File photo for reference only

 

Bangkok’s ambitious smart city initiative is taking shape with the announcement of a new covered walkway connecting two key train stations. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is set to complete this project by the end of 2025, enhancing urban mobility and pedestrian comfort.

 

The covered walkway, stretching over 1.6 kilometres along South Sathorn Road, will link the bustling Lumpini MRT station to the Chong Nonsi Skywalk. Once complete, it will provide a shield from Bangkok's intense sun and frequent rain, allowing office workers and local residents to travel comfortably between these busy hubs. This initiative is part of a larger strategy to make the city more pedestrian-friendly and sustainable.

 

Bangkok governor Chadchart Sittipunt visited the project site on 3rd September, underscoring the significance of this development in achieving the city's smart city aspirations. The project is a flagship effort to improve life quality, aligning with BMA's vision of a more walkable and connected urban environment.

 

Construction is progressing smoothly, with the roofing and lighting systems expected to be completed by September 2025. Following these developments, the Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) will work on installing underground power ducts, ensuring a sleeker urban aesthetic and meeting modern standards for safety and convenience.

 

This infrastructural enhancement is pivotal for Bangkok, addressing the needs of pedestrians by providing a seamless connection between major transport routes. The walkway will not only alleviate the challenges of commuting but also contribute significantly to the city's long-term urban planning goals.

 

Beyond the walkway on South Sathorn, the BMA has broader plans to upgrade pedestrian pathways across the city. Initiatives include improving the quality of existing sidewalks, embedding underground power systems, and introducing features specifically designed for the elderly and disabled.

 

While specific project timelines and locations remain fluid, the overall focus remains clear: creating safer, more accessible pathways for all residents. The Sathorn walkway is a pivotal piece in a larger puzzle, paving the way for future developments that ideally suit urban requirements.

 

The BMA remains committed to completing this project on schedule, viewing it as a foundational model for future urban innovations. By prioritising pedestrian infrastructure, Bangkok aims to set a benchmark not only within the city but also for other cities pursuing similar smart city transformations.

 

The walkway on South Sathorn signifies a decisive step toward a city designed around people’s needs, prioritising pedestrian convenience over car-centric development. It showcases a forward-thinking approach that is integral to Bangkok's future growth as a smart city.

 

As we look ahead, the successful completion of this walkway will stand as a testament to Bangkok's dedication to evolving into a more liveable, connected metropolis. The anticipation builds as citizens and officials alike await the unveiling of this transformative infrastructure in late 2025.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from The Nation 2025-09-08

 

 

Wonderful initiative. I hope to see it come to pass.

 

I recall that just after the coup in '14 the junta proposed having sky walkways for the entirety of the BTS system, which though it was smaller at the cost was estimated at $67 million USD - it seemed, both a small amount for such distances, and likely therefore, like so many things, to just be words, and never happened.

 

Comments on Thai Visa at that time complained that it was the BMA essentially giving up on making the street-level sidewalks passable (poor maintenance, and abundant street vendors of food and DVDs at that time), although the junta's war on street vendors had not yet begun in earnest at that point. And beyond that, nothing.

 

Continued and continuous improvements are being made in pedestrian infrastructure, to improve both usability and safety.

 

This, among so many other positive changes over the past few years, under Bangkok the current administration of Governor Chadchart Sittipunt, is such a welcome change over of the previous military appointed governor.

On my short trip to Bangkok on August 13 I used the rail-link from Suvarnabhumi to Phaya Thai.
Then BTS to Ploenchit.
Heaven thanks I am still quite good on my feet but at a certain point (seeing a mother lifting the stroller up some stairs on the walkway) it came to my mind:

what can handicapped people do with this infrastructure?

Can't count how many stairs I walked up and down.

The rail link to BTS path is a prime example.

18 hours ago, snoop1130 said:

and introducing features specifically designed for the elderly and disabled.

Just seen. Hope in sight. At least someone thinking about it.

8 minutes ago, KhunBENQ said:

On my short trip to Bangkok on August 13 I used the rail-link from Suvarnabhumi to Phaya Thai.
Then BTS to Ploenchit.
Heaven thanks I am still quite good on my feet but at a certain point (seeing a mother lifting the stroller up some stairs on the walkway) it came to my mind:

what can handicapped people do with this infrastructure?

