to Bangkok Expressway and Metro (BEM), the concessionaire for the Orange Line, on July 31. The BEM is currently in the process of procuring mechanical and electrical systems for the eastern section of the line. Construction for this section is projected to take three and a half years.
Contractors for the western section have already started setting up work sites in public areas to begin surveying infrastructure, utilities, and communication systems. This phase is expected to last between four to nine months. Land expropriation will be carried out according to the Royal Decree on Land Expropriation, with a budget of 14 billion baht allocated for land ownership management and real estate survey.
The plan for expropriation involves 380 land plots, 410 real estates, and the demolition of around 400 buildings. Civil construction for the western section is slated to begin in the Pratunam area in February of the upcoming year. Discussions with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will also take place regarding the removal of overpasses at three intersections – Pratunam, Ratchathewi, and Sutthavas.
In addition to the Orange Line project, progress is being made on the Southern Purple Line project, which will run from Tao Poon to Rat Burana over a distance of 23.63km. Construction is over 42% complete, and the line is expected to be operational by 2028. A study on train operations will be presented to the MRTA Board next month, with plans for concessionaire selection to begin early next year and service to commence in 2029.
The Pink Line’s 3km extension project from Sri Rat to Muang Thong Thani is also making progress, with over 71% completion by the end of September. The MRTA is working diligently to ensure the successful completion of these projects and the continued improvement of Bangkok’s transportation infrastructure.