January 15Jan 15 Photo courtesy of Bangkok PostThe Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) in Thailand has finalized bids for two contracts as part of the Red Line commuter rail expansion project. Unique Engineering and Construction Plc (Uniq) secured the Dark Red Line extension contract for 6.057 billion baht, while a joint venture between Uniq and Trusty Construction (UT) won the Light Red Line project with a bid of 14.72 billion baht. The contracts involve extending the Dark Red Line to Thammasat University and the Light Red Line from Siriraj to Salaya.The bids were submitted through the e-bidding system on December 29. The Dark Red Line extension from Rangsit to Thammasat University's Rangsit campus in Pathum Thani offers a continuation of efforts to expand transport connectivity. Meanwhile, the Light Red Line extension covers the Siriraj–Taling Chan–Salaya route and features three new stations: Rama VI, Bang Kruai–Egat, and Baan Chim Phli.Following the selection process, MRTA will perform due diligence on the winning bidders, including background checks and price negotiations, before officially finalizing the contracts next month. The median estimate for the Dark Red Line was 6.064 billion baht, while the Light Red Line was estimated at 14.729 billion baht, indicating both bids were just below projected costs.Construction of both rail extensions is expected to commence soon, with a projected timeline of 36 months. The target completion date is set for February 2029, with operations slated to begin in March 2029. This expansion is anticipated to enhance regional connectivity and ease traffic congestion significantly, reported Bangkok Post.Key TakeawaysMRTA finalized bids for Red Line rail expansion projects.Construction to be completed in 36 months, opening in March 2029.Projects aim to improve transport connectivity and ease congestion.Related StoriesMRTA Adopts Japan’s TOD Model for Praram 9 ProjectThailand's MRTA Asks for Approval for New Bangkok Route on the Orange Line Adapted by ASEAN Now from Bangkok Post 2026-01-15
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