View Full Version : Purple Line
Nekochan
29-09-04, 02:49 PM
I think PM Taksin is trying hard to undermine the BTS extention as long as possible. In this circumstance, Khun Wisarut is right. But for MRTA extentions, I have no clue why they wanted Purple line first.
As far as I can tell (insider stuff!!) the cost of construction the southern extention from Hua Lampong - Bang Wa increases by 3,000 Billion Baht since THE RATTANAKOSIN committee was so afraid that underground contruction may damage historical sites.
So they did not allow typical excavation technique for 3 stations (Yao Waraj, Wang Burapa and Grand Palace?) by cut and cover tehnique. They wanted MRTA to do something like Euro Tunnel ...... you do all of excavation and construction underground!! except pop up (my word) entrances around stations.
Bang Yai is Muslim area and MRTA needs to go underground, too.
Perhaps, Orange line going to inner BKK city will suffer the same fate.
Wisarut
29-09-04, 05:33 PM
Khun Nekochang -> 3000 Billion Baht is equal to 3 Trilltion Baht -> Sounds too bad ... Therfore, 3 Billion Baht cost overrun is more correct though.
Well, you are refering to the Inner City Section of Purple line (Bangsue - Bang Krabue - Samsen - Bang Lumphoo - Phan Fah - Memorial Bridge - Wongwian Yai - Taksin - Mahaisawan) sicne the Ornage line has already been rerouted to end up at Bang Bumru Railway Station (the station whcih all the Southern train from Bangsue stops in Thonburi including International Express)
Well, the Northern section fo Purple Line to Bang yai will go along Rattanathibet Road until it reach bangyai Intersectgion and the end of the line is at Klong Udomcholjorn canal .... So there should be no problem with Muslim in Tha It though ...
Now, there are lots of villages along Rattnathibet Road and vincinities .... and the traffic is worsening at Rattanathibet area up to Bang Yai ... Telling your viewpoitn to those who live in Nonthaburi and you 'll be YELLED back that
"We Badly want the Purple Line!"
The Enforcer!
30-09-04, 08:39 AM
We just have to face it that Public Transport in Bangkok is a political football wuth only one player (Taksin) and has nothing to do with real transportation needs!
I just hope Bangkokians, Samut Prakarnians and Nonthaburians let Taksin understasnd his behaviour is not accepatble on 13th February (or whenever) next year!
The Enforcer!
Nekochan
30-09-04, 02:21 PM
Sorry! I really meant 3,000 MB or 3 Billion Baht!
I apologize for my (bad) written English!
About Purple line, I found it very odd. I expect mass transit route to start from suburbs, pass through CBDs and stop at suberbs.
What are the CBDs for Purple Line? I think the alignments of the original Blue and Orange Lines are more practical.
Rattanakosin Committee ?? Ho Ho!, ask Mr. Samak about Sanam Luang underground parking!!
chateaulik
01-10-04, 01:59 AM
Khun Wisarut,
From the map, I saw the proximity of 3 stations of 3 different lines (Green of BTS, Red of SRT and Purple) around Taksin Monument. Are they gonna be combined into one mega station? How about the cost of mage station compared with that of three separate stations with linking tunnels? Thank you.
Wisarut
03-12-04, 03:33 PM
Well, Khun NCR, the Blue line will become Purple line after changing the set of drivers at Bangsue ... after all, the first leg of purple line is ACTUALLY the Northern extension of Blue line .... before beign transforms into the Blue ring.
The extension from Pha Nang Klao Bridge to Bang yai (12 km)
has compelled MRTA to turn this section (Bangsue - Phrta Nang Klao - Ban Yai) into the new line since the total distance is longer than 20 km (23 km to be exact) from the initial 11 km.
Wisarut
26-06-05, 11:58 PM
Protesting for Bangsue - Bang Yai Elevated Track Intensified
Manager daily - June 27, 2005
Now, Lovcal people and merchants around Bangsue - Tao Poon are protesting
the elevated tracks of Purple line by clamign the old building worthy to be preserved (REALLY?) ... Hoever, MTA governor is tryign to explain the public that MRTAneeds to exappropriate the buildign and the houses ONLY for installing the escalators and elevators at the first 3 stations. However, the local peopel REFUSE to listen due to the instigation from thsoe who live in Saphan kwai who suffer from BTS.
