The New Skytrain

[bkkcanuck8]

4 hours ago, Lakegeneve said:

I'd love it if both lines would revert to being heavy rail but that would mean another significant delay of at least 12-18 months.

 

Given the short sighted nature of planning and especially real estate profit motives, I'd imagine that they want lines to open ASAP and at the cheapest cost regardless of the medium to long terms needs/consequences.

The wider the coverage of the system, the less the need for every line to be built as though it is a major arterial link.  Building everything as if it is a major arterial link when the demand is not seen as sufficient for the foreseeable future will only guarantee that the lines will not be built until the demand has reached that of the arterial link -- which can mean decades waiting.  

[Lakegeneve]

On 1/4/2017 at 5:15 PM, bkkcanuck8 said:

The wider the coverage of the system, the less the need for every line to be built as though it is a major arterial link.  Building everything as if it is a major arterial link when the demand is not seen as sufficient for the foreseeable future will only guarantee that the lines will not be built until the demand has reached that of the arterial link -- which can mean decades waiting.  

Both the Pink and Yellow lines were first designed a heavy rail due to the forecast pax demand and growth in those corridors. Those forecasts have not subsequently decreased , they have actually increased due to other factors such as pop growth along the corridor. Thus, your suggestion is not valid in this case as you seem to have neglected this fact. The demand is there and has been for years. (The Pink line was first meant to commence construction in 2009)

 

Both are lines are along major transport corridors with significant commercial and residential pops along the much of the route. Both lines also provide significant interchanges with other major lines. Light rail will not provide sufficient capacity in the medium to long term. Imagine if the sukhumvit line was light rail and not heavy rail! Do remember that for the first 18 months the BTS had such low pax numbers that some people initially thought that is was a lemon and the then BKK Governor (who was not a fan as he thought it increased noise pollution) even considered that the BTS should be shut down. 

 

The policy change from heavy rail to light was not based on decreased estimated demand nor design limitations of heavy rail. Officially, the MRTA stated that the change was a cost issue but that factor is subsequently not as relevant as the current cost of the Pink Lin for example exceeds the previous heavy rail cost even taking into account decreases in some raw material prices. Obviously, such as with the Yellow line converting a mostly underground heavy rail line to an elevated light rail line does decrease construction costs.  Unofficially, the MRTA was lobbied and wined and dined by a Malaysian monorail constructor. Thereafter, the Pink line was changed to a monorail line and 2 years later the Yellow line was also likewise changed. Also, since then a number of other lines have been proposed as monorail, eg. Grey, Light Blue and Brown lines.

 

As I said a number of times, the operator will have capacity issues on both of these lines almost from day 1. At the very least within the first 6-12 months of operation.

 

BKK has a large enough pop that all proposed metro lines should be built as heavy rail except for short feeder or link lines eg. the current Gold monorail proposal or proposed Bang Sue and Makkasan loop lines or a tram around Rattanakosin area. Smaller cities in the world have all heavy rail metro lines and still have capacity issues.

[Lakegeneve]

Orange Line Contracts signed

The 6 contracts for the Phase 1 of Orange Line were signed yesterday after negotiations between the MRTA and winning bidders.

Construction should commence in the 2nd half of the year with an planned opening date of 2023. (Add 1 year to that)

(Remember that this line was originally due to be tendered before the end of 2014......)

 

Contract 1: TCC to Ram Khamhaeng soi 12 - 6.9 km 3 underground stations 

Contract 2: Ram Khamhaeng soi 12 station to Hua Mark - 3.44 km with 4 underground stations (Ram Khamhaeng 12, Ram Uni, Raj. stadium, Hua Mark)
Contract 3: Hua Mark to Ban Mah - 4.04 km 3 underground stations (Lam Salee, Sri Boorapha & Ban Mah) 

Contract 4: Ban Mah to Suwinthawongse - 8.8 km at 7 elevated stations (Summakorn, Nom Klao, Rat Phatthana, Min Phatthana, Keha Ram., Minburi, and Suwinthawongse)

Contract 5: Depot and park and ride buildings

Contract 6: Track laying for the line

 

 

 

I'll post a more detailed overview of the Orange Line in the near future.

