Thread: Cabinet approves five Bangkok rail lines

Originally Posted by who

What does DM stand for?

I assume they meant Don Muang i.e the old international airport.

They are only interested how much they and their hiso patrons will get to fiddle out of it.
Corruption at its worst.
More sniping spots

Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

Business operators who seek compensation are required to furnish their financial and tax details.

that will be interesting

http://www.tannetwork.tv/tan/ViewData.aspx?DataID=1040504



Land Snag Delays New Train Line

UPDATE : 7 February 2011

The Transport Ministry has conceded that the planned construction of one of its mass transit lines is hitting a snag after locals residing along the expected route have refused to relocate.

Transport Ministry Permanent Secretary Supoj Saplom, who also chairs the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) Board, said that the Bang Yai-Bangsue, Purple Line mass rail transit system is just under 20 percent completed.


Supoj admitted that the lack of progress is caused by residents, residing along the planned construction route, refusing to be relocated.

He said many have refused to move out of their homes, in exchange for compensation from MRTA.

Supoj said that all related agencies have been asked to review the level of compensation offered to affected residents.

He hopes offering higher compensation would encourage the residents to agree to move.

The Transport Ministry Permanent Secretary went on to say that those who refused to relocate have been unhappy with the offer, saying the amount is not sufficient to compensate for their business losses.

According to Supoj, there are four main locations along the planned Purple Line route, which are experiencing the delay.

All of them are key locations slated to be the entrances and the exits for the stations.

http://www.tannetwork.tv/tan/ViewData.aspx?DataID=1040610



Transport Minister: Purple Train Route Ready by Dec 2014

UPDATE : 10 February 2011

The transport minister has ensured that the purple route mass-transit train construction will be completed by December, 2014 as planned.

Transport Minister Sophon Saram disclosed that he has instructed related officers to speed up construction of the purple route of the mass-transit system, from Bang Sue to Bang Yai.

He said prolonged construction will make the project subjected to rising construction material costs.

He noted that the progress is satisfactory as it is reported that 19 percent has been completed so far, which is faster than planned.


As for the blue route, from Bang Khae to Hua Lam Phong, and from Bang Sue to Tha Phra, Sophon insisted the contracts are likely to be signed within the next week.

Meanwhile, the minister presided over the installation ceremony for the rail of the purple line on Rattanathibet Road.

He said the construction for the first phase, from Tao Pun to Saphan Phra Nangklao stations, is expected to be ready in 12 months.

It will now offer at least 75,000 baht to each business that stands to be affected

even for a food vendor, this is just a few months wage. peanuts; no wonder they wont budge..

http://www.tannetwork.tv/tan/ViewData.aspx?DataID=1040809



MRTA to Open Bid for Bearing-Samutprakarn Extension in March

UPDATE : 16 February 2011

The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand is set to open bidding for the construction of a Green Line extension from Bearing to Samutprakarn in March, with the auction expected to be held in June.

Director-General of the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning Committee Soithip Trisuddhi, as a member of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand or MRTA board, said the board has resolved to hold an auction for construction contracts for the 12.6 kilometer Green Line extension from Bearing to Samutprakarn, worth 17.2 billion baht.


The first contract, worth more than 14.7 billion baht, involves construction of an elevated structure and seven stations, while the second contract covers track construction.

Application is open from March 15 to 23. Bidders are required to submit their bids within 90 days, and the auction is scheduled for June 22. The construction is expected to start in September.

Chief Operating Officer of the Bangkok Mass Transit System or BTS, Surapong Laoha-Unya said his company is selecting suppliers for the installation of a rail management system and other services.

He added that the firm is planning to place a bid for an operating contract for the Bang Yai Bang Sue Purple Line on February 24.

Surapong said investment for the Purple Line operation has been estimated at two billion baht.

He expressed confidence that the BTS will win the bid, given its years of experience operating the sky train and the company's healthy finances.

The CEO noted that the firm will propose running 25 trains with three cars each.

