BANGKOK, 10 March 2015 – Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha affirmed on Monday that the target date for bringing the entire electric train network for Greater Bangkok into service is currently being set for late 2018 or in 2019.
On Monday, General Prayut presided over the launching ceremony for the tunnel boring machine that will bore under the Chao Phraya River to allow the Sanam Chai-Tha Phra segment of the Blue Line extension to be completed. According to Gen. Prayut, the entire electric train system for Greater Bangkok is expected to come into service by late 2018 or in 2019. The government has been addressing hurdles in terms of contracts in the hope of moving the service date forth. There are currently three electric train routes that remain to be approved by the Cabinet, said Gen. Prayut.
Monday’s ceremony was also attended by Transport Minister Prajin Juntong, who reaffirmed to reporters that the Purple Line electric train would be coming into service by January next year.
The Blue Line extensions from Hua Lamphong to Bang Khae and from Bang Sue to Tha Phra stretch 27 kilometers and encompass 22 stations. Unlike the main segment of the Blue Line currently in service, most of the extensions’ railways will be located above ground.