Therefore, they have signed the petition to MP Lalita Roeksamran for this matter whcih has been boiled into conflict.
Note: if thsoe Stubborn local people of Bangsue - Tao Poon - Bangson - Wong Sawang and Tiwanon still INSIST for the Undergroudn Tracks, I afraid that they have to pay the extra 20-30 Billion baht tax to fund that tunnel section .... My tax money woudl go for that elevated section and that's all. :mad:
The Enforcer!
27-06-05, 10:18 AM
From the press it looks like TRT MP v. Democrat BMA councillor and an underhand way of trying to damage TRT!
If the Purple Line is forced underground, it will not be built! As it mainly only serves TRT dominated Nonthaburi, it will harm TRT re-election chances!
The Enforcer!
Wisarut
04-07-05, 05:12 PM
More Info about Bangsue - Bang Yai Conteroversies is here:
Taopoon People Revolt! Setting Up 4 Protesting Centers -
Sending the petition to Prmier Thaksin and OTP to Review the Project
Thairath - July 4, 2005
After the meeting of the local people at Bowornphon School at 10AM of
July3, 2005, Gen. Kittisak Ratprasoed (the corrdinator) told (or instigated)
the local people durign 2-hour lecture that :
"Post More Bannders! Never Becoming Frightened by the Public Pressure from
other Bangkokians! Backdowning the Movement, Our Rights will be Forfeited!
Even Utterily Defeat by Cornering through Sheer Forces, We just Do our best."
After that, they set up 4 protesting at Tao Poon, Bang Son, Wongsawang and Tiwanon
[all the 4 stations to be prssured to become undergroudn station] to "educate"
(or brainwash if you are in the opposite side) localpeople abotu the detrimental effects
of the project.
They have sent petition ot Premneir Thaksin 3 times and get No response and the
are goign to make the 4th petition to premier Thaksin and OTP on July 12 and
to OTP on July 15, afte the meeting on July 5.
Gen. Kittisak said the local people want the government's response on the following irregularities:
1) Government already made heavy investment on Bangsue station but why they still
have to invest on Tao Poon Interchange station, Is it a waste of money? Have
OTP been to Tao poon area at all and see what sholc be ACTUALLYT DONE.
2) Traffic Jam since 5:30 AM ... The 17 meter wide road will become 13 meter wide road
after the constructio nof elevated tracks ... worsening the traffi jam in theri areas which
the truck carrying the wooden product have to pass through.
3) Durign the cosntruction of Elevateed track of BTS, there is NO land Exappriopriation,
so they will ask for NO Land Exappropriation - even the size of pinhead - in the same way
as BTS has DONE if the government SHOWs the CLEAR policy supporting the elevated tracks.
4) Since there is NO problem for the construction of undergroudn track, why don't they
choose underground track for their area.
Note: This kind of petitions ONLY make those people from Tao Pooin to Tiwanon
becoming a bunch of SELFISH and GREEDY people in the eyes of otehr Bangkokians.
They have to confront with SHEER FORCES from other Bangkokians who DID NOT
share their sentiments and they evetually have to swallow the dreg of Defeat as
the consequence.
One Year Anniversary for Subway
Suriya Pushing the Purp0le Line AHEAD
Manager - July 4, 2005
One Year Anniversary: 180000 passengers a day ... and steadily climbing
Heading 200000 passengers a day bythe end of 2005 ... Furthermore,
Suriya is tellign the press that he is goign to call E-Auction for the construction
of Purple line by the end of 2005.
The Special discount will be expired in July 30, 2005 but MRTA would ask for the extension
since the regular rate would cut down the daily number of passengers.
There is still mroe time to buy extra BMCL stocks
BMCL is filiong the IPO to SEC on July 5 - First 25% (2.6 billion stocksat 1 baht par) to MRTA
and the otehr 2.55 billion stocks IPO to general investors [1.55 billion stock for capital
enhancement, the otehr 1 billion stock form Ch. Karnchang.]
