Transport Ministry Takes Over Bangkok Rail Projects

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The Thai Ministry of Transport is set to assume responsibility for three new urban rail projects previously managed by Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), following the resolution of the Land Traffic Management Committee meeting on December 23, 2024. The projects aim to enhance connectivity and efficiency in Bangkok’s transit system.

The three projects include the Silver Line, a 19.7-kilometer route connecting Bang Na to Suvarnabhumi Airport with 14 stations and an estimated cost of 48.38 billion baht. While feasibility studies are complete, the project is undergoing its sixth Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) review.

The second project, the Gray Line’s first phase, spans 16.25 kilometers from Watcharaphon to Thong Lo, with 15 stations and a budget of 29.13 billion baht. This project received EIA approval from the National Environment Board in February 2022.

Lastly, the Blue Line extension, a 9.5-kilometer route from Din Daeng to Sathorn with nine stations, is still awaiting budget allocation for its EIA and Public-Private Partnership (PPP) studies.

The projects, integrated with other rail systems overseen by the Ministry of Transport, promise several benefits, including unified ticketing systems and lower entry fares, aligning with the 20-baht flat fare policy across all lines. Centralized management is expected to improve policy implementation and financial efficiency.

The Finance Ministry is expected to assist in securing funding for these projects, ensuring smoother execution compared to BMA-led initiatives like the Green Line, which faced funding challenges due to local governance constraints. Coordination between the Transport Ministry and BMA will focus on updating existing feasibility studies, detailed designs, and EIA reports.

Separately, the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) is reviewing plans for the Brown Line, a 22.1-kilometer route between Khae Rai and Lam Sali. With a budget of 49.865 billion baht, the project is expected to enter the PPP selection process by 2026 and begin operations in 2030.

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