He went on to say that a subsidiary may be set up and listed on the stock market to raise capital for the project.

Borrowing from commercial banks is another option, since the Purple Line operation is regarded as a low-risk investment.

The BTS also expressed interest in bidding for licenses to operate the Mo Chit Sapaan Mai, and the Bearing Samutprakarn extensions of the Green Line service.

http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/tran...r-srt-red-line

Court ruling fails to deter SRT red line

• Published: 13/03/2011 at 12:00 AM
• Newspaper section: News

The State Railway of Thailand will press on with construction of the Bang Sue-Taling Chan elevated railway line despite a court ruling against it.

The Central Administrative Court ruled that the SRT unlawfully awarded a contract to the Unique-Chun Wo joint venture in 2008 to undertake the project.

The court ruled last Tuesday that the SRT board, chaired by then permanent secretary for transportation Chaisawat Kittipornpaiboon, broke a bidding regulation of the Office of the Prime Minister by awarding the contract to a lone bidder.

<snip>

(A lot more at the link)

Bangkok Post : Rail projects are 10,000 workers short

Rail projects are 10,000 workers short

Contractors demand Burmese migrants

• Published: 21/04/2011 at 12:00 AM
• Newspaper section: News

Mass transit contractors have made a desperate appeal to labour authorities to hire 10,000 immigrant workers to complete the 236km electric railway system in greater Bangkok.


Supoj: ‘Contractors are suffering’

The contractors had complained about a lack of labourers which would result in construction delays, Supoj Saplorm, permanent secretary of the Transport Ministry, said.

They intend writing to the Labour Ministry to seek permission to bring in workers from neighbouring countries, especially from Burma.

One contractor which has already written to the ministry, Ch Karnchang, reported that its work was behind schedule and that it needed more people in such fields as pile cap removal and steel cutting.

"I have inspected the construction progress of projects which have encountered problems. Their work was not complete in areas including piling. The contractors revealed that they were suffering from a severe shortage of workers," Mr Supoj said. The shortage is affecting the Red Line from Bang Sue to Taling Chan and the Purple Line from Bang Yai to Bang Sue, as well as the Blue Line from Hua Lamphong to Bang Khae and from Bang Sue to Tha Phra.

Also affected are the Red Line from Bang Sue to Rangsit, and the Green Line from Onnuj via Baring to Samut Prakan, the latter part of which is still at the bidding stage.

There is one contractor for the Red Line's Bang Sue-Taling Chan section and three contractors for the Purple Line's Bang Yai-Bang Sue section.

There will be five contractors for the Blue Line's Hua Lamphong-Bang Khae and Bang Sue-Tha Phra sections, two contractors for the Red Line's Bang Sue-Rangsit section, and one contractor for the Green Line's Baring-Samut Prakan section.

Each contract needs at least 1,000 workers. However, priority projects needed at least 20,000 workers but only about 10,000 workers were available, Mr Supoj said.

Mr Supoj said he expected similar problems on projects commissioned by the Rural Roads Department and the Highways Department.

However, he said contractors could not cite labour shortages as an excuse for delays as they should have assessed their ability to complete their work well before signing the contracts.

A labour shortage contributed partly to the decline of the Thai Industries Sentiment Index (TISI) in March to 102.3 points from 108.2 in February.

Originally Posted by StrontiumDog

The contractors had complained about a lack of labourers

now if that was the truth it would read

The contractors had complained about a lack of low cost workers whom we can keep in conditions unfit for animals and walk all over their rights and neglect any responsibility for OH & S labourers .

PM inspects construction of two mass transit rail projects; Protester nabbed

PM inspects construction of two mass transit rail projects; Protester nabbed

วันอาทิตย์ ที่ 01 พ.ค. 2554



BANGKOK, May 1 -- Prime Minister Abhisit Vejjajiva on Sunday inspected progress on construction works of two mass transit rail systems on the outskirts of Bangkok, aimed at improving urban communication and easing traffic congestion, amid jeers by anti-government protesters.