 

Edited February 10, 2017 by Lakegeneve

[Lakegeneve]

To update that which I mentioned on 26 Dec post for the other main contracts/ openings this year....

 

1) Blue Line Bang Sue-Tao Poon 'Missing link' -

A Sept opening seems to be the date at this stage......?

 

2) MRTA Pink and Yellow monorail lines - bids awarded

Ongoing negotiations and winning bidders want to extend the Yellow line 2.6km to Phahon Yothin intersection to link to the BTS but this will require an EIA. I still think that the rolling stock issue is not finalised but let's see how these discussions progress.

 

3) BTS Dark Green line (Southern Ext) - phase 1

1st Phase (Bearing to Samrong) is now said to open in early May but the BMA has yet to officially agree to take on the project from the MRTA given the financials. 

 

The MRTA has stated the Phase 2 of the Purple Line is well advanced for a tender as is the Blue Line west extension. I expect both to be out in the 2nd half of 2017.

[Lakegeneve]

On 2/10/2017 at 1:55 PM, Lakegeneve said:

 

2) MRTA Pink and Yellow monorail lines - bids awarded

Ongoing negotiations and winning bidders want to extend the Yellow line 2.6km to Phahon Yothin intersection to link to the BTS but this will require an EIA. I still think that the rolling stock issue is not finalised but let's see how these discussions progress.

The BSR winning tender consortium has recently been visiting Hitachi & CRV factory in Chongqiing, western China.

Reportedly, Bombardier also has a good chance to win the contract with monorails constructed in China too. So it appears to be down to these 2 joint ventures based in China. 

 

Ironically, the Malaysians appear to be completing out in the cold for rolling stock selection. (Probably due to Scomis troubles in Mumbai?)

I say ironically as they were the ones who entertained & lobbied decision makers many years ago to change these lines from heavy to light rail.....(read my earlier posts on the issue).

 

I still can't see either of these lines beginning work this year. Once the rolling stock is selected there is still some redesign work that will need to be completed before the final track and station design can be approved.

[Lakegeneve]

On 9/8/2016 at 8:42 AM, dantilley said:

Any update on the Airport Link, in particular whether or not they will be buying extra trains, or if trains under maintenance will return to service? It seems to be struggling to cope at the moment, something really needs to be done.

Airport Link update

It has been nearly 4 years now since the SRT approved the budget for the 7 new 5 car sets!!!

Last year, the tendering process was suspended due to irregularities in the process arising from late 2015. Still no new rolling stock has been ordered.

 

Thus, the current proposal being floated is to order 12-15 new cars from Siemens that can be added to the current 9 sets (5 City & 4 Express) to make them all 5 cars sets. If Siemens can prioritise the order the hope that they could be delivered by late 2018 or early 2019! In the meantime, the conversion of the baggage cars for pax on the 4 Express sets proceeds.

 

Pax are still bursting at the seams at above 70k per day on weekedays and over 50k on the weekends for an annual figure of around 21m pax.

[Lakegeneve]

On 9/7/2016 at 4:35 PM, Lakegeneve said:

An update for Issan....as timing would have it Cabinet approved the Gold Line monorail yesterday.....

(Note: not to be confused with the previous 2013 Kaset-Namawin Gold Line monorail proposal nor Samaks 2008 Gold Ring Line napkin idea - see #127, pg 6.......)

 

 

However, the feasibility study needs to be done, then an EIA and then it needs to be tendered BUT somehow all of that is going to magically happen very quickly and the first 1.8km will be operation by 2018!!! (They have given up on Dec 2017 it seems). Then, the next .9km will be done by 2023 apparently.......very unrealistic time frames.

 

The Gold Line appears to have moved a step closer with Cabinet endorsing the BMA proposal on Tuesday after completing the feasibility study. Let's see if it still progresses during the year.....

