Imagine strolling through the air, your feet stepping on solid ground while the hustle and bustle of city life buzzes beneath you. That dream just became a reality with the grand unveiling of the spectacular new skywalk in Nonthaburi. It’s not just any ordinary walkway; this is a skywalk lauded as a trendsetter, being the first-ever in the city to boast moving travelators. Opened on the 21st of December, this marvel of engineering connects the vibrant hues of the Pink Line and the regal Purple Line stations right by the bustling Nonthaburi Civic Centre.
But wait, there’s more good news! The Pink Line monorail has graciously extended its free trial service all the way through to Saturday. This extension isn’t just for show; they’re on a mission to perfect every inch of their conductor rail. Last Saturday, it seemed as if Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote had sprouted wings as he flew from station to station, diligently inspecting the work on the portion linking Chaeng Wattana-Pak Kret 28 and the Nonthaburi Civic Centre. His eagle eyes were focused on the preparations for the Pink Line’s much-anticipated full commercial launch, all while keeping a keen lookout on those crucial conductor rail repairs.
This high-level inspection came hot on the heels of a December 24th incident that gave commuters quite the shock. A segment of the conductor rail thought it could fly – sadly, it was mistaken – and plummeted straight onto the unsuspecting street below. This led to seven stations, stretching from the Nonthaburi Civic Centre to the Pak Kret bypass, to take an abrupt two-day hiatus.
Pulling back the curtain on the railway’s behind-the-scenes, Mr Surapong shared that their team is on a scavenger hunt for the mightiest fastener parts known to mankind. These will ensure the conductor rail remains firmly rooted to its beam. Consequently, travelers floating between the Civic Centre and Samakkhee will find the tracks at the four intermediary stations currently operating on a single-track system.
If you’re venturing from the Civic Centre, here’s a pro tip: hop off at the Royal Irrigation Department Station, perform a nimble train change, and voilà – onward you can continue towards the mythical Min Buri Station, your chariot awaits!
As for riding the monorail without contributing a single baht, Mr Suraphong had a treat for commuters. He revealed a secret pact among the ministry, North Bangkok Monorail, and other shadowy figures, to stretch the free trial from the 2nd to the 6th of January, with the age of paid travel commencing on the magnificent seventh.
Surapong Laoha-Unya, a board director whose name the stars envy, announced a ‘Repair Discount’ – a heroic cut in fares down to a mere 13-38 baht, a thrilling 15% off the proposed 15-45 baht usual rate. Wallets shall breathe a sigh of relief until the conductor rail is as good as new.
And to top it all off, on the 30th of December, just as the year was bidding adieu, the NBM unveiled a glittering interchange that wove the Pink Line with the MRT’s Purple Line at Civic Centre Station, and danced a duet with the BTS’ Green Line at Wat Phra Si Mahatat Station – a movement of seamless transit poetry in motion, orchestrated by the one and only Mr. Surapong.
Captivating tales of monorails and soaring skywalks are just the beginning. Nonthaburi has outdone itself with this modern-day marvel, intertwining convenience, innovation, and the occasional dramatic conductor rail incident. So step on up, the skywalk awaits, and with it, a floating journey through the skies of urbanity. Just remember, while the service may still be free for now, dynamic tales of scenic commutes and engineering feats are priceless.
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