All systems go: Bangkok’s new Red Line to be greenlit in April
The eagerly anticipated extension of Thailand’s Red Line from Siriraj Hospital to Salaya is racing towards Cabinet approval this April.
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced that the colossal 15.17 billion baht project has cleared all the necessary bureaucratic hurdles. The Finance Ministry, Budget Bureau, and National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) have all rendered their blessing, sending the proposal on its way to the Cabinet.
The Department of Rail Transport (DRT) is in the final stretch, preparing the last pieces of the puzzle. It’s expected to wrap up its work this week, setting the stage for the Secretariat of the Cabinet (SoC) to take over.
Before the Cabinet gives the green light, the SoC will seek input from other key players, including the Natural Resources and Environment Ministry. Suriya remains optimistic that everything will be in place for an early April decision.
The Red Line extension will span almost 21 kilometres, stretching from Taling Chan Station in Bangkok to Salaya Station in Nakhon Pathom.
It will also introduce a crucial new branch to Siriraj Station, enhancing access to Siriraj Hospital with eight new stations along the way. Pending approval, construction is slated to begin in January and finish by January 2029, reported Bangkok Post.
In related transport news, a new bill could soon make life easier for commuters by allowing a single ticket to be used across all public transport, while also cutting service costs.
The Common Ticketing System Management Bill is being reviewed by a House special committee after a public hearing organised by the Thailand Consumers Council.
Jiraroth Sukolrat, Deputy Director General of the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning, said the bill would end ticketing chaos, improve safety, and ensure fairer fares by stopping agencies from stepping on each other’s toes.
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