Thailand’s National Economic and Social Development Council has approved development of the western section of the orange line of the Bangkok MRT system on a public-private partnership (PPP) basis. The national government will be responsible for land expropriation fees and the private partner will be responsible for the development of the rail system and the provision of O&M services for a period of 30 years.
The Orange Line will span 39.6 km from Taling Chan railway station to Min Buri, covering 30 stations. It is being developed in two sections – the eastern and western sections. The 22.57 km eastern section is currently under construction. The western section, which will be fully underground, will span 17 km from Bang Khun Non to Min Buri, covering 13 stations. It will be developed at an estimated investment of THB 235 billion. Construction is expected to begin by early 2020 and passenger services by 2025.