Red Line Developments [Archive] - 2Bangkok.com Forum

gwmss15

04-11-05, 12:52 PM

from what i have read about this new line it seems to be a fully elevated line just like the BTS above the existing DMU lines to the country areas

Now why cant SRT just bulid most of this at grade including most stations and just build an bridge over the main roads and close the small low traffic roads long the railway. then quad track the main north line and put up the wires to run the EMU trains using normal AC current overhead wires 25kv not 3rd rail. this would have to be cheaper than fully elevated track to rangsit. the same could be done on the eastern line as well as the airport express which should end at hualampong station not maakasan with the air rail city terminal at hualampong under the existing station with rail tunnels to machachai in the south west of bangkok

what do others think of this?

Wisarut

04-11-05, 03:26 PM

Politcial Football between each agency is the one that delay the flyover across the railway tracks ... Clear and Simple.

Probably, YOU have underestimated the ral traffic jam in BKK area -- esp the section across railway lines ....

gwmss15

07-11-05, 04:44 PM

the traffic jams in bangkok have nothing to do with the railways most of it has to do with the stupid police controlled traffic lights and the lack of a perminate bus lanes

Wisarut

09-11-05, 07:27 PM

Red liencommuter cbiddings chopped into 2 section
Manager daily - Nov 9, 2005
1) Norhtern route
1.2) Bangsue - Rangit
1.3) Rangsit - Ayutthaya
2) SuvannabhumAirport Link
2.1) Bangsue - Makkasan
2.2) Talingchan - Bangsue
2.3) Talingchan- Nakhon pathom

GWR

25-01-07, 12:43 AM

SRT given two weeks for plan
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister MR Pridiyathorn Devakula yesterday instructed the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) to complete the 15-kilometre Bang Sue-Taling Chan railway development plan and submit it for the Cabinet's approval in two weeks.

The construction will be financed primarily with foreign funds. The bidding for the development is expected to open in April.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/01/25/business/business_30025011.php

The Enforcer!

25-01-07, 10:11 AM

I assume that this line will be elevated otherwise it will bottleneck at the Rama VI bridge?

The Enforcer!

GWR

25-01-07, 11:44 AM

To be honest, I'm not sure whether this part of some transit project or just a track doubling project. I posted it here because of that doubt. But surely, the track is already above road level after the dedication of the original road-rail bridge to rail only. I seem to remember that the approach roads to the replacement road bridge pass underneath the railway bridge approach viaduct on the west bank. But to be honest, I don't keep up with Bangkok transport projects that much. So this is more of a question than anything else. I got totally confused over the endless changes to the different color routes years ago.:confused:

Wisarut

25-01-07, 01:11 PM

The section form Bangsue to Talingchan has already been double track and rehab ... so this is the new separated tracks for Red line commuter though

Wisarut

22-02-07, 07:01 PM

Even though the red line commuter networks has NOT been conceived yet, OTP is tryign to push the extensions with total price tag of 140 billion Baht which can be shown as follow

1. Northern extension - Rangsit - Ban Pachi (59 km)
2. Eastern extension - Makkasan - Chachoengsao (54 km)
3. Western extension - Talingchain - Nakhon Pathom (54 km)
4. Southern extension - Mahachai - Pak Tho (56 km)

total distance 213 km

Wisarut

27-02-07, 04:07 PM

It seems to me that JBIC adds EXTRA cost (up from 0.75% to 1.5% a tyear for 40 years - comparable with interest of 10-Year bonds of Japanese governement whci is 1.69%) for loan since red line commuter may not be electrified tracks :( If so, that's will be a dilemma for SRT.

1) Electrified traction for cheaper loan - with extra cost for electrification.
2) Non electrified traction to cut down extra loan which please Ministry of Finance ... with slap of extra cost from JBIC ....

GWR

14-05-07, 01:13 AM

Red Line trains to be driven by diesel

The Red Line mass-transit route, to be proposed to the Cabinet on May 22, will change from the originally planned electric rail system to a diesel-fuelled system, the Office of Policy and Planning for Transport and Traffic said late last week.

Meanwhile, the Purple Line from Bang Yai to Bang Sue is still to be an electric route.

Pranot Suriya, deputy director-general of the office, said approval would be sought from the Cabinet to open the bidding for contractors to do the civil engineering work on the Red Line's 14.7-kilometre Taling Chan-Bang Sue section.

"It's expected that the State Railway of Thailand [SRT] will be open for bids in June," he said, adding that the Red Line would also be elevated.

"The SRT will initially arrange for trains using diesel as fuel to run on the completed track. When the time is right the government will change the diesel-fuelled system to an electric system."

He said at this stage, if an electric system is adopted for the Red Line it would not be worth the investment. Such an operation would be costly.

The government and the SRT therefore opted for a diesel system for the first stage of the Red Line and the state will procure the rail carriages and operate the route. The private sector will be involved only in the construction of the line.

Pranot said the Red Line's Rangsit-Bang Sue section will also be constructed as a diesel system. Designs are now being considered.

For the Purple Line's Bang Yai-Bang Sue section, he said civil engineering works and the concession for the route operation for an electric system would be open for bidding. However, both contracts, which are under the Public/Private Joint Venture Act, might take time.

Deputy Transport Minister Sansern Wongcha-um and Deputy Finance Minister Sommai Phasee previously had a clear time frame for proposing an electric mass-transit rail system to the Cabinet.

Under that plan, the Red Line's Taling Chan-Bang Sue section was scheduled to go to the Cabinet on May 22, while the Purple Line was expected to be proposed by the Mass Rapid Transit Authority in mid-July and open for bidding at the end of August.

The Blue Line is expected to be proposed at the same time as the Purple Line, while the Green Line linking Mor Chit to Saphan Mai, after being approved by the Council of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration, will be proposed to the Cabinet in June.

The Red Line's Taling Chan-Bang Sue section, which will be the first line constructed, will be supported by the government for civil engineering works with a Bt13-billion investment. Of this, about Bt2 billion will be from the government budget and the rest will be domestic bank loans.

The other electric-rail route projects will be financed by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation, to the tune of Bt92 billion.

Watcharapong Thongrung

The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/05/14/business/business_30034121.php

Wisarut

14-05-07, 12:30 PM

Well, There is already a severe shortage of Servicable DMUs ... That's why they ask for DMUs sets so they can release the old DMUs back to Khorat or so ....

The Enforcer!

14-05-07, 04:20 PM

If it is diesel is it still 'technically' Mass Transit?

The Enforcer!

Wisarut

14-05-07, 04:36 PM

Still Mass Transit if they can manage to RUN commuter trains as frequent as possible .... Just like Wongwian Yai - Mahachai lien which is already 34 trips a day (17 inbound 17 outbound) ....

However, It's a problem of SRT whcih has not trained their men to handle electric trains as well as electrification due to the logn delay of electrification which was suppossedto be done in 1929. :mad:

Wisarut

14-05-07, 08:37 PM

At least, the electrificaiton will be posponed until theris a construction and electrification fo the section from bbangsue to rangsit ....

REF: Prachachat Thurakij - May 14, 2007

The Enforcer!

15-05-07, 03:46 PM

Still Mass Transit if they can manage to RUN commuter trains as frequent as possible .... Just like Wongwian Yai - Mahachai lien which is already 34 trips a day (17 inbound 17 outbound)
Sorry dear Wisarut but 34 trips a day is hardly a mass transit line. I would have thought that at least 4 trips an hour over 6am to midnight (i.e. 144 trips a day/72 each way) was a minimum standard.

London Underground is roughly double this off-peak and evenings (i.e. 16 trips an hour/8 each way) and 8x this in peak (i.e. 48 trips an hour/24 each way).

The Enforcer!

Wisarut

15-05-07, 04:22 PM

Hmmmm .... This probably due to the fact that Mahachai lien is starting at 5 AM and stoppign at 9 PM ....

Furthermore trips woudl requite electti traction for this matter. :p However, this will compell SRT to study mroe abtou electri traction alogn with the ionstllation and proper maintianace ....

The Enforcer!

22-05-07, 03:47 PM

I see from Bangkok Post 'breaking news' that the Red Route from Taking Chan to Bang Sue has (again) been endorsed by Cabinet - when will they start does anyone know?

The Enforcer!

Wisarut

22-05-07, 05:45 PM

The Bidding for the 1st section Red line commuter (Bangsue - Talingchan) will be started by the end of September 2007 .... after selling the Biddign form in July 2007

GWR

23-05-07, 01:01 AM

Red line train gets cabinet green light

(BangkokPost.com) - The cabinet approved the construction of red line mass-transit route on Tuesday.

The construction of the red line's 14.7 kilometre Taling Chan-Bang Sue section has the estimated cost at 13 billion baht.

The government plans to raise a loan from local financial institutions. The construction plan is expected to be ready for bid in July.

On the Red Line's Rangsit-Bang Sue section, the government will discuss a loan with Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) on May 28.

Link may expire:

http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=118912

Wisarut

23-05-07, 12:52 PM

Now, the government has approved the budget for double tracking Chachoengsao - Sri racha - Laem Chabang Port with a price tag of 5.85 billion Baht

Furthermore the first 2 sections of Red line commuter (Bangsue - Talingchan, Bangsue - Rangsit) are approved.

Bangsue - Taling Chan route (13 km) has a price tag of 13.133 billion Baht whcih is going to be financed by bonds and otehr domestic loan.

On the other hand, Bangsue - Rangsit route (26 km)has a price toag of 52.22 billion Baht - 70% will be foreign loan (e.g. JBIC) and 30% will be domestic loan ...

Bidding for red line commuter (Bangsue - Rangsit) will be in Jan 2008 and the contract singign will be August 2008 ... the project for red lien commuter will be done in August 2012 (preferably opned on August 12, 2012 - 80 year annivarsary for Har Majesty).

