MRTA plans rail systems in 4 provinces of Phuket, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima and Phitsanulok
Budget of B77bn set aside for projects
The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) plans to develop a light rail system in Phuket, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima (Khorat) and Phitsanulok, with a combined budget of 77 billion baht.
Deputy MRTA governor Wittaya Phanmongkol said yesterday the agency estimates the cost of the projects in the four provinces will be 35 billion baht for Phuket, 30 billion baht for Chiang Mai, 7 billion baht for Nakhon Ratchasima and around 5 billion baht for Phitsanulok.
He said comparison studies on different project models and investment options will be submitted to the Office of the Commission for the Management of Road Traffic.
Bidding for the projects is expected to start in 2026 and finish by 2027, with construction to begin around 2028.
Mr Wittaya said that the MRTA is also carrying out the development of the 22-kilometre Brown Line, which links Khae Rai in Nonthaburi and Lam Sali (Bueng Kum) in Bangkok.
The 42-billion-baht project is under review with a 20-baht flat fare policy being considered. The study is expected to wrap up and be submitted to the new MRTA board soon, Mr Wittaya said.
Bidding for the Brown Line’s construction is expected to be conducted in 2025 with the work to begin in 2026. It should be ready to begin services in 2029.
Mr Wittaya said the MRTA has launched four electric train lines since the agency was established 32 years ago. With a total distance of about 150 kilometres, they cover nearly all areas of Bangkok.
Its current routes include the Blue Line, from Bang Sue-Hua Lamphong to Lak Song; the Purple Line from Tao Poon to Khlong Bang Phai section; the Yellow Line from Lat Phrao to Samrong; and the Pink Line from Khae Rai to Min Buri.
Three extensions are under construction: the Si Rat-Muang Thong Thani section of the Pink Line, the Tao Poon-Rat Burana section of the Purple Line, and the Bang Khun Non-Thailand Cultural Centre, which is the western section of the Orange Line.
The Pink Line extension is expected to be ready in mid-2025, and the Purple Line in 2028.
However, construction of the Orange Line western section is quite difficult, Mr Wittaya said, as it will cut through central Bangkok, historic areas and across the Chao Phraya River.
He said the MRTA is planning to hand over plots of public land under the care of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to private contractors starting this year.
Source: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/2852183/mrta-plans-rail-systems-in-4-provinces