Accompanied by Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij and senior officials including Supot Saplom, permanent secretary for Transport, Mr Abhisit first inspected construction of the 49-kilometre purple route which runs from Bang Yai in Nonthaburi province, passing through Bang Sue to Ratchaburana in the city’s Thonburi side.

A group of anti-government protesters of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) gathered in front of the maintenance centre of the rail system and mocked Mr Abhisit after his motorcade arrived.

Another group of UDD protesters were also present when Mr Abhisit arrived later to inspect progress on construction work of the 15.2- kilometre red route which runs from Bang Sue to Taling Chan in Thonburi.

An unidentified UDD member was apprehended by police who were guarding the area after he ran towards the prime minister.

Permanent Secretary for Transport Supot later said construction of the purple route has been delayed from the actual plan by one percent due to lack of workforce, but he expected the service of this rail system could launch as scheduled on January 1, 2014.

Construction work of the red route is now about 66 per cent complete, about 14 per cent delayed from its original plan, due to illegal occupation by squatters, while the state-run State Railway of Thailand which is the owner of this project and the Transport Ministry are jointly urging illegal dwellers to vacate the area. (MCOT online news)

I'm sure they understand basic economics, but prefer to pretend not and to admit that paying a livable wage would attract Thai workers to the project. Same crap at home; the rich get richer, the poor stay poor and the middle class is eliminated.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/en/news.php?id=255405070009

Blue Line rail expected to exacerbate traffic in parts of Bangkok

BANGKOK, 7 May 2011 (NNT)-China town will probably have to endure what could become a five year traffic ordeal when the Blue Line rail route begins. Other roads surrounding Hua Lamphong, Sampheng and Charan Sanitwong are also expected to be on the same boat nonetheless.

According to the report, the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) has planned to build a rail line linking between Bangsue and Tha Phra and between Hua Lamphong and Bang Khae. Both of which will cover the length of 27 kilometers and could cost up to 51.7 billion THB.

The construction company has been given a nod by the MRTA to begin the construction since 4 April 2011, although it would be 90 days later when the construction team and equipments take to the roads. There are 5 contracts altogether overseen by the MRTA with each of them deals with different routes.

The construction companies have now begun to remove several facilities in Tao Pun and Tha Phra all the way to Lak Song. The heavy road works are expected to begin accordingly in July. Meanwhile, a tunnel will be drilled from Hua Lamphong linking Sanam Chai and Tha Phra by early next year.

The initial process will deal mostly with removing the barriers and paving the way for the final phase of the construction where the rail system will be implemented. This could commence in the next 2-3 years. According to Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Police Major General Panu Kerdlappol, traffics could exacerbate given the amount of cars using these routes on a daily basis. He cited the need to close at least one road to provide access to the construction team.

Rail line building delays expected

Rail line building delays expected

By The Nation
Published on May 25, 2011


Metropolitan Police and the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) meet yesterday to discuss construction of the Blue Line rail link in Bangkok and ways to help motorists - by alerting them about traffic jams and ways to avoid times when roads will be blocked next month.

The 13km Bang SueTha Phra line will have 10 stations elevated on a road "island". It will start from Bang Sue Station, cross the Chao Phraya River to Charansanitwong Road and end at Tha Phra Intersection.

The 14km Hua LampongBang Khae route will be divided into four underground stations from Hua Lampong to Tha Phra and seven elevated stations from Tha Phra to Bang Khae.

Thai-ASEAN News Network



Yellow Line Rapid Transit to Go to New Cabinet

UPDATE : 6 June 2011

The Transport Ministry is to propose the Yellow Line rapid transit project which will cover the eastern part of Bangkok to the new Cabinet after the general election.

Transport Minister Sopon Sarum said his ministry is preparing the new construction plan for the Yellow Line rapid transit project that will run from Ladprao through Bang Kapi and end at Samrong station in Samut Prakan.