[Lakegeneve]

On 9/23/2014 at 11:06 AM, Lakegeneve said:

Blue Line extension - Tha Phra station

 

A great pic here of Blue Line extension Tha Phra station construction site. It will be built above the intersection of Phetkasem rd & Charan Sanit Wong rd (Inner Ring rd) which has a flyover.

 

 

 

Tha Phra station is unique as it is an interchange station for the same line - very rare in the world. Both levels serve the Blue Line, which is a fake loop line. The design also means that the Blue line can be extended further south along the Inner Ring rd in the future if required. (See the following post regarding the Grey line). Although, an extension west further along Phetkasem rd is currently being evaluated and will the first priority for any possible future extensions of this line once this extension is complete.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A couple of recent pics of the mostly built Tha Phra station;

 

Still from a condo development video

Credit: Khun Pisut

[ExpatOilWorker]

What do you mean by "an interchange station for the same line"?

[Crossy]

3 minutes ago, ExpatOilWorker said:

What do you mean by "an interchange station for the same line"?

 

The Blue Line extension closes the circle. But it's not a complete loop the two ends cross at which point there's a Blue to Blue interchange.

 

One of the free ends runs out to Puthamunthon sai 4 IIRC.

 

[Lakegeneve]

On 10/28/2016 at 1:12 PM, Lakegeneve said:

Quoting myself as well.........

 

Basically, it's an extra 8kms (just under 8kms actually) along Phtekasem rd past the Western Ring rd to Phutthamonthon sai 4 in Nakhon Pathom province. It's a no brainer and easy to tender while the full extension is still being built. One assumes the same contractor will have a good chance for the bid.

 

This is the current project map (divided by contracts) that I originally posted way back on pg 6 #138 when answering a query about the design of the Blue Line ext.

As you can see the current line finishes at Lak Song just before the Western Ring rd. Thus add another 7.8kms west.....

 

Cabinet should approve the 7.8km Blue Line west extension to Phuthamonthon sai 4 in the next 2 weeks. (ie. beyond Lak Song for 7.8kms)

 

The MRTA is stating that a tender should be ready by the 3rd quarter of 2017 with a hopeful speedy contract process and works commencing in the 4th quarter.  Let's wait and see if this timetable can be followed....

 

[Lakegeneve]

A few quick updates...

 

Firstly, RIP to the 3 workers killed on the Dark Red Line - that's a total of 8 killed since construction began! Totally unacceptable!

 

1) Pink & Yellow Monorail Lines:

The MRTA Announced yesterday that there will be a contract signing ceremony on 18 May. The two additions to these projects (Pink MTT spur/loop & Yellow line ext to Phayonthin intersection are still subject to EIAs)

 

It appears that the bidders have opted for Bombardier rolling stock (to be built in China) .......should be confirmed on 18 May.

 

2) Orange Line

There are now a few preliminary work sites along the Orange line around  Pradit Manutham and Ram rds. However, after July will be when proper construction is expected to commence.

3) New extensions expected to be approved by mid year for tender

a) Blue Line extension (as above)

b ) Purple Line Phase 2 southern extension

c) Orange Line Phase 2 western

 

I'll do an updated full summary list after 18 May........

[CLW]

Any update on the opening date of the dark red line section?

[Crossy]

Just now, CLW said:

Any update on the opening date of the dark red line section?

 

Not heard of any changes despite the current halt in work due to the fatal collapse of a launcher, officially still 2020.

 

BUT, looking at the (lack of) progress on Bang Sue Grand station 2020 is looking increasingly unlikely.

 

[ExpatOilWorker]

On 4/5/2560 at 2:50 PM, Lakegeneve said:

A few quick updates...

 

Firstly, RIP to the 3 workers killed on the Dark Red Line - that's a total of 8 killed since construction began! Totally unacceptable!

 

1) Pink & Yellow Monorail Lines:

The MRTA Announced yesterday that there will be a contract signing ceremony on 18 May. The two additions to these projects (Pink MTT spur/loop & Yellow line ext to Phayonthin intersection are still subject to EIAs)

 

It appears that the bidders have opted for Bombardier rolling stock (to be built in China) .......should be confirmed on 18 May.