Bidding for Chachongsao - Laem Chabang (78 km) double tracking will be started early July 2007 ... and this bidding still allow China railways to participate .... even after cancellign ther barter trade deals for double tracking.... It will take 28 months to be Done for double trakcing

For the case of foreign loan, 50 billion Baht of loan (in either Dollars, Yen) is in need for this matter.

The Enforcer!

23-05-07, 03:19 PM

Now, the government has approved the budget for double tracking Chachoengsao - Sri racha - Laem Chabang Port.
Is there a comprehensive list (on 2B) of which lines are double tracked?

The Enforcer!

Wisarut

23-05-07, 04:16 PM

So far, SRT is going to do double tracking on the following routes after finishing Chachongsao - Sri Racha - Laem Chabang (78.86 km)

1) Norhtern line - Lopburi - Nakhon Sawan (112.97 km)

2) Eastern line - Kaeng Khoi - Klong 19 - Chachongsao (107.45 km) + 3 Chord lines of 3 km at Chachongsao, Kaeng Khoi and Ban Phachi

3) Northeastern line - Kaeng Khoi - Nakhon Ratchasiam - Tahnon Jira (141.18 km)

4) Southern Line - Prachuab Khirikhan - Chumporn (166.2 km),

After finishing all of these 4 routes, Next on the line will be
1) Northern line - Nakhon Sawan - Phitsanuloke (143.5 km), Phitsanuloke - Sala At (98.24 km)

2) Southern line - Chumporn - Surat Thani (166.49 km), Nakhon Pathom - Prachuab Khirikhan (254.21 km)

The rest will depend on the traffics though.

The construction cost for doubel tracking without electrification will be 75 million Baht/km ... so you can calculate the estimated amount loan of this project.

Wisarut

23-05-07, 04:19 PM

Well, constructing the New line cost SRT 100 million Baht/km ... sicne it requite to pay for land acquisition .... to allow doubel trackign withotu further purchasing the land.

The Enforcer!

23-05-07, 09:17 PM

Well, constructing the New line cost SRT 100 million Baht/km ... sicne it requite to pay for land acquisition .... to allow doubel trackign withotu further purchasing the land.

Thanks - sounds very expensive - cannot imagine why.

The Enforcer!

Wisarut

23-05-07, 10:07 PM

Well 100 Million Baht/km is due to the fact that the spoecification is
20 ton axle load or more and the compensation for the villagers ....

20 ton axle load or woudl allow havier and more powerful engines to run alogn the tracks .... than the current limit of 90 ton for Diesel electric locoss (Co-Co wheel arrangement).

Addign mroe horsepower for loco while keep the weight under the limit of 90- ton would add more cost for engine modification and propered circuit of terbo chargers ....

GWR

24-05-07, 01:39 AM

SCCC eyes Red Line bidding partnership

Siam City Cement (SCCC) is ready to team up with Unique Engineering and Construction to bid for the Red Line's first phase, which received Cabinet approval on Tuesday.

The first phase consists of the 25-kilometre Rangsit-Bang Sue and 15km Taling Chan-Bang Sue sections. But the latter, with an investment of Bt13 billion, is expected to be the first to open for construction tenders. The two sections together cost Bt41 billion.

Prapat Chongsanguan, governor of the Mass Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), yesterday said that since the government announced a clear policy on the construction of mass-transit projects, many international investors had made inquiries, including Bombardier from Canada, Siemens from Germany, Alstom from France, and Mitsubishi and Kawasaki from Japan. Contractors from South Korea and China are also waiting in the wings.

"However, the MRTA insists that all interested contractors will have an equal chance to win the contracts," he said.

Chantana Sukumanont, executive vice president for customer relations at the country's second-largest cement-maker, said SCCC was ready to support Unique Engineering and Construction, not only for the Red Line, but also other projects.

..........

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/05/24/business/business_30035005.php

Wisarut

24-05-07, 11:56 AM

From some Insiders:

The section from Bangsue - Talingchan will go as folllows:

1) Track 1-2 -> Electified Standard gauge for commuter service
2) Track 3-4 -> Electrified Standard gauge for express commuter services
3) Track 5-6 -> Non eldctrified e meter gaughe for temporary DMU services ... and for cargo services after the introduction of electric traction.
__________________

GWR

24-05-07, 02:50 PM

Negotiation for JBIC loan likely to be wrapped up by June

BANGKOK, May 24 (TNA) – A negotiation with Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) for a loan to finance a construction of electric train routes is very likely to be wrapped up by June, according to the Public Debt Management Office’s Director-General Pongpanu Svetarundra.

He said JBIC’s representatives had of late set a schedule for a talk with the Thai government’s counterparts on May 28.

Should the negotiation end in failure, the Finance Ministry was ready to seek funds from other countries.

“What Japan wants to examine is Thailand’s readiness for the construction of
the first three electric train routes. What Thailand wants to do now is to negotiate with Japan for a fast-track lending approval,” he said.

Mr. Pongpanu said Thailand wanted to seek a loan of around 300 billion yen or 80-90 billion baht from JBIC to finance the construction of the electric train project.

JBIC set a lending interest at 0.75 per cent with a loan repayment period of 30-40 years.

The Thai government has sought to reserve a right to engage contractors and buy materials or buy technology from Japan by its own decision.

Regarding an issuance of bonds worth 13.13 billion baht by the State Railway of Thailand to support a construction of the first red line 15- kilometre Taling Chan-Bang Sue route, he said, the Finance Ministry would guarantee the bonds.

The ministry was confident the bonds would attract investors since investment returns from deposits and other channels are now low, he said.

Earlier, Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) Governor Prapas Chongsa-nguan revealed many giant foreign contractors from Germany, Canada, France, and China had expressed interest to compete in a bidding for purple and blue line electric rail routes following the government’s announcement of its strong intention to go ahead with the project. (TNA) – E005

http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=29554

The Enforcer!

24-05-07, 04:10 PM

GWR

25-05-07, 12:09 AM

JICA expert offers caution on Bangkok's mass transit project
BANGKOK, May 23 (TNA) – An expert from Japan's International Cooperation Agency (JICA) said Thailand's progress in designing the metropolitan Bangkok mass transit project is admiral, but cautioned that some points, such as the size of Bang Sue station, should be reviewed.

JICA expert Tetsuhisa Kobayashi, seconded to the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning, has provided Thailand technical consultation in electrical railway design and networks.

Assigned by the Japanese government, the planner's duty here is to technically assist Thailand in planning construction of the urban railway network.

Although the project has been delayed, Thailand has made progress and bidding is expected soon for the Purple and Red Lines.

When construction actually begins depends on when the terms of a loan between Thailand and Japan are agreed, he said.

Mr. Kobayashi suggested that building the Red Line should begin first as it is the backbone of the network, and that three roles of mass transit projects should be considered in building the system: serving daily commuters, long distance commuters, and the integration of the overall logistics system.

After observing the design of the metropolitan electric train system here, he said he appreciated the design, but that some points should be reviewed.

"Bang Sue station should be smaller to reduce its construction cost. However, if it is made too small, it can be an inconvenience in the future. Balance is very important", he said.

"From my experience in Japan, we've had over 70 years of commuter train history, including both good and bad decisions," the Japanese engineer said, suggesting that his role is to help Thailand avoid bad decisions in expanding the mass transit system.

The Red Line will connect Rangsit-Bang Sue-Talingchan while the Purple Line will link Bang Sue and Bang Yai. (TNA)-E004

Last Update : 2007-05-24 / 17:40:12 (GMT+7:00)

http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=29557

TGunner

25-05-07, 02:28 AM

that three roles of mass transit projects should be considered in building the system: serving daily commuters, long distance commuters, and the integration of the overall logistics system.

This seems to confirm what Khun Wisarut's reported about the six tracks! Wow, great news! Nice work, the gov't! :)

The Enforcer!

25-05-07, 03:41 PM

This seems to confirm what Khun Wisarut's reported about the six tracks! Wow, great news! Nice work, the gov't! :)
For this to work then, it means the rest of the lines must be six track, or only the rest of the Red Line?

The Enforcer!

TGunner

26-05-07, 12:40 AM

For this to work then, it means the rest of the lines must be six track, or only the rest of the Red Line?

The Enforcer!

Probably just the lines that are SRT's responsibility krab I guess. I don't think other lines have to deal with "long distance commuters" and logistic stuff much. I just hope the the rest of the red line will be built like that (with six tracks!). Perhaps khun Wisarut can shed some more insiders' light on this? :D

GWR

29-05-07, 02:03 AM

Japan fears over transit projects

Japanese officials currently in Thailand to assess whether the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) should provide loans for planned rail mass-transit systems are worried that political changes could affect the projects.

"They asked about the political situation here, as the Constitution Tribunal is to decide whether to dissolve political parties, and the possibility of a general election taking place in December," Pongpanu Svetarundra, director-general of the Public Debt Management Office, said yesterday after a meeting with the officials.

Pongpanu said he assured the officials that the investment plans would not be changed. "However, I can assure them only to a certain extent," he conceded.

He said the government wanted the loan to be granted before August, when it plans to open bidding for the construction contracts.

Another team of Japanese advisers to the projects are here to conduct a feasibility study that will be completed in July, he said.

If the government cannot get a loan of about ฅ300 billion (Bt85 billion) by August, it might need to borrow from the domestic market by issuing bonds, Pongpanu said.

"Borrowing from the local market might partly finance the initial spending, which is not much," he said.

Meanwhile, Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) governor Prapat Chongsanguan said two electric-train projects were at the stage of preparations for opening of tenders, outlining of designs and conducting of environmental-impact surveys.

"After this is done, the funding will be depend on negotiations between Ministry of Finance and JBIC," he said.