He said the new Yellow Line rail route will be 30.4 kilometers long with construction scheduled to finish in 2019.

He added that the section from Ladprao to Bang Kapi will be 12.6 kilometers long and the distance between Bang Kapi and Samrong will be 17.8 kilometers long.

He said the total construction cost is around 46 billion baht.

The new mass transit line will use a heavy rail system with the Ladprao to Bang Kapi section being a monorail running along the median strip.

The minister said his ministry will propose the project to the new Cabinet after the general election.

He said the construction plan has met the standards set under the environmental impact assessment.

As for the plan to construct 12 new mass transit lines, the transport minister said that the new government should not delay construction plans as the projects have already been approved.

He added he believed that any party elected would have the same stand of supporting public transport development.

He encouraged related authorities to further improve the quality of mass transit services to satisfy all users.

It's quite remarkable how easy it is to organise the skimming off of copious amounts of public money in Thailand.

And no-one with any authority will question it.

Thai-ASEAN News Network



Traffic Lanes to Be Closed for New Train Line Construction

UPDATE : 23 June 2011

Lanes next to the traffic island on Charansanitwong and Petchkasem roads will be closed at night from now on as construction of the Blue Line electric rail project commenced last night.

The permanent closure of those lanes is scheduled for mid-July onwards.


Ronnachit Yaemsa-ard, acting governor of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand, held discussions with the Metropolitan Police Bureau regarding plans to manage road traffic during the construction of the Hua Lamphong-Bang Khae and Bang Sue-Tha Phra sections of the Blue Line electric train project, which covers a total distance of 27 kilometers.

Construction began last night, starting with the removal of trees and utility systems on the traffic island.

One lane next to the traffic island in both directions of Charansanitwong and Petchkasem roads is closed during the night from now on.

Each lane next to the traffic island on Petchkasem, Charansanitwong, Charoenkrung and Rama IV roads will be closed permanently, starting from mid-July until the completion of construction in 2016.

Ronnachit said expropriation of land is about halfway to completion while contractors have obtained an initial approval to carry out survey and relocation works, but are still awaiting an official permit.

He concluded that the overall progress is on schedule.

He added his agency will launch a website for the Blue Line rail project as a channel to communicate with and receive complaints from the public within two weeks.

Metrolitan Police Deputy Commissioner in charge of traffic control Police Major General Phanu Kerdlarppol said roadside parking will be prohibited at all time on Charansanitwong and Petchkasem roads to alleviate congestion.

He added warnings and detour signs will be put up to guide motorists around the construction area.

The Blue Line rail project consists of two sections. The first section is the construction of a 13-kilometer elevated railroad from Bang Sue to Tha Phra.

The second section involves construction of an underground railway stretching 14 kilometers from Hua Lamphong to Bang Khae.

Thai-ASEAN News Network

Bidding for 10 New Skytrain Routes by Year-end

UPDATE : 22 August 2011

The Transport Ministry is set to hold construction bidding for ten new Skytrain routes linking the city with its suburbs by the end of this year.

Transport Minister Admiral Sukhampol Suwannathat said the government is currently expediting a plan to construct ten new Skytrain routes connecting Bangkok to the suburbs.


The ten new routes are Thammasat-Mahachai, Salaya-Hua Mak, Don Muang-Bang Sue-Phaya Thai-Suvarnabhumi, Bang Yai-Ratburana, Bang Sue-Hua Lampong-Tha Phra-Phuttamonthon 4, Lam Luk Ka-Samut Prakan, Yos Se-Bang Wa, Taling Chan-Minburi Kaerai-Minburi and Lad Phrao-Sam Rong.

Sukhampol noted that his ministry is considering the construction plan and budget proposal for the project and expected the construction bidding to take place at the end of this year.

He added that he is also studying how to cut the fare of all electric trains to a flat rate of 20 baht, which is one of the Pheu Thai Party's campaign promises.