 

2) Orange Line

There are now a few preliminary work sites along the Orange line around  Pradit Manutham and Ram rds. However, after July will be when proper construction is expected to commence.

3) New extensions expected to be approved by mid year for tender

a) Blue Line extension (as above)

b ) Purple Line Phase 2 southern extension

c) Orange Line Phase 2 western

 

I'll do an updated full summary list after 18 May........

 

May 18th came and went. 

[Lakegeneve]

Nice pic........who can say no to that look!   I did say "after 18 May"......:)

 

Seems prudent to wait a little longer as there will be some announcements shortly.

[Lakegeneve]

The new Bang Sue Intercity Terminal (replacing Hualumphong) is starting to take shape after  over 2 years of construction (and an extra 18 months added to the completion date)

 

This drone footage by DroneStudio2017 provides a good overview;

 

 

 

[CLW]

It looks amazing. So what you can see are the two platform levels?
Another topic, is there a set opening date for the link between Bang Sue and Tao Poon?

[Crossy]

14 minutes ago, CLW said:

It looks amazing. So what you can see are the two platform levels?
Another topic, is there a set opening date for the link between Bang Sue and Tao Poon?

 

Bang Sue Grand is a massive structure, there are indeed two levels of platforms and a huge overall roof. It ought to look fantastic, whether it will work as well as it looks ... 

 

11th August is go day for the Bang Sue => Tao Poon link

 

[CLW]

  Bang Sue Grand is a massive structure, there are indeed two levels of platforms and a huge overall roof. It ought to look fantastic, whether it will work as well as it looks ... 

 

11th August is go day for the Bang Sue => Tao Poon link [emoji2]

 

 

Are there some CG images of the finished station?

(Edit) Found already some pictures on Google

From what I can see now (of course the roof is missing) I like the architecture. Simple, purpose built, back to the basics. Not extravagant like Swampy.

 

 

 

[Crossy]

 

 

 

[CLW]

 

 

 

Thanks!

[Lakegeneve]

I'm will finally post an updated  list tomorrow. A few things to note.

 

1) Bang Sue - Tao poon ext finally opens on 11 August as you already know,

2) Orange line - construction has started at a number of sites. The construction time frame dictates a October 2022 opening.

3) Purple line Southern extension - Cabinet approved a few days ago and will be tendered by the end of the year. If construction starts in 2018, completion should be in 2023.

4) Pink and Yellow lines - are still a few months away from construction getting underway. Just preliminary works.

5) Orange line western extension - will be approved next and tendered by end of 2017.

6) Gold line - this privately funded 1.8km 'tinky toy' monorail line looks to get a start by late 2017/early 2018

 

This should be what is under construction by the end of 2017:

1) MRT Blue Line ext,
2) BTS Sukhumvit line southern ext,
3) BTS Sukhumvit line northern ext,
4) SRT Dark Red line,
5) MRT Orange line Phase 1,
6) MRT Pink monorail line,
7) MRT Yellow monorail line Phase 1.

 

That's 170.2kms of new line for the network!

Edited July 30, 2017 by Lakegeneve

[blackcab]

@Lakegeneve What would be your best guess of when the yellow line phase 2 would start and also be finished?

[ExpatOilWorker]

On 10/10/2016 at 1:59 PM, Lakegeneve said:

 

In other news, the BMA has finally completed the EIA of the Grey line. (This after they originally announced that it would be operational by 2015!)

 

I'd expect bidding on Phase 1 of this line for sometime next year.

 

"The first phase of the construction, which runs between Watcharapol and Thong Lor, with a total length of 16.25km, will require an investment of 27-30 billion baht. It will take about three years to complete.  The second phase runs between Phra Khanong and Rama III, with a total length of 12.17km. The third phase spans Rama III to Tha Phra, with a total length of 11.49km."

 

Is there an update on the status of the Grey line?

 

In 2013 you also wrote:

 

You would have noticed in the summary list that I always list the Grey and Black (Teal/Azure in some places) lines at the bottom of the list. These two lines are the most recent having only been proposed 2-3 years ago. (Though that Ngam Wong Wan - Kaset Namawin line mentioned above may rise again as the Brown line - more on that later).