The total loans sought for the three projects already approved by the government - the Purple, Red and Blue lines - is about Bt84 billion, or 52 per cent of the total investment of Bt160 billion in five planned rail routes. The balance amount will come from the government and from domestic loans of Bt13 billion.

Wichit Chaitrong
The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/05/29/business/business_30035453.php

GWR

04-06-07, 12:36 AM

Red Line now to run on diesel

The red line suburban train system will run on diesel, not electricity, as originally planned by the Thaksin Shinawatra administration, according to the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning.

The Red Line, which has already won Cabinet approval to open bidding, will get commuters from Bangkok's outskirts to the inner city more conveniently, Pranote Suriya, deputy of the transport-planning office, said last week.

He said the suburban network as conceived by the current government would encourage people to go by rail more frequently.

The mass-transit system will use both "standard" and electric trains. The Red Line's two sections - Taling Chan-Bang Sue and Bang Sue-Rangsit - will be constructed for standard trains. The Blue, Purple and Green lines will run electric trains. The 137-kilometre system requires an investment of Bt165.4 billion.

Other revisions to the Red Line's initial design involve track, platforms, financing and distance. It has been extended from 32km to 60km.

Under the detailed design method proposed by the incumbent administration, the private sector can take responsibility for the investment, whereas the previous "design-and-build'' type of contract would have meant the government picking up the entire tab.

The suburban route is now designed to be elevated at intersections and underground at points where environmental impact is a concern.

Stations will be two to four kilometres apart.

Tracks will have the same width as existing mass-transit rail routes so that trains from upcountry can continue onto the Red Line, allowing commuters from dormitory towns in Nakhon Pathom, Ayutthaya and Chachoengsao to travel to Bangkok more conveniently.

The State Railway of Thailand will buy special carriages to run on the suburban rail routes to carry outlying passengers to Bang Sue station, expected to become the hub of Bangkok's mass-transit rail system.

The Red Line's Taling Chan-Bang Sue section is expected to open for bidding next month, with construction commencing in February.

The Bang Sue-Rangsit project is scheduled to be submitted to the Cabinet in August with bidding likely next July.

"The planned electric and standard rail projects will be submitted to the Cabinet during the current government. The Red Line's Taling Chan-Bang Sue section and the Purple Line are expected to open for bidding in this term and the rest in the next government," Pranote added.

Watcharapong Thongrung

The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/06/04/business/business_30035903.php

ncr

04-06-07, 01:59 AM

Tracks will have the same width as existing mass-transit rail routes so that trains from upcountry can continue onto the Red Line, allowing commuters from dormitory towns in Nakhon Pathom, Ayutthaya and Chachoengsao to travel to Bangkok more conveniently.Now what does that mean? If "existing mass-transit rail routes" refers to the BTS/MRT, it would mean standard gauge (and that's what I think is indeed planned for the Red Line). But then it could not be used by SRT commuter trains from Nakhon Pathom, Ayutthaya or Chachoengsao.

Or does "existing mass-transit rail routes" refer to the run-down SRT diesel railcars connecting Bangkok and its neighbour provinces? That would be equally nonsensical.

I guess we can conclude the reporter has no idea about railways. (Not a new phenomenon, of course.)

GWR

05-06-07, 07:23 PM

More confusion I'm afraid NCR. They call it the Red Line electric project and then go on to talk about the diesel service:

05 June 2007
Auction for the construction of Bang Sue-Taling Chan Red line to be held next month
The State Railway of Thailand is preparing to arrange an auction of the construction of the Bang Sue-Taling Chan (บางซื่อ-ตลิ่งชัน) Red line electric train project next month (July).

The Cabinet has approved the construction of the Bang Sue-Taling Chang Red line electric train project on May 22nd. A design bidding date for the project will be held in July. After 45- 60 days of the design bidding date, the SRT will allow companies to submit its budget for construction.

The construction is expected to start year end.

As for the service of diesel train project, it is reported to start its service in the next four years.

The Enforcer!

06-06-07, 04:36 PM

Are there any Mass Transit systems (i.e. rail based systems with a minimum headway of 10 minutes off-peak) that use Diesel?

The Enforcer!

GWR

23-06-07, 09:26 PM

23 June 2007
Deputy Minister of Transport says auction for red line of sky-train to be held next month
The Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr. Sansern Wongcha-um, insists that the bidding for the construction of the sky-train’s red line will be opened next month. The route will link Bang Sue and Rangsit.

Mr. Sansern says the stations between the Bang Sue and Rangsit are now being renovated. He says Thailand is cooperating with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) in releasing loans for this project.

Mr. Sansern says the sky-train’s purple line should be finalized after the Cabinet will consider it in August this year, and the auction should be opened this September. He says the project would need about 30 billion baht of investment.
Reporter : RTI-Reporter03

http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255006230012

GWR

03-07-07, 11:34 PM

03 July 2007
Kasetsart Univesity to estimate cost of red-line of skytrain
The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has signed a contract with Kasetsart University for the skytrain's red-line project.

The SRT has agreed to let the Engineer Faculty of Kasetsart University to examine and estimate the construction cost of the skytrain’s red-line project. The line will connect Bang Sue and Taling Chan.

Kasetsart University will have 30 days to propose the documents on the project’s various expenses and interest rates under the Cabinet’s requirements, and the responsible committee will then consider the documents.

The SRT has hired the Team Consulting Engineering and Management Company Limited to manage the skytrain’s red-line project as it requires high cost of investment.
Reporter : RTI-Reporter01

http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255007030031

ncr

04-07-07, 01:47 AM

...there's no such thing as a "Red Line Skytrain". :rolleyes:

Ouch! When will the ignorant media do their homework?

The Enforcer!

04-07-07, 11:43 AM

...there's no such thing as a "Red Line Skytrain". :rolleyes:

Ouch! When will the ignorant media do their homework?

Perhaps SRT wants to upgrade to Skytrain quality?

The Enforcer!

GWR

13-07-07, 07:37 PM

13 July 2007
SRT ready to issue bonds in preparation for the construction of sky train
The state Railway of Thailand (SRT) is ready to issue bonds for mobilizing capital if the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) refuses to issue loan for Thailand.

The SRT Governor Mr. Prapas Chongsa-nguan (ประภัสร์ จงสงวน) says if JBIC does not release loan for Thailand to construct BTS-expansion routes within the beginning of the next month, SRT will seek solutions to construct the sky-train. As for the construction of the sky train’s purple line, Bang Yai- Bang Sue (บางใหญ่-บางซื่อ), Ministry of Transport has proposed the issue to the National Economic and Social Advisory Council (NESAC), and it will be tabled in the meeting on August 6th. Meanwhile, the construction of blue line, Bang Sue-Tha Phra (บางซื่อ-ท่าพระ) and Hua Lam Phong-Bang Kae (หัวลำโพง-บางแค), is scheduled to start work in October.

Mr. Prapas adds that the construction of purple line and blue line must be approved by the current Cabinet.
Reporter : RTI-Reporter04

http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255007130040

Wisarut

13-07-07, 11:15 PM

Ahh ... It should be MRTA -> NOT SRT that goign to issue Bonds to finance Blue ERing and Purple Line. ... Anotehr mistake by PRD.

jpatokal

14-07-07, 01:51 PM

I like the spelling "sky-train" -- it reminds me of T. Herman Zwiebel (http://www.theonion.com/content/node/25821) :D

GWR

31-07-07, 12:08 PM

Red-line rail route project to proceed as planned

BANGKOK, July 31 (TNA) - Deputy Transport Minister Sansern Wongcha-um on Monday reiterated the government's readiness to go ahead with the construction of the red-line mass transit train project as scheduled.

He revealed the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) told him that terms of reference on building of the red-line train project would be issued through its website or that of the Transport Ministry in the next two weeks.

Then, it would be a duty of the SRT board to decide whether or not the terms of reference need to be amended before bidding for the project opens late next month.

He said the red-line rail route project would be the first one to get off the ground as scheduled by the government.

Regarding a budget for the construction, Mr. Sansern said the Finance Ministry would take responsibility for the matter.

Initially, the funding would be sought through local borrowing, but unless the borrowing could be done as scheduled, the Finance Ministry might instead opt to issue bonds to raise funds to finance the project. (TNA)-E005

Last Update : 2007-07-31 / 10:45:00 (GMT+7:00)

http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=30785

Zoowatch

04-08-07, 11:01 PM

I've created a simple map explaining the Red Lines:

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1428/1007357127_790eb553c1_b.jpg
credit: Zoowatch

[Mod: Below is another Zoowatch map of the rail line gauges on Bangkok's projected commuter rail network.]

It seems that SRT is firm in its decision to stick to meter gauge for the entire Red Lines network except for the Suvarnabhumi - Don Mueang Airport connection.
http://www.railway.co.th/resultproject/images/map_redline-1.jpg

GWR

31-08-07, 08:00 PM

Bidding for electric mass transit projects open by year-end

BANGKOK, Aug 31 (TNA) - Deputy Transport Minister Sansern Wongcha-um on Friday affirmed that bidding for the capital's red- and purple-line (http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?p=16803#post16803) electric rail projects could open by the end of this year.

He said that bidding for the Bang Sue-Taling Chan by late September and for the red-line Bang Sue-Rangsit electric rail project is expected open by late December.

The purple-line electric rail project is projected to go before the cabinet meeting in October and to be opened for a bidding late this year.

Previously, Deputy Finance Minister Sommai Phasee revealed the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) was poised to raise a lending rate offered for the electric train projects from 0.75 per cent.

He said JBIC informed a team of negotiation for the loan to finance the project that it could no longer offer the lending rate at 0.75 per cent because the Japanese yen had strengthened sharply.

Also, JBIC told the team that it had already cancelled the special soft loan programme for environmental-friendly mega-projects.

