The cabinet, in an enthusiastic nod to expansion, greenlighted Bangkok Expressway and Metro Plc (BEM) to launch the western route project of the Orange Line, as relayed by government spokesman Chai Wacharonke. This ambitious transit system promises to knit the Bang Khun Non district with the Min Buri district via a sprawling 35.9-kilometre network featuring both underground and elevated rail sections.
Envisioned as a masterpiece of modern urban mobility, the Orange Line comprises two crucial segments. The western route, stretching 13.4 kilometers from Bang Khun Non to the Thailand Cultural Centre, and the eastern route, extending 22.4 kilometers from the Cultural Centre to Suwinthawongse area in Min Buri district. While the construction of the eastern project has already reached its zenith, with trains anticipated to chug along by January 2028, the western route’s journey has faced more turbulence.
The saga of the western project has been marred by a drawn-out hiatus, thanks to an earlier fracas between the Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC) and the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) over bidding clashes related to the system’s concessionaires. However, June 12 marked a turning point when the Supreme Administrative Court dismissed a lawsuit filed by BTSC against MRTA, affirming that MRTA’s bidding committee was legally sound in revamping the terms of reference (ToR).
In the aftermath of this legal clean slate, BEM, the proficient operator of the MRT’s Blue and Purple lines, emerged as the rightful operator of the Orange Line. BEM clinched the project by proposing a more cost-effective plan for state financial support in comparison to its rival, Italian-Thai Development (ITD), as highlighted by Mr. Chai.
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, brimming with optimism, announced that the contract-signing ceremony would take place tomorrow. This mammoth 140-billion-baht undertaking, framed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP)-Net-Cost investment model, is poised to become a landmark in urban transit. The contract will stretch over a substantial 30-year period, with the western project’s completion envisaged by 2030.
Ready your smartcards and steel your patience, for Bangkok’s already bustling lanes are set to welcome a new artery of mobility. The Orange Line is not just a construction project; it’s the promise of a future where every commute could become a seamless and swift experience. Until then, the journey of cement, steel, and dedication unfolds, carving Bangkok’s next chapter in urban commuting. Stay tuned, Bangkok, a new dawn in transit is on the horizon!
It’s great to see progress finally being made on this project. Bangkok badly needs improved public transportation.
Absolutely! But do you think it will actually be completed by 2030?
If they stick to the timeline and budget, there’s hope. But history shows projects like this often face delays.
Delays are almost guaranteed. Look at the eastern route—it’s taken forever!
I’m worried about the cost. 140 billion baht is a lot of money. Will it even be worth it?
From an economic standpoint, investing in public transport can lead to long-term savings by reducing traffic and pollution.
I see your point, but what about corruption? Corruption always inflates costs in Thailand.
I hate to break it to everyone, but there’s probably going to be a lot of inconvenience during construction. Road closures, noise, you name it.
It’s a necessary evil though. Long-term benefits outweigh the short-term inconveniences.
Looking forward to fewer cars on the road! This is a big win for our environment.
Very optimistic, but will people really switch to public transport? Thai people love their cars.
If the service is reliable and efficient, why wouldn’t they? Other cities have managed to reduce car dependency.
Interesting that BEM won over ITD. Do you think their plan is truly better or just cheaper?
Probably a mix of both. Cheaper plans often come with hidden costs later.
True, but BEM has a good track record with the Blue and Purple lines.
Another project funded by taxpayers. When will we see real accountability for budgets?
Better get used to it. Big projects always mean big budgets, with or without accountability.
This is why transparency is crucial. Public should know where every baht is going.
Is BEM ready for such a large-scale project? Their previous projects were much smaller in scope.
So what happens to BTSC now? They seem to have lost big time.
I hope they keep ticket prices affordable. Public transport should be accessible to all incomes.
Public-private partnerships often mean higher costs to the consumer. Fingers crossed you’re right.
The cultural aspects of this project are also interesting. Connecting different districts could mean more unity among Bangkok residents.
Good point! More interaction between districts could lead to better cultural understanding.
Can’t wait to explore more of Bangkok without the hassle of traffic!
Why does Thailand insist on underground sections? It’s so much more expensive.
Underground can preserve space and reduce surface congestion. It’s costly but has its reasons.
What happens if they go over budget? The government should plan for unforeseen expenses.
They’ll probably just increase taxes, like always.
The January 2028 deadline for the eastern route seems ambitious. Let’s hope they stick to it.
Given the delays so far, let’s not hold our breath. But hope springs eternal, right?
I’m skeptical about the timeline. 2030 might be too optimistic for completion.
Same here. Projects like this almost always run late.