BANGKOK, 26 July 2015 – The Ministry of Transport has decided to quicken the launch of Metropolitan Rapid Transit Purple Line, as the construction is nearing completion.
According to Transport Minister Air Chief Marshal Prajin Juntong, the opening of the MRT Purple Line will be either in April or May 2016, instead of August 2016 as previously planned.
During his trip to Japan in April, ACM Prajin discussed the Ministry of Transport’s plan to reschedule the inauguration of the new MRT route with the Japanese company which undertakes the construction of carriages. The firm agreed to speed up their work to meet the new time frame.
The first batch of three trains is expected to reach the country in September for a test run in December. However, ACM Prajin said the Mass Rapid Transit Authority was still non-committal about the plan, since the operation of the trains also depends on readiness of the safety system and personnel.
The 23-kilometer MRT Purple Line runs from Bangkok’s Bang Sue District to Bang Yai District in Nonthaburi Province. Its launch is aimed at facilitating residents who have to commute between the suburb province and Bangkok and vice versa.