All other lines have been in proposal for at least a decade with many having undergone modifications and changes due to various combinations of govts, dysfunction and delays. The Grey and Black lines are not part of the current govts priorities, nor were they the previous govts. In fact the current govt made it quite clear that if these 2 lines were to be constructed it would be into the next decade. That seemed reasonable.

Grey Line

However, the BMA has decided that the Grey Line (26km, 21 stations) is a priority and is now pursuing it 100% (if that means anything in a mass transit context). The BMA stated late last week that an EIA will be completed for the line by the end of the year with a view to issuing a tender early next year. The BMA wants this to be, yet another, monorail line (sigh!) and believes that the line can be constructed in a 3 year time frame. That would make 3 potential monorail lines (Pink 100%, Yellow still to be decided and Grey) in BKK. A problem for the future.

I doubt that the timeframe that the BMA has stated is achievable as this line still needs much development. However, it is interesting that the BMA is reportedly so keen to pursue it. It seems the Gov wants a major transport legacy before his term expires. It may also help the Dems votes it what becomes PT strongholds to the east of the line. The cost is said to be 32 billion baht but that it not a detailed costing at this stage. Realistically, this should be funded by the central govt via the MRTA. It should also be a heavy rail line and mostly underground.

I'd suggest that it would be unlikely that this line would be built before 2018/19 even with it being a priority of the BMA but let's wait and see if much progresses in the next 6 months.

Route:

The line basically follows the N-S alignment of Pradit Monutham rd (Chalong Rat Expressway) from Ram Inthra down to Rama 9 then Thonglor (connect with BTS) along Suk soi 38 to Rama 4, along Rama 4 to Ratchapisek rd (connects with MRT) then Ratchadapisek all the way to Rama 9 bridge. It would have 6 interchanges with other lines.

The list of proposed stations is;

1. Watcharaphon - Pink Line

2. Nuanchan

3. Kaset - nawamin

4. Yothin Phatthana

5. Lad Phrao 87 - Yellow Line

6. Chalongrat

7. Wang Thonglang

8. Nawasri/Ramkhamhaeng 21 - Orange Line (??)

9. Rama 9 Road

10. Thonglor 25

11. Thonglor 10

12. Thonglor - BTS

13. Sukhumvit 38

14. Klong Tan

15. Rama 4 road

16. Ratchada/Rama 4 - MRT

17. Klong Toei

18. Rama 3 road

19. Narathiwat - BRT

20. Sathupradit

21. Rama 9 Bridge

[Lakegeneve]

The usual caveat....this is only a summary and all is subject to change. Politics, dysfunction and a lack of coordination abounds in the implementation of mass transit policy and projects. 

Please note that the list numbers only refer to projects/lines or expected extensions based on future plans - numbers have nothing to do with the MOT/OTP 10 line master plan.

 

A few points to note;

1) The main progress since my last update in August 2016 (see #508) is that the Orange, Pink & Yellow lines were all contracted and construction work has, or is, about to start. The Purple Line southern extension is also soon to be tendered having been approved for such last week by Cabinet.

2) As posted yesterday, by the end of this year we should have some 170kms of new lines under construction (The current network is around 112kms of what will eventually be some 540kms) if the Yellow and Pink lines start work by the end of the year. There will be a many motorists complaining – as they always do!

3) By next year we should also see work starting on the Purple Line southern extension, the Blue line 7.8km extension, maybe the Western section of the Orange line (more likely for early 2019) and perhaps the ‘toy’ Gold line. 2018 and 2019 will be the period of significant geographical disruption around BKK that was mooted to occur in 2014/5 until everything was delayed due to the change of govt. By 2023, we will have a decent network, but still with plenty of gaps.

4) By the end of 2018 we should have the BTS Suk line ext to Paknam and the Blue line ext from Tao poon to Tha Phra both opening.

5) Finally, after nearly 20 years the 2 ‘missing’ BTS stations, S4 & N6, are being built. Work should begin this year or more likely early next.