He said Thailand could not afford a principal with such high interest rates. So, a bargain for a low-interest loan needs to be made.

Finance Minister Chalongphob Sussangkarn said progress in implementing the electric elevated and underground train projects depended on the final conclusion of the national-level committee chaired by Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont.

He believed the first meeting of the committee would discuss details of the mass transit system in terms of patterns and approaches for the implementation.

He confirmed that the extended electric mass transit project would get off the ground this year. (TNA)-E005

http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=31377

GWR

28-09-07, 01:27 AM

Far too many to paste in here:

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=15542237#post15542237

GWR

01-10-07, 11:51 PM

Bidding will open tomorrow for Red Line
Published on October 2, 2007

The State Railway of Thailand will open bidding tomorrow for construction of the Red Line suburban electric train connecting Bang Sue with Taling Chan.

Chairman Siva Sangmanee said bids would be accepted until October 12.

The construction contract makes builders responsible for removing property owners from the route, in order to avoid similar problems experienced with communities during the construction of the Airport Rail Link.

Siva said it cost bidders Bt300,000 to submit quotes.

Bidders' names will be released on October 13, and the front-runners selected by a consultant should be known by next February 12.

A railway committee will announce the winners next March, with contracts signed a month later.

Construction is set to commence next May and could be finished by June 2011, which would be a total building period of 1,100 days.

Estimated cost is Bt8.748 billion. Of that, Bt262 million is required to buy property, Bt6.268 billion for public works, Bt1.123 billion for rail systems and Bt1.09 billion for construction of a parallel road.

Siva said construction would be accelerated so that the Red Line could connect with other rail extensions.

Contractors will be responsible for clearing property along the route, because the railway wishes to avoid similar difficulties encountered with the Airport Rail Link. Clearing property took 700 days longer than expected, which forced construction delays of 180 days.

Siva said this requirement might make it tougher for inexperienced bidders to compete but would mutually benefit the railway and the contractor.

A special committee has been established to oversee the work, he added.

Watcharapong Thongrung
The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/10/02/business/business_30050942.php

GWR

10-10-07, 11:57 PM

Why is this project being reviewed by the Cabinet on October 16 when the previous post in this thread (http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showpost.php?p=17475&postcount=60) suggests the bid process has already opened? :confused:

10 October 2007
Cabinet to review red-route train construction project on October 16th

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) will be proposing the construction of red-route train or the Bang Sue–Rangsit (บางซื่อ-รังสิต) route to the Cabinet on October 16th.

Acting SRT Governor Bancha Mhongnakhon (บัญชา คงนคร) discloses that the SRT board will call a special meeting to review details of the construction project and prepare information concerning the construction guidelines. The construction of the red-route train has an investment of 62 billion baht.

Mr Bancha also states that the red-route train connects transportation system in suburban areas, the North, the Northeast, and Bangkok’s city areas. He adds that SRT will invite media members to joins trip to Malaysia to study the country’s railway system.
Reporter : RTI-Reporter05
http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255010100026

TGunner

11-10-07, 08:22 AM

Why is this project being reviewed by the Cabinet on October 16 when the previous post in this thread (http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showpost.php?p=17475&postcount=60) suggests the bid process has already opened? :confused:

http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255010100026

They are two different sections of the red line. The first one, which is in the bid process, runs from Bang Sue to Taling Chan. The second one which is about to be approved by the cabinet (I hope) for the bidding and construction phrase, runs from Bang Sue to Rang Sit (and is expected to be extended all the way to Thammasat Uni at Rang Sit.)

The Enforcer!

11-10-07, 11:17 AM

Do we have a complete list of stations being built on the Red Line?

The Enforcer!

Wisarut

11-10-07, 01:29 PM

Do we have a complete list of stations being built on the Red Line?

The Enforcer!

Bangsue - Rangsit

1. Bangsue (km 7.7)
2. Chatuchak (km 11)
3. Samian Naree (km 12)
4. Ngam Wongwan (near Bang Khen station) - (km 13)
5. North Park (km 15)
6. Laksi (km 17)
7. Karn Keha (km 19)
8. Donmaung (km 21) - at Talad Donmuang due to hte closed proximities to local communities.
9. Rangsit (km 30)

There is possibility for the new station at Chiang Rak (km 37.5) since it is in between Thammasart U. (Rangsit Campus) and Bangkok University (Rangsit Campus). There is alrteady a red minibus lien from Chiang Rak station ...

However, full potential will be realize if it reach Ayutthaya (km 71) to funciton as frequent coimmuter services for those who work in factory at Rotjana Industrial estate and Nawanakhon Industrial estate in addition to tourist business to Bang Pa In and Ayutthaya.

// --------------------------------
Bangsue - Taling Chan
1. Bangsue (km 7.7)
2. Bang Son (at km 10.375)
3. Bang Bumru (km 18)
4. Taling Chan (km 22)
the EOL is at Chim Plee (km 24.7) even thopugh ther no plan to revitalize Chimplee Stop to be Chimplee station yet.

However, many Bangkokian said it would better to extend serbvice to Salaya (km 35) and Nakhon Pathom (km 64) ... Salaya has Mahidol U. so it shold be extended to that place. Salaya is alrady become important since even International Express stop at Salaya.

The Enforcer!

11-10-07, 02:09 PM

Thanks,

The Enforcer!

Yappofloyd

12-10-07, 03:52 PM

Bangsue - Rangsit

1. Bangsue (km 7.7)
2. Chatuchak (km 11)
3. Samian Naree (km 12)
4. Ngam Wongwan (near Bang Khen station) - (km 13)
5. North Park (km 15)
6. Laksi (km 17)
7. Karn Keha (km 19)
8. Donmaung (km 21) - at Talad Donmuang due to hte closed proximities to local communities.
9. Rangsit (km 30)

There is possibility for the new station at Chiang Rak (km 37.5) since it is in between Thammasart U. (Rangsit Campus) and Bangkok University (Rangsit Campus). There is alrteady a red minibus lien from Chiang Rak station ...

However, full potential will be realize if it reach Ayutthaya (km 71) to funciton as frequent coimmuter services for those who work in factory at Rotjana Industrial estate and Nawanakhon Industrial estate in addition to tourist business to Bang Pa In and Ayutthaya.

// --------------------------------
Bangsue - Taling Chan
1. Bangsue (km 7.7)
2. Bang Son (at km 10.375)
3. Bang Bumru (km 18)
4. Taling Chan (km 22)
the EOL is at Chim Plee (km 24.7) even thopugh ther no plan to revitalize Chimplee Stop to be Chimplee station yet.

However, many Bangkokian said it would better to extend serbvice to Salaya (km 35) and Nakhon Pathom (km 64) ... Salaya has Mahidol U. so it shold be extended to that place. Salaya is alrady become important since even International Express stop at Salaya.

Both SRT Red Lines are looking to be more of a mess from an intergrated mass transit point of view.

First there is the metre guage issue which everyone agrees is quite stupid of the SRT. Then, there is still a lack of stations on both lines but especially on the Taling Chan line which could do with twice as many esp to serve the PinkLao area and provide feeder networks into Nontaburi. The Rangsit line could do with a few more station netween DM and Rangsit.

And then there is the problem that everyone on both lines are going to be 'dumped' (plus the Purple Line pax) at Bang Sue either having to connect with MRT Blue Line or take a motorbike to BTS MoChit. This will be until the remainder of the Airport Link or Red Line to Hualamphong then to Mahachai gets built. Going on current trends this will probably not occur until 2020!

The Enforcer!

13-10-07, 10:38 AM

First there is the metre guage issue

Will it still be elevated?

The Enforcer!

Wisarut

14-10-07, 10:25 PM

Whether it is a mess or not, the old ginger wi;ll take a seriosu consideration oin red lien in the upcomign Tuesday october 16

Red lien commuter to be approved the budget by cabinate in upcming Tuesday
Bangkok Biznew - 14 october 2007

MOT is askign Cabinate to approved the 36-km red line commuter (Rangsue - Rangsit) with a price tag of 59.888 billion Baht with a plan to make 10km extension from rangsit to Thammasart University Stop

If there is any money left, Wat Samian Naree station at km 12 and lak Hok station at km 27 will be built.

Now, there are 10 stations on the line

1. Bangsue at km 7.7
2. chatuchak at km 11
3. Bangkhen at km 13
4. Karn keha Thung Song Hong at km 15
5. Laksi at km 18
6. Donmueang at km 22
7. rangsit at km 30
8. Klong 1 at km 34
9. Chiang rak at km 37.5
10. Thammasart U. at km 40.

EOL at km 5 near sam sen station and km 41

The direct access road form chatuchak station to Mochit 2 Intercity bus terminal will be built.

The Enforcer!

15-10-07, 10:46 AM

metre guage

Please excuse my ignorance, however, if the Red Line is metre Guage does that mean that it cannot link with the Pink line at all? In other words we will never get a Rangsit to Suvarnabhumi through service?

The Enforcer!

Wisarut

15-10-07, 11:17 AM

Please excuse my ignorance, however, if the Red Line is metre Guage does that mean that it cannot link with the Pink line at all? In other words we will never get a Rangsit to Suvarnabhumi through service?

The Enforcer!

In such a case, better wait until the extendsion of Airport Link to DOnmaung and you can change the train at Donmueng though :p

BTW, the veray reason for meter gauge for red lien commuter is to FILL the vacant capacity of the douible track section from Rangsit to Ayutthya .... whcih has already had triple track. Capacity of 230 train for triple line but ONLy 80 are in use.

Yappofloyd

15-10-07, 04:57 PM

If there is any money left, Wat Samian Naree station at km 12 and lak Hok station at km 27 will be built.

