On July 25, 2024, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) board approved a significant adjustment to its Red Line suburban railway extension plans. The decision merges the Taling Chan-Salaya extension with the Siriraj-Taling Chan section into a single contract, a move expected to streamline the project and reduce overall costs.
The combined project will extend the Red Line by 20.5 kilometers, integrating three additional stations: Rama VI Bridge, Bang Kruai – Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, and Ban Chimphli. This consolidation is projected to cut the total budget from 15.29 billion baht to 15.18 billion baht, saving approximately 110 million baht. By eliminating the previous overlap issues at Taling Chan station and various system works, the new single contract approach aims to simplify project management and minimize expenses.
Following this decision, the project will be presented to the Ministry of Transport and subsequently to the Cabinet for final approval, anticipated in August 2024. The SRT plans to call for tenders in September 2024 for construction, project supervision, and independent consulting. Construction is expected to commence in May 2025, with an estimated completion time of three years, targeting operational readiness by May 2028.
Additionally, the SRT has approved the formation of a joint venture led by Tesco Company Limited. This consortium, including MHPM Company Limited, M.A. Consultant Company Limited, and Dcade Consultant Company Limited, will review the feasibility study and prepare environmental impact assessment reports for the Hua Lamphong-Wong Wian Yai-Mahachai extension. This 37-kilometer stretch, part of the M-Map 2 planning for Bangkok’s transit system, is projected to cost approximately 13.5 billion baht. The joint venture will also draft the necessary bidding documents.
The Hua Lamphong-Wong Wian Yai-Mahachai segment is expected to face some challenges, particularly in crossing the Chao Phraya River. Initial plans for an elevated bridge may be revised to a tunnel due to difficulties encountered during the environmental impact assessment process. The segment’s operations are projected to commence after 2028, following resolution of these issues.
Anant Phonimdaeng, Deputy Governor of SRT, stated that the revised approach not only addresses the cost efficiency but also aims to resolve previous project overlaps and streamline future development phases. The adjustments are expected to facilitate a more coherent and timely execution of the Red Line suburban railway project.
