MRTA says Purple Line extension, Phuket LRT are moving ahead
Meanwhile, electric railway projects in Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Nakhon Ratchasima are expected to begin operations in 2032.
The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand said on May 8 that major rail projects are advancing, with Bangkok’s Purple Line extension more than 70% complete and Phuket included in a broader pipeline of systems targeted for operation in 2032. The agency said the 23.6-kilometre southern extension remains on schedule to open in 2030, while Phuket’s proposed light rail transit line is set to proceed after related road works are finished.
Purple Line PPP terms under revision
MRTA governor Gardphajon Udomdhammabhakdi said the Tao Poon-to-Rat Burana section is expected to be completed by October next year. The project’s operating cost is preliminarily estimated at 20-30 billion baht.
The authority is revising the public-private partnership terms to align the project with the government’s common ticketing policy. Those revised terms are expected to go to the MRTA board within the next two months.
MRTA also said operating the southern extension together with the northern section would maximise use of the existing 21 Purple Line trains. Procurement of additional trains is still being assessed.
Phuket line tied to highway works, Cabinet process
In Phuket, the proposed 42-kilometre LRT line would link Phuket International Airport with Chalong Intersection. MRTA said the project will move forward after the Department of Highways completes road improvement work intended to reduce disruption during construction.
The Phuket project is expected to be submitted to the Cabinet by late next year. MRTA said electric railway systems in Phuket, Chiang Mai and Nakhon Ratchasima are all expected to begin operations in 2032.
Elsewhere, Chiang Mai’s Red Line tram project is advancing after a design study for a five-kilometre extension from Mae Hia Saman Samakkhi Intersection to Royal Park Rajapruek. In Nakhon Ratchasima, the Orange Line between Debaratana Hospital and Chor Hor interchange station has been revised, with about 30-40% of the route adjusted from the original Green Line proposal.
Source: https://www.bangkokpost.com/thailand/general/3251548/major-rail-projects-making-progress
