SRT Merges Light Red Line Sections to Streamline Project and Cut Costs

(CTN News) – The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) wants to unite two enlarged portions of the Light Red Line mass transport project to decrease costs and handle overlapping areas.

According to SRT deputy governor Anan Phonimdang, the Taling Chan-Salaya and Taling Chan-Siriraj sections will be integrated into a single project to reduce overlap in Bangkok’s Taling Chan district on the western side.

The combination, approved by the state enterprise’s board, is likely to help speed up the transfer of vital land, as well as building and system installation, he stated.

Details of SRT Light Red Line Route

The Taling Chan-Salaya section is 14.8 km and has six stations: Phra Ram 6, Bang Kruai-Egat, Ban Chim Phli, Kanchanaphisek, Sala Thammasop, and Salaya. The 5.7-kilometer Taling Chan-Siriraj route includes three stations: Taling Chan Floating Market, Charan Sanitwong, and Thon Buri-Siriraj.

Mr Anan stated that the merger will reduce overall project costs somewhat, from 15.3 billion to 15.1 billion baht, with the project being built by a single contractor.

The project proposal will be submitted to the cabinet for consideration next month. Mr Anan anticipates that it will take eight months to complete bids for a contractor and project advisors.

Construction is expected to begin in May of next year and will be completed in 36 months, with operations beginning in May 2028.

In a related development, Mr Anan stated that the SRT board authorised a plan to employ a consultant at a cost of 135.6 million baht to study the design, environmental impact, and terms of reference for a 33.16-kilometer commuter rail project from Wong Wian Yai in Bangkok to Mahachai in Samut Sakhon province.

The board, however, directed the SRT to first consult with the Ministry of Transportation’s Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP).

Previously, the OTP advised a new study if the SRT was to develop the Wong Wian Yai-Mahachai route, also known as the Dark Red Line, because some parts would have to be elevated.

Mr Anan stated that the SRT would also consult with the Department of Rail Transport about a proposed 3.4-kilometre route between Hua Lamphong and Wong Wian Yai.

Source: Bangkok Post