6) The SRT commuter line extensions and the ARL extension have been on the back burner while the SRT finalized all of the various 5 intercity dual tracking projects that have been delayed for the last 4 years. Ditto on the HSR projects front. Now that these are well advanced we might see some progress on the next stage of commuter extensions……(don’t hold your breath).

7) I’ll also do a list of all of the rolling stock orders with dates.

 

Feel free to ask queries as they are a few people here with specialist knowledge but pls don't quote the whole list if you do post a query.

 

BANGKOK METRO & SUBURBAN NETWORK - UPDATED SUMMARY LIST 

A)   RECENTLY OPENED OR ABOUT TO OPEN:
1) BTS Dark Green line (Suk Line): Bearing (E14) to Samrong (E15)

2) MRTA Blue Line ext from Bang Sue to Tao Poon: 1.2km, 1 station. Opening 11 August.

 

B ) LINES/EXTS CURRENTLY UNDER CONSTRUCTION:
3) MRTA Blue Line ring ext (subway) Bang Khae/Phetkasem rd ext: civil works progress 87%)
a) Bang Sue - Tha Phra, 13.1 km, 7 elevated stations, Opens late 2018.
b ) Hua Lamphong - Lak Song, 13.9 km , 7 elevated & 4 underground stations. Opens 2019. Website: http://www.mrta-blueline.com/
4) BTS Dark Green line (Suk Line) Bearing to Paknam ext (MRTA): 12.6km, 7 stations (Opens in 2018 - civil works progress 98%). Website: http://www.mrta-greenline.net/
5) SRT Dark Red Line suburban line from Bang Sue to Rangsit: 26km, 8 stations* (Started March 2013, opens 2019/20 - civil works progress 86%). 
*SRT Dark Red Line is metre gauge, electric. 
6) New Intercity terminal at Bang Sue for all N, NE and S SRT intercity trains, Airport Line extension and both SRT Red Lines.

       (Construction started May 2014, opening 2019/20 - civil works progress 58%). 
7) BTS Dark Green line (northern ext) (Original completion date was 2008!). 
a) Mo Chit to Saphan Mai ext ( MRTA): 11.4km, 11 stations, 

b ) Saphan Mai to Kukot/Lam Lukka rd: 6.8km, 5 stations .
(Construction started late 2015, opening in 2019 - civil works progress 27%).  Website: http://www.mrta-greenline.net/
 8) MRTA Orange Line eastern section Phase 1: 20km, 17 stations (10 underground, 7 elevated) Thai Cultural Center to Minburi (Scheduled to open 2022).
Website: http://www.mrta-orangeline.net/

 

C ) LINES CONTRACTED WITH CONSTRUCTION due to START in late 2017:
9) MRTA Pink Line (monorail): Khae Rai intersection to Miniburi via Pakred, Chaeng Wattana & Ram Inthra 36km, 30 stations. http://www.mrta.co.th/pinkline/index.html
10) MRTA Yellow Line (Monorail) Phase 1: 30.4km, 21 stations elevated. Latphrao to Hua Mark. (Note: was previously heavy rail underground) http://www.mrta-yellowline.com/

 

D) LINES/EXTS TO BE TENDERED IN 2017:

11) Purple Line ext south. Taopoon to WWY then to Ratburna: 23.6 km. 17 stations (12.6km 10 stations underground, 11km 7 stations elevated). Note: Approved for tender by Cabinet on 25 July. Video or route, looking at a 2024 opening if construction starts by mid 2018. https://www.facebook.com/MRTA.PR/videos/1875103962706329

12) Orange Line Phase 2, west section: From TCC to Bang Khun Non (Charan Sawitwong rd). 17.5km, 13 stations underground.
13) Blue Line west ext to Phutthamonthon sai 4: 7.8km, 4 stations elevated.

E) LINES/EXTS TO BE TENDERED IN 2018-2019??
14) BTS S4 Suksa Wittaya station to be built in 2018.

