Picture this: the sleek and shiny Red Line electric commuter trains at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal in bustling Bangkok. It’s a scene straight out of a modern metropolitan dream, captured beautifully by Pattarapong Chatpattarasill.
Excitement is in the air as the long-awaited plan to extend the Red Line from Rangsit to the prestigious Thammasat University is poised to be presented to the cabinet. That’s right folks, according to the Ministry of Transport, we’re talking about an 8.8-kilometre route zipping through Khlong Luang district in Pathum Thani, and it’s part of three ambitious extensions in the works.
Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote couldn’t hide his enthusiasm as he shared that the Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit has already given the green light. Now, with the project in the hands of the cabinet secretariat, anticipation is building. Of course, there are a few more hoops to jump through; specifically, the Ministry of Finance, Budget Bureau, and National Economic and Social Development Council all have to give their nods of approval.
Imagine a journey comprising four brand-new stations: Khlong Neung, Bangkok University, Chiang Rak, and Thammasat Rangsit Campus. With an estimated construction cost tipping the scales at 6.47 billion baht, the bidding wars are expected to commence this year. And hold onto your hats, folks, as the construction is projected to take 35 months, with a grand opening sometime in 2028!
But wait, there’s more! Opportunities for further adventures are on the horizon. The plans for two additional Red Line extensions from Taling Chan station are racing towards cabinet review, with a target deadline of no later than August, according to Surapong.
First up, a 14.8km Taling Chan to Salaya stretch with six stations, clocking in at a whopping 10.67 billion baht. And if that’s not enough to quench your wanderlust, how about a 5.7km jaunt from Taling Chan to Siriraj Hospital, featuring three stations and a price tag of 4.61 billion baht?
The grand bidding showdown for these projects is slated for later this year, with construction kicking off next year and completing by 2028. The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is still chewing over which train technology to employ for these routes. After all, they must adhere to the government’s green and low-cost public transport policies.
Under this eco-friendly mandate, all public transportation, including buses and taxis, are destined to be electric by 2029. The beloved yet old diesel locomotives will be replaced with hybrid variants. These new machines will glide on electric power within a 200km radius of Bangkok before seamlessly switching to oil for longer journeys beyond this boundary.
The city’s ever-evolving skyline and infrastructure promise an electrifying future, quite literally. Riding the Red Line in the near future is gearing up to be more than just a commute; it’s set to be an experience worth every baht and minute as Bangkok continues to grow and innovate. Buckle up, because the journey is just beginning!
Exciting news for Bangkok! This will definitely cut down on commute times. Thammasat students must be thrilled!
I agree! But I wonder how this will impact the local traffic during construction?
Good point, Anna. Construction always seems to make things worse before they get better.
Usually these projects include traffic management plans. Ideally, it won’t be that bad if done right.
As a daily commuter, I’m just hoping this actually gets completed on time. The delays on the green line were infuriating.
6.47 billion baht?! That’s an insane amount of money for such a short route. Are we sure it’s worth it?
Mass transit projects are always expensive. But think of the long-term benefits: less traffic, better air quality.
It’s worth it if it reduces congestion and saves people time. Time is money, you know.
I understand that, but the government needs to be accountable for every baht spent. No room for corruption!
I can’t wait! Bangkok really needs this. The traffic is out of control.
Totally! Ride-sharing and public transit are the future. This move is long overdue.
Hopefully, they consider the environmental impact too. More electric trains mean less pollution.
Exactly! Anything to cut down on the smog would be fantastic.
This sounds like a great tourist draw too. Imagine the convenience for visitors coming from the airport!
Yep, more accessible travel is always a plus. Bangkok could really become a hub with this expansion.
As long as they keep it affordable for locals, I’m all for it.
Great plans, but what about the existing infrastructure? We have roads with potholes and an outdated sewer system.
True, we need a balanced approach. Upgrading existing infrastructure should go hand in hand with new projects.
Upgrading public transport could reduce the wear and tear on roads, though.
I love that everything will be electric by 2029! Finally, we’re moving towards more sustainable transit options.
But isn’t replacing diesel completely with electric trains kind of idealistic? What about the energy demand?
Renewable energy sources could be crucial here. Solar, wind, even hydropower could supply the needed electricity.
We have to start somewhere, Kitiya! It might be tough, but it sets a great precedent.
What about the pricing for these new routes? Bangkok’s cost of living is rising fast!
Exactly. Affordable public transport is vital. No point in adding lines if people can’t afford to use them.
True, public transport should never be a financial burden. The government needs to consider subsidies.
Agreed. High fares would defeat the purpose of expanding public transit.
Thammasat University students are going to benefit so much from this. Proud of my alma mater!
Wonder how this will affect local businesses along the route. Increased foot traffic could be good.
For sure. Local shops might see a boost. But larger chains could move in and drive up rents.
Gentrification is a double-edged sword. Better business but at what cost?
What’s the plan for compensating people who might lose their homes due to construction?
The government usually has compensation plans in place. Hopefully, this time they will be fair.
I hope so. People displaced by such projects often don’t get adequate support.
I’m concerned about the timeline. 2028 feels pretty optimistic given past delays on other projects.
Agreed. These things have a way of dragging on and blowing past deadlines.
Let’s give them a chance. Maybe they’ve learned from past mistakes?
Bidding wars always make me nervous. Corruption is a real issue in such big projects.