Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Suriya Jungrungreangkit, announced on October 1, 2024, that the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) is currently conducting a feasibility study for the Chiang Mai red line mass transit project. This line will span 15.8 kilometers from Nakornping Hospital to the Mae Hia Samakkee intersection. The project aims to alleviate significant traffic congestion in Chiang Mai and enhance transportation options for residents and tourists alike.
The planned construction comes amid increasing traffic challenges in Chiang Mai, prompting officials to prioritize the development of the electric train system. By facilitating more efficient public transport, the project is expected to improve access to various attractions, thereby benefiting local businesses and tourism.
Initial assessments indicate that Chiang Mai requires an electric rail system, but concerns have been raised regarding its potential impact on historical sites, particularly in the old town area. As a result, planners are revising the design to include underground sections within the city center. This modification aims to minimize disruption to both tourist attractions and historical landmarks, while also allowing for more convenient access to these sites. Areas outside the city will maintain the original ground-level design, with plans to advance the project once feasibility studies are completed.
According to the initial study results, the line will combine both underground and above-ground sections over a distance of 15.8 kilometers, with an estimated investment of 30 billion baht. The route will include 16 stations: 9 above-ground and 7 underground, utilizing an electric tram system. Maintenance facilities will be located near the Nong Hoh intersection, with stops at Nakornping Hospital and Mae Hia Samakkee stations. Currently, the MRTA is in the process of submitting an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) to the relevant authorities for review.
The MRTA has revised its timeline, planning to evaluate suitable investment models from 2025 to 2026. By 2026, the proposal will be presented to the Cabinet for approval, and the selection of private sector partners for the project is scheduled for 2027, with construction set to commence that same year. The new timeline reflects a return to the original study results under previous Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob, which favored the electric tram design over earlier considerations for rubber-tired buses.
The proposed route begins at Nakornping Hospital, running along the road before turning onto various thoroughfares, including the Chiang Mai-700 Year Celebration Road. The line will continue through several neighborhoods and key locations, culminating at the Mae Hia Samakkee intersection, which is expected to enhance connectivity within the region.