Now, there are 10 stations on the line

1. Bangsue at km 7.7
2. chatuchak at km 11
3. Bangkhen at km 13
4. Karn keha Thung Song Hong at km 15
5. Laksi at km 18
6. Donmueang at km 22
7. rangsit at km 30
8. Klong 1 at km 34
9. Chiang rak at km 37.5
10. Thammasart U. at km 40.

EOL at km 5 near sam sen station and km 41

The direct access road form chatuchak station to Mochit 2 Intercity bus terminal will be built.

So there are provisions for another couple of stations between Bang Sue and Rangsit esp between DM and Rangsit.

BTW, the veray reason for meter gauge for red lien commuter is to FILL the vacant capacity of the douible track section from Rangsit to Ayutthya .... whcih has already had triple track. Capacity of 230 train for triple line but ONLy 80 are in use.

Now if SRT had any future vision they would be building this line as standard guage as the first part of regauging two of the three lines to Ayutthya as an Intercity express line.

They could then do most of the North and NE trains from Ayutthya until they reguage the whole north and NE lines when they do double tracking. The double tracking program is the perfect opportunity to reguage the netwrok to accomodate extra capacity and future higher speeds.

The third line could be kept for goods and some passenger trains between Ayuttha and Rangsit after which there would still be the two current metre lines to Hualamphong.

Like I said if they had vision.

The Enforcer!

16-10-07, 03:37 PM

It's too confusing for me.

The Enforcer!

Wisarut

16-10-07, 03:59 PM

So there are provisions for another couple of stations between Bang Sue and Rangsit esp between DM and Rangsit.

Yeah, at Lak Hok station the station nearest to Rangsit University, ONLY whern the cabinate had approved the funds for the omitted stations at Samian Ranee (km 12) and Lak Hok (km 27)

Now if SRT had any future vision they would be building this line as standard guage as the first part of regauging two of the three lines to Ayutthya as an Intercity express line.

They could then do most of the North and NE trains from Ayutthya until they reguage the whole north and NE lines when they do double tracking. The double tracking program is the perfect opportunity to reguage the netwrok to accomodate extra capacity and future higher speeds.

The third line could be kept for goods and some passenger trains between Ayuttha and Rangsit after which there would still be the two current metre lines to Hualamphong.

Like I said if they had vision.

Ah,,, the regauging would be worthy to do if theri are Heavy industies (ESP steel from blast furnace) to backup such an ambitious plan ... without Heavy Industies, forget it! Relying on Importation ALONE will NEVER work!

BTW, the track areas, bridges and tunnels are needed to be properly expanded to allower bigger loading profile (at least 3.2-3.3 meter wide rollign stocks) .... DO we have enough resource to do such a thing?

Wisarut

16-10-07, 04:05 PM

So there are provisions for another couple of stations between Bang Sue and Rangsit esp between DM and Rangsit.

Yeah, at Lak Hok station the station nearest to Rangsit University, ONLY whern the cabinate had approved the funds for the omitted stations at Samian Ranee (km 12) and Lak Hok (km 27)

Now if SRT had any future vision they would be building this line as standard guage as the first part of regauging two of the three lines to Ayutthya as an Intercity express line.

They could then do most of the North and NE trains from Ayutthya until they reguage the whole north and NE lines when they do double tracking. The double tracking program is the perfect opportunity to reguage the netwrok to accomodate extra capacity and future higher speeds.

The third line could be kept for goods and some passenger trains between Ayuttha and Rangsit after which there would still be the two current metre lines to Hualamphong.

Like I said if they had vision.

Ah,,, the regauging would be worthy to do if theri are Heavy industies (ESP steel from blast furnace) to backup such an ambitious plan ... without Heavy Industies, forget it!

BTW, the track areas, bridges and tunnels are needed to be properly expanded to allower bigger loading profile (at least 3.2-3.3 meter wide rollign stocks) .... DO we have enough resource to do such a thing?

Furthermore, you should take heavy disciplinary on the bad loco drivers, stripping them form the immunities by the UNION who allow thsoe loco drivers to ruin the rollign stocks with IMPUNITY.

GWR

16-10-07, 11:30 PM

I really don't understand the color-coding of the various lines, so I prefer to call it the Bang Sue - Bangyai Subway extension:

SUBWAY
Cabinet OKs the Red Line
The Cabinet on Tuesday approved the construction budget for the Red Line subway route, which will require an investment of Bt59 billion.

The subway route is stretching 26 kilometres.

The Cabinet earlier approved the civil works investment budget for the Purple Line, worth Bt31.2 billion. The line will run from Bang Sue to Bang Yai.

The mega project investment is believed to be a major drive for the economy amid the absence of some private investment.

- The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/10/16/business/business_30052665.php

Wisarut

17-10-07, 10:30 AM

I really don't understand the color-coding of the various lines, so I prefer to call it the Bang Sue - Bangyai Subway extension:

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/10/16/business/business_30052665.php

Color Coading is MUCH Easier to Remember :p

The Enforcer!

17-10-07, 10:56 AM

Color Coading is MUCH Easier to Remember :p
Remember ....what?

The Enforcer!

Wisarut

17-10-07, 11:32 AM

Remember ....what?

The Enforcer!

Rember whcih line is GOIGN to do ... the detail on the direction of the route will be mentioned later ... just a lazy practice as usual.

Wisarut

17-10-07, 12:44 PM

BTW, Many of those BCFs for cargo trains are from the old BCGs, BLSs, BHSs, BOTs ... they have been covereted to BCFs WITHOUT changing the brake system from good old Vacuum brake to Air Brake ... :eek: It is just like tryign to stop the heavy lorries with bicycle brakes! :eek:

The consequence for NOT replacing vacumm brake is the accident when Sugar train form Khon Kaen colliding with rapid train at night at Ban Jong Koh on Kaeng Khoi - Bua Yai line. After this accident, SRT has NO LONGER allows vacuum brake rolign stocks runnign Kaeng Khoi - Bua Yai line. :eek:

// ---------------------------------------------------------

Okay, let's go back to red line commuter matter:

Cabinate Approving the consttuction of Red line commuter -> Bangsue - Ransit section

Manager daily - 16 October 2007 8:16 PM

Cabinate has apporved the construction of 26-km red line commuter (Bangsue - Rangsit section) with a price tag of 59.888 billion Baht to be done in 4 years and the cabinated has asked SRT to constuct 10-km extension from Rangsit to Thammasart U. (Rangsit campus)

Bangsue terminalk has been changed in the follwoign manner

1. Platform reduced frpom 22 to 16 platforms
2. the new acess road to Kaemphanegphet road and VIbhavadee rangsit Highway alogn with the connection to Mochit 2 Bus terminal
3. Underground public park which can accommodate 1000 cars ins tead of just 700 cars

The construction will started by October 2008 and finished in October 2012, after finishgin the design in Decemebr 2007, the TOR in March 2008, and Bidding in May 2008

The 10-km extension form Rangsit to Thammasart will be 3.886 billion Baht - cutting from 59.888 billion Baht ... thus SRT has to lower the budget for Bangsue - Rangsit section to 56.002 Billion Baht.

The whole networks of red line commuters (without Rangsit-Thammasart extension) is supposed to handle 661700 passengers a day while Bangsue terminal has to accommodate Intercity passengers of 32700 passengers a day. With the 10-km extension form Bangsue to Rangsit, the daily numbe of passenger has to be at least 706,800 men a day even though Bangsue terminal may have to accommodate Intercity passengers of 32700 passengers.

FUnding will be from JBIC loan, Enegy funds and annual Budget.

The cabite has apporved the collateral funds for SRT of 18.98728 billion Baht to pay the contractors of Airport Link, including finnacial surcharge and VAT on surchages of 1.66621 billion Baht, the construction payment ot the creditors 14.76768 billion Baht, VAT and other taxes of 1.19899 billion Baht
and outstanding interests of 1.34539 billion Baht.

However, the extra funds of 9.94 billion Baht is NOT approved. They will approve the extra payment ONLY after SRT has come up with the following documents.

1. Financial Plan durign the extension period to be submitted in the next 30 days.
2. the plan to make direct connection between Donmueang Airport and Suvannabhum AIrport with Airport Link.

GWR

17-10-07, 04:07 PM

See previous post for a lot more detail on this:

Cabinet approves plan to build red-line rail route

BANGKOK, Oct 17 (TNA) – The cabinet on Tuesday approved the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) plan to build the red-line Bang Sue-Rangsit mass transit route with a total investment of Bt59.89 billion.

Government spokesman Chaiya Yimwilai said construction of the project would take four years starting from 2008 after the government approves the investment scheme and the blueprints in December this year.

Terms of reference for the bidding will be completed in March next year and bidding will open in May.

It is expected the construction of the 26-kilometre rail route would begin in October next year.

However, the cabinet meeting backed the Transport Ministry's additional proposal to extend the rail route by 10 kilometres from Rangsit to Thammasat University (Rangsit Campus) with an investment of Bt3.89 billion.

Assistant government spokesman Chotichai Suwannaporn said the budget for the project would come from the state budget, contributions to the State Oil Fund, and in the form of a loan from Japan Bank for International Corporation.

He said the Finance Ministry would discuss with the Energy Ministry an approach to the budget allocation and exact figure of the spending.

The Finance Ministry has been assigned to negotiate with JBIC for an additional loan to finance the project. (TNA)-E005
http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=32235

New thread on 'Bang Sue Terminal':
http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?p=17762#post17762

GWR

20-11-07, 12:44 PM

JBIC: Metro Network Expansion Progress
The Japan Bank for International Cooperation will send in a fact-finding mission for the red metro line linking Bang Sue and Rangsit, said Pongpanu Svetarundra, director-general of the Public Debt Management Office.

The valuation and appraisal is the latest development in the pipeline after the Japanese side has approved the financing of the purple Bang Sue - Bang Yai line.

Pongpanu said that the Bt 31-billion, 25-year loan agreement is likely to be signed early next year. The interest will be set at 1.4 per cent.

