Three-route Extension Of The Sky-train Project Will Be Pushed Forward

[Jai Dee]

Three-route extension of the sky-train project will be pushed forward

The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) board asserted that the three-route extension of the sky-train project will be carried on.

Mrs. Anchalee Chawanit, the chairperson of the MRTA board, met with Transport Minister Thira Hao-charoen and Deputy Minister of Transport Sarnsern Wongcha-um. Mrs. Anchalee congratulated Admiral Thira for being appointed as the new Transport Minister. She said both ministers are very keen on the sky-train’s three-route extension project, and they have ordered for the details of this project in order to continue it after the government has announced its policies. She said it would be up to both ministers whether the project plan will remain the same or be adjusted.

However, Mrs. Anchalee said the project has not been suspended following the change of the government.

The officials of Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) have come to Thailand to study the feasibility of the project and examine the drafted conditions so they can approve the loan budget of 150 billion baht.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 17 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

DPM Pridiyathorn expedites the construction of BTS three-route extension

The Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, M.R. Pridiyathorn Devakula (ปรีดิยาธร เทวกุล), has confirmed that the construction of three new routes of the Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) will start within one year.

Referring to the plan for constructing three new BTS routes, M.R. Pridiyathorn said that the construction should start ahead of schedule if no obstacles arise. The construction has been set to commence on June next year. He said that officials may adjust the project conditions in order to comply with the budget and the cooperation with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).

However, relevant units will issue the final construction plan of this three-route extension project within next week. Currently, officials are considering which routes should be constructed first.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 October 2006

[Jai Dee]

Transport Ministry and BMA has been urged to discuss together on gearing up the construction of BTS route extension

The Deputy Permanent Secretary for Transport, Mr. Chalor Kotcharat (ชลอ คชรัตน์), has been urged to discuss with the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to press on with the construction of the Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) route extension from Taksin Bridge to Thonburi area.

He said that M.R. Pridiyathorn Devakula (ปรีดิยาธร เทวกุล), the Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister, has assigned Transport Ministry and BMA to discuss this matter together. He said that the project will help reduce traffic congestions and provide benefits for many residents in Thonburi.

The proportion of people who are living in Thonburi area is 30 percent of the population in Bangkok.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 20 October 2006

[farangsay]

And with the new management in place it won't cost

so much either.

[billd766]

They had started on the Sukhumvit extension from On Nut to Suk 107 3 weeks ago and Sukhumvit road after midnight is absolutely horrendous and even dangerous to travel on.

[andyashley]

They had started on the Sukhumvit extension from On Nut to Suk 107 3 weeks ago and Sukhumvit road after midnight is absolutely horrendous and even dangerous to travel on.

either ways im glad they're finally deciding to get the sky train done.

[billd766]

They had started on the Sukhumvit extension from On Nut to Suk 107 3 weeks ago and Sukhumvit road after midnight is absolutely horrendous and even dangerous to travel on.

either ways im glad they're finally deciding to get the sky train done.

I was here when they started the Skytrain and the traffic problems on Sukhumvit then were really bad.

Sukhumvit used to be 4 lanes wide and during construction works it was down to 2 lanes. A friend of mine took 2 hours one night to get from Suk 26 to Suk 22. I have a Thai friend I stay with when I am In Bangkok and she lives on Suk 101/1 and she tells me that it is really bad from about 11pm to about 5am when they are building. At least this time the trucks with the concrete beams will be able to get in from the expressway at Suk 62 or the Bang Na end.

It do think it is a good idea provided that they put in car parks at the terminus. I really have no idea why they stopped at On Nut and Mo Chit last time.

It is not a big problem for me as I live up country and only visit Bangkok every couple of months.

[dantilley]

What about the two missing stations, between Ari & Saphan Kwai, and Chong Nonsi & Surasak? Are these being built, does anyone know?

[Jai Dee]

BTS Three-Route Extension Project should be concluded within 2 weeks

The Transport Minister, Admiral Thira Hao-Charoen, indicated that the resolution on the construction of the Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) route extension will be finalized within the next two weeks.

Admiral Thira talked about the progress of the BTS route extension project. The extension will consist of three routes, namely the red route between Rangsit and Mahachai, the purple route between Bang Yai and Bang Sue, and the dark blue route between Hua Lamphong and Bang Khae as well as Bang Sue and Tha Phra.

