Picture courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Thailand's highly anticipated Red Line railway extension from Siriraj Hospital to Salaya is on the brink of securing final Cabinet approval by April. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced that the 15.17 billion baht project has successfully navigated through all bureaucratic channels.

 

Key government bodies such as the Finance Ministry, Budget Bureau, and National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) have already given their nod, propelling the proposal towards the Cabinet's decision desk. Meanwhile, the Department of Rail Transport (DRT) is putting the final touches on its preparations, expected to complete within the week.

 

 

Once ready, the Secretariat of the Cabinet (SoC) will consult other important ministries, like the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry, to ensure thorough consideration before the final approval. Suriya is optimistic about everything aligning for an early April decision.

 

This extension stretches nearly 21 kilometres from Taling Chan Station in Bangkok to Salaya Station in Nakhon Pathom. Additionally, a new branch to Siriraj Station will ease access to Siriraj Hospital, incorporating eight new stations along the route. With Cabinet approval, construction will commence in January, targeted for completion by January 2029.

Still a lot of hurdles and bureaucracy to overcome