In a significant development for Bangkok’s transit infrastructure, the cabinet on Tuesday sanctioned Bangkok Expressway and Metro Plc (BEM) to commence the long-anticipated western route project of the Orange Line, as announced by government spokesman Chai Wacharonke. The Orange Line, an essential part of the city’s rail network, promises to connect Bang Khun Non district with the bustling Min Buri district through a sprawling 35.9-kilometre expanse of both underground and elevated rail sections.
The Orange Line is ingeniously segmented into two primary routes: a 13.4km western stretch spanning from Bang Khun Non to the Thailand Cultural Centre, and a more extensive 22.4km eastern route that stretches from the Cultural Centre all the way to the Suwinthawongse area in Min Buri district. As of now, the eastern route’s construction has reached the finish line, with a projected launch for train services by January 2028.
The journey to this milestone, however, was not without its hurdles. Development plans for the western segment had been stuck in limbo for an extended period, primarily owing to a contentious dispute between Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC) and the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA). The dispute centered around the franchise bidding process, causing significant delays.
According to Chai, the tides turned when the Supreme Administrative Court, on June 12, ruled in favor of the MRTA, dismissing BTSC’s lawsuit. The court deemed the MRTA’s bidding committee was within its legal rights to amend the terms of reference (ToR), thereby paving the way for the resumption of the project.
Following the court’s decision, BEM—already the operator of the MRT’s Blue and Purple lines—was granted the rights to operate the Orange Line. Notably, BEM had presented a more favorable proposal requiring less financial support from the government, surpassing its rival bidder, Italian-Thai Development (ITD).
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit added to the momentum, confirming that the government is poised to formalize the contract this Thursday. This agreement ushers in a grand 140-billion-baht project configured under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP)-Net-Cost investment model. This contract is structured to be in effect for an impressive 30 years, with the western route project slated for completion by 2030.
Once operational, the Orange Line will significantly transform urban mobility in Bangkok, making commuting more efficient and reliable for thousands of daily commuters. The integration of this new route promises to alleviate traffic congestion, reduce pollution, and offer a modern, state-of-the-art transit option for the city’s burgeoning population.
The commencement of the Orange Line’s western project isn’t just a victory for urban planning; it’s a testament to Bangkok’s dedication to enhancing public transportation. Driven by cutting-edge technologies and robust planning, this rail extension paints an optimistic picture of the future—a metropolitan Bangkok seamlessly connected and primed for growth.
As the dust of legal battles settles and construction gears up, Bangkok’s residents can look forward to a more interconnected city, where the seamless journey from Bang Khun Non to Min Buri becomes a daily reality. With the government and BEM on the helm, the Orange Line is set to mark a new era in Bangkok’s urban transit landscape.
Finally! Bangkok needs this kind of development. The current traffic situation is unbearable.
I agree! The Orange Line will make a significant difference in daily commute times.
Let’s just hope they stick to the timeline. Thailand isn’t exactly known for timely infrastructure projects.
True, but with BEM and MRTA involved, there’s hope for better management this time around.
How do they plan to mitigate the noise pollution though? Elevated trains can be really noisy.
I’m skeptical about the Supreme Administrative Court’s ruling. The bidding process seemed shady to me.
Can you elaborate on why you think it was shady? From what I read, MRTA followed the legal framework.
The fact that MRTA changed the terms of reference mid-bidding is suspicious. Trust in our institutions is at stake!
Exactly. The change in ToR seemed like it was designed to favor certain bidders.
Regardless of the bidding controversies, the ultimate benefit to Bangkok’s commuters is undeniable.
I’m excited for the new line! I often travel between Bang Khun Non and Min Buri. It’s going to save a lot of time.
Agreed! Plus, it’s going to make it easier for tourists to explore different parts of Bangkok.
I hope they include more tourist-friendly features in the stations and trains.
I’m glad BEM won the bid. They’ve done a good job with the Blue and Purple lines.
Absolutely! BEM has a solid track record, and their proposal was both financially and technically superior.
Here’s hoping their efficiency continues with the Orange Line.
The cost of 140 billion baht is staggering. Is this really the best use of our tax money?
Infrastructure is vital for economic development. I’d argue that it’s money well spent.
But what about healthcare and education? Those need funding too.
Exactly! While I understand the importance of infrastructure, our healthcare system is in dire need of funds.
Long-term benefits outweigh the costs. Think of the reduced traffic congestion and pollution.
Will this cause property prices to go up in Bang Khun Non and Min Buri?
Yes, usually areas with new transit routes see a rise in property values.
That could be good for homeowners but bad for renters who might get priced out.
The PPP model seems like a smart way to manage such a huge project. Shared risks and rewards.
I’m curious about the historical preservation aspects. Will they consider heritage sites along the route?
Environmental impact should be a concern too. I hope they’re mindful of Bangkok’s green spaces.
Good point! They should incorporate green initiatives into the construction process.
How will this affect existing traffic during construction? Bangkok’s roads are already a nightmare.
Who cares about the bidding process? What matters is that we finally have a promising project that might ease our daily lives.
The project timeline is ambitious. Projects like this often face delays. What are their contingency plans?
The Orange Line is a game-changer! Can’t wait to see it in action.
Time will tell if it’s truly a game-changer or just another overhyped project with delays.
Given BEM’s track record, I’d bet on it being successful.
This is great news! We should all push for more public transportation projects like this to make Bangkok a world-class city.