The consideration criteria on which route the construction will start from will be determined before the end of next week.

Admiral Thira also affirmed that this transport project will happen during the administration of this interim government.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 31 October 2006

[Rinrada]

They had started on the Sukhumvit extension from On Nut to Suk 107 3 weeks ago and Sukhumvit road after midnight is absolutely horrendous and even dangerous to travel on.

Absolutely..but will be great when finished...

I got stuck in a taxi one night on last visit for over an hour on the bit between Bagna T and On -Nut. I usually take the 116 bus but on that occasion they all appeared to have gone home to their bed. so stuck it out in said taxi.

He (the driver ) was supposed to finish at 7-00pm but when we finally got to On-N it was well after 8-30 and I recon his dinner must have been in the dog....Cool heart bit needed....

Anyway on return journey from 33 after a visit to Villa @ about 2-00am it was no problem.

Khun Stirling Moss got me all the way back to Sam P in about 20 minute but must say I was impressed with the new road works (on the extension) from ONi to the Bangna.

I counted almost 40 lorries loading up and there must have been easily a couple of hundred lads on "tit" Job digging away,jack-hammering surveying and clearing away the rubble.....keep it up chaps and roll on 2009... when hopefully....

[Jai Dee]

Transport ministry to present BTS extension project to Cabinet tomorrow

The Transport Minister, Admiral Thira Hao-charoen (ธีระ ห้าวเจริญ), said the Ministry of Transport will present the BTS route extension project to the Cabinet meeting tomorrow and wait for the government’s approval. He also spoke about the rectification of the previous government’s resolution on this project, saying the principle will still be the same but the outline may be changed slightly.

Admiral Thira will present the board executives’ names of the departments under the Transport Ministry such as the State Railway of Thailand, the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand, the Department of Civil Aviation, the Port Authority of Thailand, the Expressway and Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand, and the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA). The remaining departments are in a company limited status, and they need to have a meeting with the shareholders first.

The Transport Minister also added that the selection of executives must consider their capabilities in all aspects so their works can be inspected.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 06 November 2006

[Jai Dee]

OTP surveying opinions on sky train route extension

The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP), in collaboration with the Dusit Rajabhat University, is conducting a poll on the construction of skytrain route extension.

OTP Director Maitri Srinaranuwat (ไมตรี ศรีนราวัฒน์) revealed that OTP is surveying people’s opinions about the extension of five sky train routes.

The five routes are the blue line linking Hua Lamphong (หัวลำโพง) - Bang Kae (บางแค) and Bang Sue (บางซื่อ) – Tha Phra (ท่าพระ), the purple line on Bang Yai (บางใหญ่) – Bang Sue, the red line on Bang Sue – Rangsit (รังสิต); Bang Sue – Taling Shan (ตลื่งชัน); and Bang Sue – Mugkasan (มักกะสัน) – Hua Mak (หัวหมาก), the light green on On-Nut (อ่อนนุช) – Samutprakarn (สมุทรปราการ), and the fifth line is the dark green or the Mo-Shit – Saphan Mai (สะพานใหม่) route.

After the poll has been completed, OTP will submit the results to the cabinet at the end of December for consideration.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 29 November 2006

[JimsKnight]

OTP surveying opinions on sky train route extension

The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP), in collaboration with the Dusit Rajabhat University, is conducting a poll on the construction of skytrain route extension.

OTP Director Maitri Srinaranuwat (ไมตรี ศรีนราวัฒน์) revealed that OTP is surveying people’s opinions about the extension of five sky train routes.

The five routes are the blue line linking Hua Lamphong (หัวลำโพง) - Bang Kae (บางแค) and Bang Sue (บางซื่อ) – Tha Phra (ท่าพระ), the purple line on Bang Yai (บางใหญ่) – Bang Sue, the red line on Bang Sue – Rangsit (รังสิต); Bang Sue – Taling Shan (ตลื่งชัน); and Bang Sue – Mugkasan (มักกะสัน) – Hua Mak (หัวหมาก), the light green on On-Nut (อ่อนนุช) – Samutprakarn (สมุทรปราการ), and the fifth line is the dark green or the Mo-Shit – Saphan Mai (สะพานใหม่) route.

After the poll has been completed, OTP will submit the results to the cabinet at the end of December for consideration.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 29 November 2006

Are any of these routes going to the airports (DM and the new one). The old airport road (to DM) has the look of monoliths where construction was halted pre-2000.