Can't count how many stairs I walked up and down.

The rail link to BTS path is a prime example.

Did it recently also.

At the airport in a taxi google said almost 90 minutes to Chidlom.  Train took 45 minutes. IT is surprisingly how many come here and are not aware of the Airport link.

 

I am so cautious about using wheels on the road to this chaos.

I actually had my car parked in Pattaya. Taxi to airport 1000 Baht and then raillink and BTS.

 

The raillink: better than nothing.

But can't it go faster?

Estimate 50 km/h.

3 hours ago, KhunBENQ said:

On my short trip to Bangkok on August 13 I used the rail-link from Suvarnabhumi to Phaya Thai.
Then BTS to Ploenchit.
Heaven thanks I am still quite good on my feet but at a certain point (seeing a mother lifting the stroller up some stairs on the walkway) it came to my mind:

what can handicapped people do with this infrastructure?

Can't count how many stairs I walked up and down.

The rail link to BTS path is a prime example.

As far as I can remember there is a lift up to the BTS.  Many won't bother to look or go up the  stairs rather than walk to the lift, often located a bit out of the way.

I don't think I have seen a BTS that doesn't have an escalator or a lift, but no doubt there will be one somewhere.

3 hours ago, bkk6060 said:

Did it recently also.

At the airport in a taxi google said almost 90 minutes to Chidlom.  Train took 45 minutes. IT is surprisingly how many come here and are not aware of the Airport link.

 

We used to use the airport link when going for my wife's visa but gave it up when the BTS came out to Kheha.  Now we drive there and get on BTS straight into centre, about 45 minutes to Nana, being the terminus guaranteed a seat.

They have a big car park there and you get reduced parking with BTS ticket, think about 30 baht for 5 hours.

A much easier option than the airport.

47 minutes ago, sandyf said:

As far as I can remember there is a lift up to the BTS.  Many won't bother to look or go up the  stairs rather than walk to the lift, often located a bit out of the way.

I don't think I have seen a BTS that doesn't have an escalator or a lift, but no doubt there will be one somewhere.

 

I use the BKK Rail app ( very sparsely advertised but much MUCH better than the Skytrain app) and it has info for the amenities - escalator, lift, first aid room, ATM, WiFi, etc etc - for each station on all 9 lines, including ARL. And a map of each station so you can check the best exit

 

Anyway, so far I haven't found one without a lift. Plus they all offer help for blind travellers, which is admirable. 

4 hours ago, KhunBENQ said:

The raillink: better than nothing.

But can't it go faster?

Estimate 50 km/h.

 

On my Rail Link ride two days ago my GPS was recording 120-130 kph between stations. Stopping at every station will of course reduce the average speed for the whole journey. There used to be an express about 10 years ago but I don't know why that service was abandoned.

 

I always use the airport link between Makkasan and the airport, and the MRT between Makkasan and my local station. Total combined cost per trip is only 47 baht and much faster than a taxi in heavy traffic.

37 minutes ago, Dexxter said:

There used to be an express about 10 years ago but I don't know why that service was abandoned.

 

Basically, not enough people used it and the white-elephant in town check-in was only ever used by Thai International.

 

There were plans to convert the express trains which had baggage cars to normal seated type, not sure if that ever happened.

 

5 hours ago, KhunBENQ said:

On my short trip to Bangkok on August 13 I used the rail-link from Suvarnabhumi to Phaya Thai.
Then BTS to Ploenchit.
Heaven thanks I am still quite good on my feet but at a certain point (seeing a mother lifting the stroller up some stairs on the walkway) it came to my mind:

what can handicapped people do with this infrastructure?

Can't count how many stairs I walked up and down.

The rail link to BTS path is a prime example.

At some similar places,  I have found elevators.

On 9/9/2025 at 3:52 PM, Dexxter said:

I always use the airport link between Makkasan and the airport, and the MRT between Makkasan and my local station. Total combined cost per trip is only 47 baht and much faster than a taxi in heavy traffic.

When I used to go  to Trendy, we got off at Makkasan and took the MRT to Asoke, walked from there.

On 9/9/2025 at 3:52 PM, Dexxter said:

There used to be an express about 10 years ago but I don't know why that service was abandoned.

More people want to get on at Lat Krabang station than the airport.