Picture courtesy: Wikipedia

 

 

The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) is intensifying talks with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to dismantle overpasses, laying the groundwork for the Orange Line's western expansion. This development is crucial for the construction of the Bang Khun Non-Min Buri rail line, projected to complete by 2030.

 

Acting MRTA governor Vithaya Punmongkol announced that the Bangkok Expressway and Metro (BEM), the Orange Line's concessionaire, received a Notice to Proceed in July. Currently, BEM is focused on procuring systems for the eastern section from the Thailand Cultural Centre to Min Buri. This segment, taking three-and-a-half years to build, is set to open by late 2027 or early 2028.

 

As works advance in the western part, contractors are readying public spaces for tunnels and stations. The early stages involve surveying and relocating infrastructure, a process that may last nine months. Set for 2025, land acquisition, with a budget of 14 billion baht (about £340 million), will affect 380 land plots and approximately 400 buildings.

 

Construction in the Pratunam area is scheduled for early next year, with negotiations about overpass removals expected soon. Collaboration with the Fine Arts Department is also planned for activities in conservation areas.

 

The western Orange Line is expected to be operational by 2030, aligning with significant urban development goals for Bangkok. Industry experts view it as a transformative initiative, promising to enhance city connectivity.

 

File photo for reference only

 

-- 2024-10-30

 

 

11 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

BEM is focused on procuring systems for the eastern section from the Thailand Cultural Centre to Min Buri. This segment, taking three-and-a-half years to build, is set to open by late 2027 or early 2028.

 

The civil engineering for this section is essentially completely finished, and yet the utterly shambolic contracting process has left the tunnels and stations empty for another three years. A really grotesque dereliction of duty to the local people who tolerated years of very disruptive construction and are still waiting for train service.

If previous projects are anything to go by, the biggest delays will be caused by land expropriation and handover to the construction contractors. 
 

Second will come the removal of the overpasses and diversion of utilities along the route. 
 

I hope lessons have been learned and progress will be made to finally see this project to fruition.

21 hours ago, khunjeff said:

 

The civil engineering for this section is essentially completely finished, and yet the utterly shambolic contracting process has left the tunnels and stations empty for another three years. A really grotesque dereliction of duty to the local people who tolerated years of very disruptive construction and are still waiting for train service.

There is apparently no truth in the rumour that the delay is due to missing brown envelopes.