Or will that take another 5 years?

[ThaiGoon]

Are any of these routes going to the airports (DM and the new one). The old airport road (to DM) has the look of monoliths where construction was halted pre-2000.

Or will that take another 5 years?

The red line was supposed to link DM with the new one. But due to the uncertain future of DM, and the fact that a portion of the line would have to run past Jitradda, H.M.K.'s palace, the current plan only has it run from Rangsit (past DM) to Bang Sue...while the current airport rail link that's under construction right now runs only from the new airport to makasan. It's expected the Bang Sue- Payatai - Makasan portion will get approved by the govt later once the above issues get cleared up. That's all I know so far.

[Jai Dee]

BTSC orders more 12 trains in preparation for BTS extension routes

Bangkok Transit System Company (BTSC) has procured an additional 12 trains in preparation for BTS extension routes.

Bangkok Deputy Governor Bannasopit Mekvichai (บรรณโศภิษฐ์ เมฆวิชัย) revealed that smart cards can be used for both the BTS and BMTA. Currently 50,000 smart cards have been issued for the trial period.

In regards to BTS extension route on Sukhumvit Road, BTSC will quickly conclude the details, including disseminating news regarding the new route. The conclusion is supposed to be submitted today. Officials will also survey to see whether the shortcut can be used during the construction of BTS extension route. At the same time, Public Works Department will study on ways to prevent buildings from being damaged by the construction.

Bangkok Governor will inspect the construction sites by himself in the beginning of January.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 29 December 2006

[Jai Dee]

Government goes ahead with its plan on 5 BTS lines with first auction expected in March

Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Pridiyathorn Devakula (ปรีดิยาธร เทวกุล) said the meeting between the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) and relevant officials today explored the progress of five new mass-transit routes which are extensions to the existing lines.

The first auction is planned in March for the Red line running between Bang Sue - Rangsit -Taling Chan. The bid for the purple line between Bang Yai - Bang Sue will proceed in May. Another red line between Bang Sue-Makkasan and Huamak as well as the blue line between Hua Lamphong - Bang Khae and Bang Sue - Tha Phra are to be auctioned in July.

As for the light green line between On Nut and Bearing - Samut Prakan province and dark green line between Mo Chit and Saphan Mai, the meeting resolved to ask related units to reconsider the projects as the lines are too long.

Source: Thai National News Bureau Public Relations Department - 09 January 2007

[Jai Dee]

Thai Government Sets Bidding For 3 Mass Transit Routes Mar-July

BANGKOK -(Dow Jones)- Bidding for three new Bangkok mass transit routes worth a combined of THB135.73 billion will take place between March and July, Deputy Prime Minister Pridiyathorn Devakula said Monday.

"There's no need to worry about funding. We can either issue bonds or borrow from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation," Pridiyathorn, who is also the finance minister, told reporters after meeting with government agencies on the progress of the mass transit projects.

The bidding for the red route, covering 41 kilometers and budgeted at around THB53.99 billion, will take place in March, he said.

For the violet route, covering 23 kilometers and budgeted at around THB29.16 billion, bidding will be in May, while that for an extension to the blue line, covering 27 kilometers and worth THB52.58 billion, will be in July, Pridiyathorn said.

In November, 2006, the Cabinet approved the construction of five routes with a combined length of 118 kilometers and a total estimated cost of THB165.40 billion. They are expected to be completed by the end of 2012.

Source: Dow-Jones - 09 January 2007

[steveromagnino]

What about the two missing stations, between Ari & Saphan Kwai, and Chong Nonsi & Surasak? Are these being built, does anyone know?

AFAIK there never was any plan to have more stations there; there isn't any major reason I can think of to build them.

Jimsknight

The line out to the airport was the hopewell/hopeless structure by SRT and some HK infrastructure private company; and was mired in debt and disaster well before 2000. i.e. It isn't the same group, and hard to do any deal there, although during the previous administration there was an attempt to roll them together, nationalise them, then set up the whole thing for privatisation to a group of investors who would probably have been something similar to the PTT privatisation deal, or can't I say that, is that a bit Shin?

Now with the new airport line coming into Makkasan, there isn't much reason to go up the express way out to Don Muang, it is a long distance without much conjestion compared to the routes they are planning to Pahonyothin etc; Thai Goon has spelled it out pretty well :-)