Govt nod for two Bangkok rail lines

Govt nod for two Bangkok rail lines

The Nation September 28, 2011 1:04 am

The Cabinet yesterday approved two commuter rail projects of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand

The Sukhumvit Road extension will cost Bt17.838 billion and the other line Bt19.381 billion. Both projects are under the so-called Dark Green line and will be conducted using internal loans guaranteed by the Finance Ministry.

The Cabinet approval did not provide details whether the Mor Chit-Saphan Mai line would be on an elevated rail structure or through an underground tube, as it would stretch through Kasetsart intersection where there is already a flyover and a tunnel.

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration had sought government approval to build this line through a BTS joint venture on an elevated rail structure but the Interior Ministry preferred it be laid through an underground tube. The newly opened extension from Onnuj to Bearing was approved and is now operated by BTS.

A BTS section over Saphan Khwai area will require demolition of a flyover, when it is erected.

Has anybody seen an updated map of where all these new lines are going?

^ Yes.

Bangkok Post : Get a ticket to ride everywhere

Get a ticket to ride everywhere

Better transport is coming your way

• Published: 5/01/2012 at 12:00 AM
• Newspaper section: News

If things go to plan, getting about in Bangkok will be cheaper and more convenient by 2015.

The timeframe was given by the Pheu Thai Party-led government for the completion and opening of several mass-transit routes.

A plan to integrate major and minor mass-transit networks with a joint-ticketing system as promised by the government will boost the number of city residents using public transport.

The joint-ticketing system will ease financial burdens on commuters as they can gain access to all forms of mass transit _ elevated trains, subway trains, buses and boats _ by using a single ticket.

Under the original master plan, construction of 10 mass-transit rail lines in Bangkok and surrounding provinces with a distance of 410km will start within four years and work will be completed between 2015 and 2019. Those electric railway routes will be extended to 464km by 2029.

The mass-transit rail lines require a total investment of 397 billion baht. Two projects are in the bidding stage and six more projects are expected to enter the bidding stage this year.

Authorities have set the timeframe to call bidding for eight projects in 2015. After 2019, five mass transit line extension projects will be built. Of the 10 lines, the Airport Rail Link (Phaya Thai to Suvarnabhumi Airport) has been built and the Light Red Line's 15km section from Bang Sue to Taling Chan is 85% complete.

The other eight projects are the Dark Red Line with a distance of 80.8km, Dark Green Line (66.5km), Light Green Line (55km), Blue Line (55km), Purple Line (42.8km), Orange Line (32.5 km), Pink Line (36km) and Yellow Line (30.4km).

Transport Minister Sukumpol Suwanatat maintained he would go ahead with all 10 mass transit lines as it was the Pheu Thai-led government's policy to improve mass transit services.

All projects would be signed with contractors within three years, instead of four years as earlier set, ACM Sukumpol said.

The minister promised to have construction contracts for 14 projects signed within two years.

He said the ministry has worked out guidelines for the introduction of a flat-rate ticket price of 20 baht for all mass transit services. However, he refused to elaborate on the guidelines.

He shrugged off concerns there might be problems regarding the use of a joint-ticketing system for BTS Skytrain and subway systems as the BTS Skytrain is under the supervision of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, controlled by the opposition Democrat Party.

When the time was right, negotiations on the joint-ticketing system would be held, he said, adding talks would be easier if construction of mass transit networks were completed.

Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning director Soithip Traisuddhi said her agency would set up a unit to manage the joint-ticketing system for the mass-transit system.

The new unit will create a central clearing house to be in charge of the ticketing system.

Before the networks of mass-transit systems are integrated by 2015 as planned, traffic jams are likely to worsen in Bangkok as construction of several railway lines will go into full swing between next year and 2014.

According to my wife, one line will be heading out to Nalhom Pathom and will run along the existing rail line. This will be great for us, as the house we are building, is not that far from the rail line and a supposed (future) BTS station.
I'm not sure which proposed line it will be, but I will definitely enjoy riding that than sitting in a taxi and stopped up in traffic.