The MRT Orange Line, an electric railway system connecting Bangkok’s eastern and western areas, is slated for full operation by November 2030, with the eastern section expected to open by 2028.
On Thursday, Transport Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit led the signing ceremony for the investment contract of the MRT Orange Line Project “Bang Khun Non-Min Buri (Suwinthawong),” a collaboration between the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) and Bangkok Expressway and Metro Plc (BEM).
The event was attended by several prominent figures, including Pichet Kunadhamraks, Director of the Department of Rail Transport (DRT); Sarawut Songsivilai, MRTA board chairman; and Plew Trivisvavet, BEM board chairman.
Mr. Suriya highlighted the government’s commitment to enhancing the national transport infrastructure to increase public convenience, noting the MRT Orange Line contract as a key milestone in public-private sector collaboration.
He mentioned that the MRTA and BEM, having secured the bid for the Orange Line project, have been tasked with expediting the construction of its eastern section to complete it ahead of schedule.
Vithaya Punmongkol, acting governor of the MRTA, stated that the Orange Line’s eastern and western sections are set to begin operations in May 2028 and November 2030, respectively.
Sombat Kitjalaksana, BEM managing director, confirmed readiness to commence construction immediately following the contract signing.
He projected that the eastern section would attract about 150,000 daily passengers in its first year, increasing to 400,000 upon the full line’s completion.
The MRT Orange Line is divided into an eastern section running from the Thailand Cultural Centre to Min Buri (Suwinthawong) and a western section from Bang Khun Non to the Thailand Cultural Centre.
The eastern section includes 17 elevated and underground stations over 22.5 km, while the western stretch features 11 underground stations across 13.4 km.
