MRT Blue Line extension to be operational ahead of schedule

BANGKOK, Aug 8 (TNA) – Bangkok’s electric rail line extension from Hua Lamphong-Bang Khae is expected to be operational on August 12 next year, about two months ahead of the original plan. Deputy Governor of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) Pakapong Sirikantaramas said the construction of MRT Blue Line extensions from Hua Lamphong-Bang Khae and Tao Poon-Tha Phra are almost finished. The Hua Lamphong-Bang Khae extension is likely to be operational in August, 2019 and the test run will be conducted in June before the official service opening. Meanwhile, the Tao-Poon-Tha Phra section is expected to start operation on April, 2020 as the original plan. The Metropolitan Rapid Transit (MRT) operator has also procured more electric trains to serve the rail route extensions. New 35 trains will be delivered at the end of this year to the beginning of next year. Each train has more capacity to carry about 3,000 passengers. Regarding the construction of the new Yellow Line route from Lat Phrao to Samrong, he said that the MRTA has worked the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration to relocate electric poles and sewer pipes along Lat Phrao road and curbside bus stops will be built along the route to relieve traffic congestion during the railway construction. (TNA)