BEM Secures Project for Orange Line Western Route Worth 140 Billion Baht

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The Thai government has given the green light to Bangkok Expressway and Metro Plc (BEM) to start working on the western route project of the Orange Line transit system. This was announced by government spokesman Chai Wacharonke.

 

The Orange Line transit system plans to connect the Bang Khun Non district with the Min Buri district. It will consist of a network that extends 35.9 kilometers via underground and elevated railway sections. A 13.4-kilometer route from Bang Khun Non to the Thailand Cultural Center makes up the western route, while a 22.4-kilometer route from the Cultural Center to Suwinthawongse in Min Buri district forms the eastern part.

 

Construction on the eastern stretch has been completed, with the expected operational date set for January 2028. However, the western route's execution has been put off due to a dispute over bidding between the Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC) and the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA).

 

 

On June 12, the Supreme Administrative Court dismissed a lawsuit brought by BTSC against MRTA. The court decision stated that MRTA’s bidding committee operated within legal parameters when they changed the terms of reference. After this ruling, the BEM, which runs the MRT Blue and Purple lines, was given the go-ahead to operate the Orange Line.

 

BEM stood out from its competitor, Italian-Thai Development (ITD), by proposing less reliance on state financial support, as stated by Chai Wacharonke.

 

Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit confirmed that the government is set to sign a contract with BEM worth 140 billion baht (approx. $4 billion). The investment will be under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP)-Net-Cost investment model. A 30-year duration has been agreed upon for the contract, with the completion of the western section slated for 2030.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-07-17

 

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