Note: This implication from MOTC shows that
"The governemtn has a clear policy to push this purple line to be DONE as soon as possible
at all cost - even those local people from Tao Poon to Tiwanon will become piles of corpses
waiting for cremation."
The Enforcer!
05-07-05, 08:01 AM
It is sad that this arguement has become a political football not a neutrally decided Mass Transit system.
Of course one agument that has not yet been pointed out is that most of this extension is not in Bangkok per se and that Rattanathibet Road does not really suffer from severe congestion that would be relieved if other extensions like Taksin and Saphan Mai were built instead!
The Enforcer!
Wisarut
05-07-05, 11:22 AM
Khun Enforcer, Even though Rattanathibet is NOTso congested as Phaholyothin, many people who live along Rattanathibet Road as well as those who lvie in Bang Buathogn and Bang yai area have CONSTANTLY complain about the worsenign traffic jam, necessitate the construction
of the new bridge parallel with the existing Phra Nang Klao Bridge at Sanam Bin nam.
Wisarut
05-07-05, 05:14 PM
TrafficPolice Supporting Tao Poon People for 4-km Undergroudn Track
The Expensive Budget is due to the Commercialization
Thairath - July 5, 2005
The continuing Protest agaisnt the elevatedd track on Taopoon - Wongsawang area
have got another alliance for Tao Poon People -> Traffic Police Chief.
Traffic Police Chief said he AGEESwith Taopoon people abotu this issue deu to the
different results between elevated traci vs. undergroudn track. Police has much LESS
headache for traffic management onthe undergroudn tracks than the elevated tracks.
- due to the fact that the undergroudn tracksrequite blocking ONLY at the gates
while the elevated track requite the closure of traffic lane.
If the budget allows, undergroudn track isbetter deal ... ONLY the case whcih
undergroudn tracks costs too much that elevated tracks willbecome the ONLY option.
the Traffic Police chief siad The commercial developpmetn is the main source of
Note: It seems to me that many people have REJECTED the commercial development
inside the station despite of the fact that hte commercialactivities generated ONLY
about 5-10% of revenue - yet it makes the stations more likable. Just look at the
Subway Station in Tokyo comparing with the subwaystation in NY andLondonand they'll
see why their SELFISH viewpoints actually have detrimental effects on Subway ...
Even worse, they NEVER think about the FUTURE when the station have to be expanded ....
which definitely cut down much of the vacant space. It seems to me that Thairath
Correpondetns as well as Those people along Krungthep - Nonthaburi road are TOO
MYOPIC and SELFISH for their own self-intersts .... The correspondents love to instigate
(brainwash) the people so as to write more news ... why those local people
want to gain EVERYTHING without sacrifying for public well beings.
I think the issue should be how to coexist peacefully among all factions. MRTA needs to provide mitigation measures to resolve public concerns regarding potential traffic problems during construction and afterwards, noise and vibration issues, and other environmental issues, resulting from the elevated guideway.
The mitigating measure are all doable, but it needs a concerted efforts from all parties, MRTA, public, police department, contractors, etc, to work more effectively together. MRTA needs to engage its leadership role to institute and develop a comprehensive and workable plan immediately with collaboration from all concerns.
Setting aside all he-said-she-said and who-is-at-fault scenario that has been going around for several weeks. A joint committee should be set up to spearhead the efforts and oversee its implementation.
It is not too late to start now. We still have about 5 to 6 months before construction start. Make this Purple line a showcase in public involvement and participation process. And use it as a model for other future lines and extensions.
The Enforcer!
06-07-05, 12:56 PM
Khun Enforcer, Even though Rattanathibet is NOTso congested as Phaholyothin, many people who live along Rattanathibet Road as well as those who lvie in Bang Buathogn and Bang yai area have CONSTANTLY complain about the worsenign traffic jam, necessitate the construction
of the new bridge parallel with the existing Phra Nang Klao Bridge at Sanam Bin nam.
I read what you say but would it not be more prudent to resolve inner city problems ahead of than edge-of-city?
Simple quick upgrades of SRT lines ("red and pink" lines) would be a first major step to helping edge-of-city whilst extending BTS (Light & Dark Green lines) and the Yellow Elevated line would be good first steps for inner city.