15) BTS N6 Sena Ruam station to be built in 2018

16) BMA Gold monorail line: 1.8km, 3 stations 1^st phase. Privately financed line

17) SRT Dark Red Line north ext suburban line from Rangsit to Thammasat Uni: 8.5kms, 4 stations

18) BTS Dark Green (Sukhumvit) line south from Paknam to Bang Pu: 4 stations (planned)

19) Airport Rail Link (ARL) extension from Phayathai to Bangsue to Don Meaung (DMK): 21.8km, 5 stations 
20) SRT Light Red line extension: Taling Chan to Salaya, 12km, 5 stations *SRT Light Red is metre gauge, diesel.
21) MRTA Grey Monorail Line: 26km, 21 stations. Rama 9 Bridge to Kaset-Nawamin/Ram Inthra (Completing EIA). http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MRT_Grey_Line

F) NEXT BATCH OF LINES/EXTs (2020>) - assuming that all goes well in the next 2-3 years
22) MRTA Yellow Line (Monorail) Phase 2: 30.4km, 21 stations. Hua Mark to Samrong.
23) SRT Light Red Line spur line from Taling Chan to Thonburi station (Siraj). Note: It would more sensible to just extend the Orange line to Taling Chan.
24) BTS Light Green (Silom Line) west: 1-2 station ext west from National Stadium to Krung Kasem rd to link with the future SRT Dark Red Line.
25) SRT Dark Red Line south ext: 59 km, 22 stations
a) Bang Sue to Hualumphong to Wong Wian Yai, 7 stations
b ) WWY to Mahachai, 15 stations

26) BTS Dark Green (Sukhumvit) line north ext: from Kukot to Outer Ring rd, 4 stations (planned)

27) SRT Light Red ext from Bang Sue to Hua Mark, 7 stations (duplicates the ARL line)

28) BTS Light Green (Silom) line from Bang Wah to Taling Chan: 7km, 6 stations (EIA completed) 

G) THEREAFTER OR UNDER STUDY (2025 >)

29) Brown Monorail Line: 20.5km, 21 stations. Monorail Khae Rai intersection along Ngam Wong Wan, Kaset-Namawin to Lam Sali intersection (interchange with Yellow and Orange). (Feasibility study until mid 2018) http://www.brownline-fs2560.com/index.html
30) MRTA Purple Line north ext : 4.5km ext to Sai Noi intersection (requested by Nonthaburi province).
31) BTS Dark Green (Sukhumvit) spur line from Udom Suk to Central Bang Na & BKK Airport (planned)
32) MRTA Light Blue Line: 9.5km, 9 stations. Monorail. Sathon to Pracha Songkhro. (TBC)

 

H) Future monorails? – all TBC
33) Bang Sue Railyard redevelopment monorail loop
34) Makkasan Railyard redevelopment monorail loop
35) Samut Prakhan monorail line: Paknam to BKK Airport

 

 

[Lakegeneve]

 

The all important map, I'm only posting one for now. Credit to Archstudent.

 

[Lakegeneve]

18 hours ago, blackcab said:

@Lakegeneve What would be your best guess of when the yellow line phase 2 would start and also be finished?

I honestly don't know at this stage as both the MRTA and BEM want to see if Phase 1 construction can proceed smoothly firstly. However, I'd suggest that in 2-3 years would be the appropriate time to do a tender. It will depend if the MRTA wants the private sector to step in again and build it (read BEM). Most likely they will as there are loads of condo potential down Srinakarin rd.

 

Lastly, once Phase 2 is completed there will be pressure to extend the Yellow line further and go across the river from Samrong to Rat Burana. This makes a lot of sense and there is no planned E-W cross river link anywhere in the south (Samut Prakhan province). Such an extension would also be indicative of what should be the 3rd stage of expansion of a Bangkok network where we see more radial or connective links between lines in the middle and outer areas, eg. Brown line, Grey line, BTS Silom line Bang Wah to Taling Chan and further north to the Purple line, etc.

[Lakegeneve]

8 hours ago, ExpatOilWorker said:

Is there an update on the status of the Grey line?