He added that the international competitive bidding for the purple line's various construction projects would begin once JBIC's notification to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, whcih was sent on Nov 5, has past through. The process would take at least 30 days.

The new government is likely to pick up the tap after the general election in December.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/11/20/business/business_30056780.php

Wisarut

23-11-07, 09:52 PM

The Enforcer!

24-11-07, 09:53 AM

OTP said the design of red line commuter from Bangsue to Makkasan will be done in early March 2008
Manager Daily 24 Nov 2007

OTP said the design of red line commuter from Bangsue to Makkasan will ve doen in early March 2008 ... ready for the New governemtn to stamp the approval. It will be electrified track - either at grade (only 2 levels are in need) or underground since it must pass through Chitladda Royal Station... with the benefit of 4.5 Trillion Baht and daily passenger of 100000 persons a day
I see from today's Bangkok Post that the Chitladda section "will be built in an ''open trench'', which will not be refilled with earth above the tunnel roof, to keep the line underground where it passes the palace" which sounds eminently good.

The Enforcer!

The Enforcer!

24-11-07, 09:55 AM

Aslo today's Bangkok Post says "The Bang Sue-Phaya Thai-Makkasan railway section is part of the inner-city Red Line that will stretch 19 km from Bang Sue via Makkasan to Hua Mak"

This confuses me? Is another elevated railway to be built from Phaya Thai to Huamark, or will it use the Airlink elevated tracks?

The Enforcer!

Yappofloyd

24-11-07, 01:56 PM

^Khun Enforcer, Who really knows what will happen in the end. But the previous plans were for the Red Line and Airport Line (Pink) to share this section. Taling Chan Red Line would go East to Makkasan and Rangsit Red Line south over the river to Wong Wian Yai and Mahhachai (spelling).

With the Airport Line (non express) eventually planned to go to Don Muang then Red and Airpot would share track. I recollect that the original designs had 4 tracks but doesn't seem this will be the case. I'm sure others will give more info. or correct anything I have said.

Anyway, Khun Wisarut has mentioned many time over the past few years the problem with the Red Line/Airport Link going past the Palace and now this appears to be the solution. Here is the Post article

Ministry changes Red Line design plan Will go undergound at Chitralada Palace Bkk Post 24/11/07

The Transport Ministry has revised a construction plan to keep a new railway section that will pass the Chitralada Palace below ground level while the other parts of the railway will be elevated. According to Pranot Suriya, deputy director of the Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning, the Bang Sue-Phaya Thai-Makkasan railway section was earlier designed to be totally elevated.

But as the section will pass the Chitralada Palace, its design will be revised to be built in an ''open trench'', which will not be refilled with earth above the tunnel roof, to keep the line underground where it passes the palace.

The transport policy office hired a consultancy in September to work out the detailed design of the electric railway section. According to the design that will be finished next February, the total cost of the section is estimated at 25 billion baht. The Bang Sue-Phaya Thai-Makkasan railway section is part of the inner-city Red Line that will stretch 19 km from Bang Sue via Makkasan to Hua Mak.

The inner-city Red Line will mostly be built above ground along the existing railway tracks of Bangkok. It will be the central part of the whole Red Line network that will reach Rangsit in the north of Bangkok, Taling Chan in the west, the Hua Lamphong railway terminus of Bangkok and Maha Chai in the southwest and connect in Makkasan with the Airport Rail Link to Suvarnabhumi airport.

The construction of the Bang Sue-Phaya Thai-Makkasan railway section should start late next year. It will serve 200,000 passengers a day and the whole Red Line network should carry 700,000 people a day.

Meanwhile, about 100 people whose property was expropriated for the Purple Line rallied at the Transport Ministry yesterday to demand quick compensation. The group, led by Gen Kittisak Ratthaprasert, said the Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA), the Purple Line developer, finished the expropriation survey in January this year but has not paid the compensation yet.

The MRTA has not even set the minimum rate of compensation for the expropriation. The delay is preventing property owners from having access to new funds to buy new residences. Some property owners lost the deposits they placed earlier for new residences as they have not received the compensation.

The group said that the expropriation law required the MRTA to complete the compensation within 180 days from its expropriation survey and the deadline fell in July this year. The people vowed to raise their issue with the Administrative Court if the Transport Ministry does not respond to them within this month.

The 23-kilometre-long Purple Line will stretch from Bang Sue to Bang Bua Thong and Bang Yai districts of Nonthaburi province

Wisarut

24-11-07, 06:41 PM

Okay, it's make a correction for this matter

Red line commuter linking Bangsue with Airport Link and Hua Lamphong
Matichon - 24 Nov 2007
Post Today 204 nov 2007

Ther are 2 sections of this red line commuter to link Bangsue with both Airport Link and Hua Lamphong terminal with total price tag of 25.137 billion Baht. If the line that reach Makkasan has reach Huamark to Eliminate the bottleneck between new makkasan and hua mark, the cost will go up to about 36 billion Baht.

1) Bangsue - Ratchawithee - Phayathai - Makkasan -> 5.5 km
This section will elevated track until it reaches Pradiphat. After that the track go down to dry ditch whcih fllowing the railway track that pass Chitladda Triangle all the way to New Makkasan station

The stations on the section between Bangsue and Makkasan are
1.1) Bangsue
1.2) Ratchawithee
1.3) Phayathai -> connectign with Airport Transit
1.4) Old Makkasan

2) Bangsue - Ratchawithee - Phayathai - Yommaraj - Hua Lamphong -> 9 km
This section also the elevate track until it reaches Pradiphat. After that the track will go unto the ditch until it pass Yommaraj Intersection and then it will be at grade all the way to Hua Lamphong

The stations on the section between Bangsue and Hua Lamphong are
2.1) Ratchawithee -> at km 6 Norhtenr line
2.2) Samsen -> km 5 Eastern line
2.3) Phayathai -> km 3 Eastern line
2.4) Yommaraj -> km 2 Noirthern line
2.5) Yotse -> at Saphan Krasatsue Flyover Bridge -> km 1 norhtenr line

No need for the new station at Hua Lamphong teerminal (km 0) - just electrified BKK Railway yard to allow EMUs to use Hua Lamphong terminal.

Intercity, cargo trains and EMU commuters will share the tracks of these red line commuters for sure.

These 2 sections will form another triangle track in parallel with the existing Chitladda Triangle. It may need to rup the local road to make a way for this red line commuter to avoid hitting into Chitladd Royal Station.

The detailed designs will be dne in early march 2008 to be submitted to the cabinate so as to start teh constrcution by the end of 2008 and done by the end of 2012 ... with target passengers of 100,000 passengers a day in year 2012.

The Enforcer!

25-11-07, 08:30 AM

Okay, it's make a correction for this matter.

And Bang Sue to Hua mark?

The Enforcer!

Wisarut

25-11-07, 01:12 PM

And Bang Sue to Hua mark?

The Enforcer!

Bangsue to Makkasan first and then Makkasan to Hua Mark .... not that aborted Bangsue - Hua Makr in paralle with Ratchadapisek ring and Thai cultural road.

Wisarut

16-12-07, 09:52 AM

JBIC making an assessemnt on Red line commuter project before granting the loan

Dailynews 15/12/2007

Now, JBIC has sent the representation to make an assessemnt on red line commuter before approving 40 billion Baht of loan to cover the project price tag of 60 billion Baht with 1.4% Annual interest rate and 25 year payment - similar to Purple line. Teh rest will be covered by budget and energy funds.

If everythign goes as planned - the MOU will be signed between JBIC and SRT in April 2008. to pay for the contractors and signal installation.

SRT is goign to set up subsidairy to run red line commuter and Airport Link - to be submitted to the cabinate next week.

GWR

03-01-08, 09:38 PM

03 January 2008
Transport Minister calls on new govt. to continue with mega-projects

Minister of Transport Adm.Thira Haocharoen (ธีระ ห้าวเจริญ) requests the new government to continue with the ministry’s mega-projects including the electric train route extension project, the restructuring of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) and the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA), and solutions to the noise pollution of the Suvarnabhumi airport.

The minister expresses his belief that the next government will start working on the projects immediately. He also stresses the importance of the restructuring of two state enterprises SRT and BMTA.

As for solutions to the airport's noise problem, Adm.Thira says the ministry will hold a meeting with the Bureau of Budget to discuss sources of money for the compensation for people affected by loud noise released by the airport.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255101030026

The Enforcer!

04-01-08, 11:02 AM

SRT is goign to set up subsidairy to run red line commuter and Airport Link - to be submitted to the cabinate next week.
Whilst I have no problems with numerous operators, I do hope that the new government will opt for one Transport Authority to set service levels and fares for all transit systems (BTS, Metro, Airlink, Red Line etc) so that we get a coordinated network.

The Enforcer!

GWR

20-03-08, 11:31 AM

Rather confusing headline!:

Red line BTS nears completion

The Ministry of Transport has revealed that it is nearing the completion of plans for the red line BTS sky train extension and expects to begin construction as soon as the beginning of next year.

Deputy Director of the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy Pranot Suriya (ประณต สุริยะ) stated that the office has been successful in drafting the fine details of the red line sky train extension, which will extend from Bang Sue to Phaya Thai to Makkasan. The extension is to connect the central BTS system with Bangkok’s vicinities.

The plan has been designed to be both efficient and environmentally friendly and will be proposed to the Cabinet for approval with the auctions for construction projected to begin in October. The entire construction is planned to take 4 years. Mr. Pranot has assured that its construction will not affect the regular operation of the BTS.

http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255103200003

The Enforcer!

21-03-08, 12:24 PM

Rather confusing headline!:

I am completely confused.

The Enforcer!

The Enforcer!

21-03-08, 12:25 PM

Rather confusing headline!:

I am completely confused. I am assuming it is a plan to extend the Red Line (Taling Chan-Bang Sue) to connect with the Airport Link?

The Enforcer!

Wisarut

21-03-08, 01:02 PM

I am completely confused. I am assuming it is a plan to extend the Red Line (Taling Chan-Bang Sue) to connect with the Airport Link?

The Enforcer!

There are 2 section for red lien commuter

1. Bangsue Taling Chan (without New Bangkok Station [AKA Bangsue Central])
2. Bangsue - Phayathai - Yommaraj - Yotse (with New Bangkok Station [AKA Bangsue Central]) - No need to construction new Hua Lamphong station for BKK Red line Commuter since SRT is going to use the good old Bangkok station Building as the terminal

..... The news by PRD is refering to Bangsue - Phayathai - Yommaraj - Yotse section of Red line commuter which include the consturction fo Bangsue Central.

The Enforcer!

21-03-08, 02:30 PM

There are 2 section for red lien commuter

1. Bangsue Taling Chan (without New Bangkok Station [AKA Bangsue Central])
2. Bangsue - Phayathai - Yommaraj - Yotse (with New Bangkok Station [AKA Bangsue Central]) - No need to construction new Hua Lamphong station for BKK Red line Commuter since SRT is going to use the good old Bangkok station Building as the terminal

..... The news by PRD is refering to Bangsue - Phayathai - Yommaraj - Yotse section of Red line commuter which include the consturction fo Bangsue Central.
Dear Wisarut,

Can I infer from this that Hua Lamphong will cease to be Bangkok's main terminal, i.e. all provincial traisn will terminate at Bangsue Central? If so, do we have a timeline?

The Enforcer!

Wisarut

21-03-08, 03:09 PM

Dear Wisarut,

Can I infer from this that Hua Lamphong will cease to be Bangkok's main terminal, i.e. all provincial traisn will terminate at Bangsue Central? If so, do we have a timeline?

The Enforcer!

Not so sure if we have such a kind of schedule ... but we need to see unti Bangsue cental along with Makkasan Central are DONE ...

However the rural bumpkins who are now workign in BKK would go AGAINST the plan to move terminal out of Hua Lamphong ... after all, they have remberd the days they come to BKK to find new jobs ... There was an attempt to use Makkas as a terminal for EWastern line ... in 1953 ... but the rual poeple felt OUTRAGOUS so the go AGAINST this scheme through theri MPs and the terminal for Eastern line had been moved back to BKK a few months later ...

The Enforcer!

24-03-08, 01:42 PM

Not so sure if we have such a kind of schedule ... but we need to see unti Bangsue cental along with Makkasan Central are DONE ...

2009? 2010? Am I getting close?

The Enforcer!

Yappofloyd

29-04-08, 12:47 PM

Bangsue to Taling Chan Line, Update-

Just for those that did not know, as I didn't until I asked on skyscraper (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=20136296#post20136296), two bids for the Taling Chan section were received and apparently a successful bidder will be announced in May.

Wisarut

02-06-08, 11:51 AM

Even the red line from Bangsue to rangsit has not been started, the cost overrrun has addedd the price tag from 60 billion Baht to 77 billion Baht :eek:
The cost steel rail and steel reinforce have already shot up by 50% !

Unique Engineering & Construction and Chun Wo Construction&Engineering) are filign the ligitation AGAINST SRT BNoard ... after SRT board has disqualified them form bidding Bangue - Taling CHan section of red lien commuter.

SRT Board has make extension by 370 day for Airporrt Link construction ... after 180 day extension for Airporrt Link construction has been exired ... to be ready for service on 5 December 2009.

Ref: Prachachat Thurakij - 2 June 2008

Yappofloyd

07-06-08, 09:09 AM

Khun Wisarut, was the tender for the Taling Chan section finally awarded at the end of May???

Wisarut

07-06-08, 03:51 PM

Khun Wisarut, was the tender for the Taling Chan section finally awarded at the end of May???

Yes ... That's why the bit loser is filign the case to the Court ... :D

Yappofloyd

08-06-08, 08:47 AM

Yes ... That's why the bit loser is filign the case to the Court ... :D

Yes I saw your previous post but this means that no one else bid, there were only two bidders weren't there? But on what grounds were both of these bidders disqualified?? Did they both not meet the terms of the bid conditions? IS SRT going to reopen the tender?

And if litigation is proceeding then this will not be resolved for some time given how long thai court take to determine these types of litigation.

Wisarut

08-06-08, 09:59 PM

Yes I saw your previous post but this means that no one else bid, there were only two bidders weren't there? But on what grounds were both of these bidders disqualified?? Did they both not meet the terms of the bid conditions? IS SRT going to reopen the tender?

And if litigation is proceeding then this will not be resolved for some time given how long thai court take to determine these types of litigation.

That because all otehr contractors REFUSE to handle the eviction of those slum dwellers who seize SRt land ... even worse, it is some SRT officers who act as the landflords for thsoe sluim dwellers who cash the rent without payign back to SRt coffers ...

That's why SRT board want to borrwo the hands of contractors to do this down and dirty jobs withotu creating Disunity among SRT officers.

Wisarut

23-06-08, 09:39 AM

I fear that history is about to repeat itself (for the 3rd time since 2004) and BKK will be in the situation yet again where the central govt changes without one NEW contract being signed for any of the proposed Bkk mass transit lines. Thereafter, there will be further delays while a new govt. forms and thereafter reviews mass transit plans.

Nothing has really progressed in these last months while input costs just keep rising. The Taling Chan Red Line bid has been defered, the Purple Line bid is being changed and the high number of bidders will make selection lengthy, Blue Line is going where and both BTS exts don't seem to be moving much at all.

Will we look back and view the 2000s be a decade of lost opportunity for mass transit in BKK? Sigh.....Sunday Blues......:(

When I went to Laksi Station before taking Rapid 135 to my office, I've seen the sign board for red line commuter (Bangsue - Rangsit) which state that the construction will be started by the end of 2009 ... even though it may start even later than than.

Wisarut

23-06-08, 02:06 PM

Latest news:

1. Red lien commuter (Bangsue - Rangsit) passes EIA

2. Government agrees in principle to extend the red line commuter to at least Thammsart Rangsit Stop at the price 3.886 billion Baht for Rangsit - Thammsart section.

3. Budget for red line commuter is up from 59.888 Billion Baht to 77.563 Billion Baht accommodate the inflation ... This did nto inclkude the electrification.

The budget of 77.563 Billion Baht consisted of
3.1. New bangsue station & Maintainance Center - 34.458 billion Baht
3.2 Civil Works of 25.075 billion Baht
3.3 Electromechanic works - 18.030 billion Baht

4. JBIC is the best financial resource avaialble since the domestic resources have been in trouble with Inflation pressure even though SRT comments that
Domestic loan will allow SRT to start bidding in October 2008 instead of Feb 2009 alogn with 5-7 month delays if followign the JBIC procedure.

5. To get JBIC loan, SRT and Thai government have to follow the procedure ... after the inspection by JBIC officers from 22 June - 4 July 2008.
Ministry of Finance will ask whetehr JBIC would allow shortcuts for the procedure.

6. Purple line will be under bidding by the end of 2008.

mdechgan

23-06-08, 02:30 PM

Wisarut

23-06-08, 02:42 PM

Anybody have any info on the SRT pink line from Taling Chan?
Its proposed but is it possible or just some plan never to be realized?
The volume of people from the Thonburi side of the river to Morchit, Makkasan, even Suvarnabhumi is there but I don't know if construction is possible unless lots of expropriation is done.

Any chances of seeing it realized in the next decade?

Get the contractor but not finallyu announce since the loser REFUSEs to believe that they lsot the biddings ... better get the court to deal with this kind of conflicts.

Yappofloyd

24-06-08, 01:24 PM

Actually Khun mdechgan, although there used to be a Pink Line from Taling Chan to the Airport essentially it is now the SRT Red Line (there are two) from Taling Chan to Bang Sue.

If and when this line and the other Red Line (from Rangsit to Bang Sue) get built, then there will need to be a link built between Bang Sue and what will be the end of the Airport line Phaya Thai. However, don't assume same guage or systems between both sections!

Khun Wisarut has posted some info about the designs of this section (especially past the palace) on another thread.

Latest news:

1. Red lien commuter (Bangsue - Rangsit) passes EIA

2. Government agrees in principle to extend the red line commuter to at least Thammsart Rangsit Stop at the price 3.886 billion Baht for Rangsit - Thammsart section.

3. Budget for red line commuter is up from 59.888 Billion Baht to 77.563 Billion Baht accommodate the inflation ... This did nto inclkude the electrification.

The budget of 77.563 Billion Baht consisted of
3.1. New bangsue station & Maintainance Center - 34.458 billion Baht
3.2 Civil Works of 25.075 billion Baht
3.3 Electromechanic works - 18.030 billion Baht

4. JBIC is the best financial resource avaialble since the domestic resources have been in trouble with Inflation pressure even though SRT comments that
Domestic loan will allow SRT to start bidding in October 2008 instead of Feb 2009 alogn with 5-7 month delays if followign the JBIC procedure.

5. To get JBIC loan, SRT and Thai government have to follow the procedure ... after the inspection by JBIC officers from 22 June - 4 July 2008.
Ministry of Finance will ask whetehr JBIC would allow shortcuts for the procedure.

6. Purple line will be under bidding by the end of 2008.

So the budget for the Rangsit line has risen by nearly 30% and most surprisingly the cost of building Bang Sue terminal and maintainence centre is going to be some US 1 billion dollars!!!! :eek: That better buy a world class terminal!

Yappofloyd

19-08-08, 01:38 PM

Maybe Khun Wisarut can detail more but there seems to be demands for more money by contractors to build the Taling Chan Red Line?