 

In 2013 you also wrote:

You would have noticed in the summary list that I always list the Grey and Black (Teal/Azure in some places) lines at the bottom of the list. These two lines are the most recent having only been proposed 2-3 years ago. (Though that Ngam Wong Wan - Kaset Namawin line mentioned above may rise again as the Brown line - more on that later).

Grey Line

However, the BMA has decided that the Grey Line (26km, 21 stations) is a priority and is now pursuing it 100% (if that means anything in a mass transit context). The BMA stated late last week that an EIA will be completed for the line by the end of the year with a view to issuing a tender early next year. The BMA wants this to be, yet another, monorail line (sigh!) and believes that the line can be constructed in a 3 year time frame. That would make 3 potential monorail lines (Pink 100%, Yellow still to be decided and Grey) in BKK. A problem for the future.

I doubt that the timeframe that the BMA has stated is achievable as this line still needs much development. However, it is interesting that the BMA is reportedly so keen to pursue it. It seems the Gov wants a major transport legacy before his term expires. It may also help the Dems votes it what becomes PT strongholds to the east of the line. The cost is said to be 32 billion baht but that it not a detailed costing at this stage. Realistically, this should be funded by the central govt via the MRTA. It should also be a heavy rail line and mostly underground.

I'd suggest that it would be unlikely that this line would be built before 2018/19 even with it being a priority of the BMA but let's wait and see if much progresses in the next 6 months.

 

Not sure that you needed to quote the whole post including the station list.....

 

I also wrote the following on 15/3/2014;

Quote

 

 

A year ago it seemed that 2013 would be a seminal year for the expansion of the Bangkok metro system. The expectation was that at least 3 lines would be tendered and the peak glut of metro construction would continue into 2014 with 2 more new lines. A year ago, one would have anticipated that by early 2014 Bangkok would have 7 new lines or exts under construction – most likely with motorists all complaining about construction affected delays!

 

The current status of the Grey line is that it is still a proposed BMA line which is still being designed and needs an updated EIA. There have been many changes with the line no longer going to Chong Nongsi. The issue of beyond Thonglor. The problem of passing over the BTS line at Thonglor was a major factor in shortening the line with a tunnel option not realistically considered. The BMA is trying to acquire some land near the Kaset intersection for a depot and has ongoing negotiations with EXAT for site and right of way access along the expressway. Once that is done a new EIA will be completed.

 

The hype of the then BMA Gov back in 2013 saying that it would be done in 2-3 yrs of course came to nothing. The BMA and MOT are looking at it being a privately funded line similar to the Pink and Yellow lines. The BMA has funded 60m baht for a study of Phase 2 (along Rama 4 and Rama3).

 

The BMA has also had a few other line issues with the MRTA trying to offload the BTS exts to the BMA, the privately funded Gold line and residents wanting the Bang Wah to Taling Chan ext built. I've listed it as possible for tender in 2018/19, 2019 seems more realistic. My thoughts are that the BMA should just focus on and build the section from Wacharaphol (Pink Line) to Rama 9 (Orange line) first whilst working out what to do with the Thonglor/Suk soi 38 section - which should probably go underground and then continue to Rama 4 where it could then run elevated until Lumpini/Sathon rd.

 

Lastly, I don't agree with the Phase 2 of this line along Rama 3 and Ratchadapisek ring rd to link with the Blue Line at Tha Phra (essentially replacing the BRT line). It would be better to extend the Blue line south from Tha Phra or build another heavy rail line for this Ratchada/Rama 3 section. (A reminder that one of the original 3 BTS extensions was going to be from Chong Nongsi down Narathiwat rd and then along Rama 3).

 

Edited July 31, 2017 by Lakegeneve
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[Chou Anou]

1 hour ago, Lakegeneve said:

 

E) LINES/EXTS TO BE TENDERED IN 2018-2019??

18) BTS Dark Green (Sukhumvit) line south from Paknam to Bang Pu: 4 stations (planned)

 

 

 

I can verify that as of my last visit (Jan 2017) this section was very much already under construction, and has been for several years; just from line of sight from street level, I'd estimate 80%(?) or more completed, but I'm no expert...