Wisarut

19-08-08, 02:30 PM

Maybe Khun Wisarut can detail more but there seems to be demands for more money by contractors to build the Taling Chan Red Line?

Yes, contractors demands more money to cover the cost overrun due to fuel and other construction material hikes withotu any doublt.

GWR

21-08-08, 10:54 AM

.......... Meanwhile, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) plans to propose the increased construction cost of the Red Line subway project for Cabinet consideration on September 2.

SRT governor Yuthana Tapcharoen said that the Uniq-Chunwo joint-venture consortium, which qualified in the bidding, wanted to adjust the construction cost in line with actual costs.

However, the SRT will consider the legal dispute concerning the Red Line bidding, and if it could not adjust the project cost, SRT will have to open the bidding again, a matter that would have to wait for Cabinet approval.

The budget for the Red Line's first phase - 15 kilometres from Taling Chan to Bang Sue sections - was Bt8.7 billion.

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/08/21/business/business_30081065.php

Wisarut

09-09-08, 01:26 AM

Executive SUmmary of Red Line Commuter (Bangsue - Rangsit) in English

http://www.railway.co.th/resultproject/download/executive_summary_eng.pdf

Wisarut

09-09-08, 10:52 AM

The FOllosing pictures is the Design of the statiopns for Red Line Commuter Bangsue - Rangsit)

Bangsue Central - 2008

Source: Design Concept Co.
http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/5760/ltpreviewx01wl7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/5734/88037535vo5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/6720/26604662nh6.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img101.imageshack.us/img101/2632/66971522kf4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/2950/66224587ib1.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img54.imageshack.us/img54/4355/19617737dz9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/4753/50044852jq0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img362.imageshack.us/img362/1199/62340895cw8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/4866/15810608rm2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Wisarut

09-09-08, 10:55 AM

The FOllosing pictures is the Design of the stations for Red Line Commuter Bangsue - Rangsit) without Bangsue Central

North Red Line 2008

Source: Design Concept Co.

http://img366.imageshack.us/img366/5067/15911018ub8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/713/84258692ap5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img54.imageshack.us/img54/2523/93470512hl4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/5483/93519151fp0.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img54.imageshack.us/img54/8356/64467290oh4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/5254/53584432qn5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img48.imageshack.us/img48/2190/14041359sl2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img217.imageshack.us/img217/4206/66847935hy8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img68.imageshack.us/img68/8074/79738864gp2.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Wisarut

09-09-08, 10:56 AM

The followign are the images of the Eastern Line South of Bangsue Central

East Red Line 2008

Source: Design Concept Co.

http://img54.imageshack.us/img54/1996/56768342nb4.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img54.imageshack.us/img54/372/87050425ti3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/4941/20675061ll3.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img82.imageshack.us/img82/6386/13565129jn5.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img54.imageshack.us/img54/5155/21314099jr7.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Yappofloyd

11-09-08, 07:15 PM

Thanks for posting the renders...I wonder if the real thing will look the same if it ever gets built?

Bang Sue looks great and some nice spacious open space both inside the terminal and around the station.

Not sure about Don Muang platform configurations. Grade level for intercity, bottom platform for an Airport Link service and top elevated for Red Line???

All of the renders indicate keeping Intercity at grade when I had thought there was the long term plan to elevate?

Wisarut

19-09-08, 02:14 PM

Red Line Commuter to Thammasart Rangsit:
Prachachat Thurakij 18 September 2008

For the case of the 36-km red line commuter from Bangsue to Thammasart U. (Rangsit campus), the budget has ballooned up from 63.773 billion Baht to 86 billion Baht after the additional responsibility of SRT to purchase the rolling stocks, eviction of the slum dwellers along the routes alogn with the housing for thsoe evicted slum dwellers instead of askign contractors to deal with slum dwellers. The additional responsibilities are the additional conditions from JBIC to SRT to ensure that the construction could be started without any delays so SRT could pay back to JBIC.

OTP settting up the Public Hearing for Red Line commuter (Rangsit - Thammasart Rangsit section)
Thai News Agency 18 Sept 2008 16:36:59

OTP has set up the public hearing on the red line commuter from Rangsit to Thammasart Rangsit (10 km) ... after gettign public opinion, OTP will sublkit teh result to MOT and cabinate so as to get cabinate appoval for the budget along with the financial scheme for this 10 km section.

This 10 km section of red line commuter is starting from Rangsit station, passing Klong 1 stop and Chiang Rak station before ending up at Thammasart rangsit station with the budget of 5 billion Baht -> for electrification and the 4th track. This section will incrreate the daiuly passengers for red lien commuter from 119,300 passengers a day to 123,800 passengers a day.

//-----------------------------------------------------------------

OTP reasjusting Chitladda section of the red line commuter to SRT Board
Thaipost - 19 September 2008

OTP was modifying Chitladda section to the government since this section rrequired delicated handling due to the closed proximity with Chitladda Palace. The Open Trench design will have to be used with 2 floors of this section.

This modified section will be submitted SRt board for pproval beofre sening back to MOT to get the budget approval for the section so as to call a bidding in November 2008.

The section from Bangsue to Makkasan and Yotse is 25.90 km - with teh follwoign budget allocation

33 billion Baht for civil work, 29.011 billion Baht for rolling stocks and ssytems - total 62.011 billion Baht.

The section will be 1.40 km at grade, 10.10 km open trench and 14.4 km elevated tracks with EIRR of 37.45%

There will be 3 contracts for this project

1. Contract on Civil WOrk at Bangsue - Hua Lamphong - Makkasam
2. Contract on Civil WOrk at Makkasan - Hua mark
3. Contract for electrificaiton and system intallation for Bangsue - Hua Lamphong - Makkasan - Hua Mark.

Yappofloyd

04-10-08, 01:17 PM

Good to see that the Taling Chan line issue has been progressed with a selection. Hard to believe that the bidder was only 1000 baht lower than the median price without some inside knowledge. Wow, we may actually get a contract signed and some construction commencing by the end of the year?

SRT extends lease, awards rail contract AMORNRAT MAHITTHIROOK bkk Post 30/09/08
The board of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) yesterday resolved to extend the lease of its Phahon Yothin land to the Central Group for its department store and hotel for another 20 years. The SRT board also awarded the construction contract for its Red Line rail route to a Thai-Hong Kong joint venture which offered a bidding price of 1,000 baht lower than SRT's median price of 8.75 billion baht.

According to SRT governor Yuthana Thapcharoen, the board has extended the lease to Central Pattana Plc (CPN) in exchange for a rent of 11.5 billion baht plus a building modification fee of 2.4 billion baht and a 5% revenue share in the event that CPN's income exceeds their estimate. Based on 5-6% annual interest rate, SRT will receive a total of 21.5 billion baht over the 20-year lease period from Central group, excluding building modification fees, said Mr Yuthana. The SRT bases the lease renewal deal on that between Chulalongkorn University and MBK Plc that operates the MBK Centre in Pathumwan.

Central Group has rented the SRT's 47.22-rai plot at the intersection of Phahon Yothin and Vibhavadi Rangsit roads for the past 30 years. Today it operates the Sofitel Centara Grand Bangkok hotel and the Central Lat Phrao department store and retail plaza. The original lease will expire on Dec 18 this year. The SRT will submit the lease extension contract to the cabinet through the Office of the Attorney-General for approval.

The SRT board also yesterday approved the selection of the Unique-Chun Wo joint venture as the contractor for the civil engineering of its 15km Red Line railway's from Bang Sue to Taling Chan.

Althouh the joint venture, which comprises SET-listed Unique Engineering and Construction Plc and Hong Kong's Chun Wo Construction & Engineering Co, was the only qualified contender, the SRT selected it because it would otherwise have to raise the median price by two billion baht in a fresh bidding contest, Mr Yuthana said. He expects the contract to be signed next month. Earlier, a construction operator which was disqualified from bidding filed a petition with the SRT opposing the committee's selection of the Unique-Chun Wo joint venture since there was only a single bidder for the project.

In the meantime, the SRT board delayed consideration on the demand from Japan Bank for International Co-operation (JBIC) for the SRT to clear encroachments from the construction sites eyed for the Red Line's 26km section from Bang Sue to Rangsit before the construction commences. Mr Yuthana said he would ask the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning and the Finance Ministry if the lending condition was acceptable. The Japanese bank had never before raised such a condition, he added.

Yappofloyd

15-11-08, 11:30 AM

Seems to be an absurd claim that a narrow guage line will save 20% in construction costs. Even more absurd given the plans to standardise.

Ministry says its plan for rail line is on the right track AMORNRAT MAHITTHIROOK Bkk Post 14/11/08
The Transport Ministry is standing firm on its plan for one-metre gauge railway tracks in the 70-kilometre Red Line mass transit project. Transport permanent secretary Surachai Thansitthipon said authorities have gone over the project and agreed the metre-gauge is the right choice. The ministry was forced to review its plans by the State Enterprise Policy Office which questioned the decision to use metre-gauge instead of the standard-gauge track, which is 1.435 metres wide.

Mr Surachai said laying the narrower track will save 20% on the construction cost of the Red Line which will run from Bang Sue to Taling Chan and from Bang Sue to Rangsit. He said train carriages designed for the narrower track cost 20% less than those designed for the standard gauge. The narrow-gauge track is also compatible with the country's existing rail network, which covers 4,100 kilometres, he said. Mr Surachai said it will take about 20 years to transform all of the country's tracks to standard gauge.

The Transport Ministry plans to seek 58 billion baht from the government to fund transport schemes, Transport Minister Santi Promphat said. He said the proposed amount will be sought under the 100-billion-baht supplementary budget to stimulate the economy. A little more than 640 million baht will be sought to fund a design study of parts of the Pink and Yellow rail schemes, he said.