The Enforcer!
Wisarut
06-07-05, 05:58 PM
KhunThe Enforcer,
I Totally AGREE with you at this point.
However, those who live in Suburbs have FLAMMED me once I have critizied their viewpoint of those Suburb people who want Skytrain-Subway extensions to theri suburbs instead of the extra lien in CBD and downtown area as the followign flame from the self-centered subruban people:
1st Opinion: from Khun Khon Charn Muang
♣ The government SHOULD construct the Skytrin ONLY Suburb area FIRST
so we canget the lien to connect with Skytrain/Subway so we DON'T have to ride the feeder buses to connect with Subwya/Skytrain at all ... The city have too many buses so Skytrian/Subwayshoudl beat the suburb FIRST and FORMOST of all
203.146.133.61
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2nd Opinion: from Khun Wiz
♣ Sorry man, other countries go into the OPPOSITE ... Construction in CBD/Downtown areas FIRST ... and extend to the suburbs ... You are REALLY self-centered soyou have come upwith suchga viewpoints
203.185.129.244
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5th Opinion: from Khun Khon charn Muang
♣ Khun Wiz, I have been abroad for MANY times and I DON'T think that
YOU can APPLY what you ahve seen ABROAD to BKK. Those BKK
Suburban Kids have been waked up at 5-6 AM so they can go to school
ON time ... YOU must have lived in the City center for TOO Long so YOU
have such kind of viewpoints. It takes so long time for those who live
in Thonburi to go across Chao Phraya to BKk side .. esp during the
rush hour after 6 AM ... After reachign the CityCenter, there is NO bus for us ... AI Wiz, What a HECK are you thinking?! Are you NUT?!
Get out of Thailand and Go living ABROAD! Don't Watch Holiwood
Movie Too MUCH
203.146.133.61
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the 6th Opinion by Khun Kid,
♣ I TOTALLY agree with Miss Khoncharn maung Thsoe hwolive inSuburb [Thonburi] have paid the same amoutn of taxes as thsoe who live in the city center as YOU [Khun Wiz]. Is there ANYTHING WRONG for the SUburban people to COMPLAIN that "Suburban people are suffering more than those who live in City Center" ...
Please Khun Wiz, don't bee TOO NARROW MIND. Plerase move to Suburban are of Thonburi and you'll experience our Sufferings.
203.146.133.61
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The 7th Opinion by Khun Wiz
♣ Khun Kid, Khun Khoncharnmuang (Using the same IPAddress), I also live in Suburb as YOU but I have MUCH different viewpoints, take it easy.
IMHO, the CBD andcommercial areas with tourist spots such as Victory Monument, Rama 4, Silom, Sukhumvit, Ratchadaphisek Dindaeng, Ram Khamhaeng, Lad Phrao, Kaset DESERVE Skytrian/Subway first
After that, thsoe who lvie in suburb as wellas Thoburi deserve the extensions
If YOU think that your suburb has any good magnet as IMPACT and BITEC, then you have to lobby so hard to get the extension.
Those who livein the city center got FURIOUS when you ask TOO MUCH for
the lien .... askign undergroudn track even though your suburbs are NOT deserved to get such undergroudn line.
However, the political football between Central Governemtn and Locoal governemnt isthe main headache since the Bangyai area got the Purple
even thouhg those who live in Samrong-Samuit Prakarn as wel las thsoe who live in Thonburi are desperated adn deserved for such a line.
What do you THINK about this kind of Suburban people?
Wisarut
07-07-05, 02:31 PM
Opinion form Khun Blackexpress
Those troublesome communities know and understand NOTHING about the transportation system at all. They just use theri own instince to consturct the commercial building rows waiting for the communities ...which shoudl be either complex with parks or so insteado dirty commercial rows.
They keep asking from the governemnt TOO MUCH and eventually the routes will be changed to much less troublesome communities, the projected will be delayed INDEFINITELY since toerh project will waiting for MONEY ... the governemnt would NOT wait until the settlement comign out.
Opinion from Khun paparazzi,
If elevated track, it would darken the surrounding
If the undergroudn track, they REFUSE to surrender their land even
the size of pinhead to the authority to allow the construction of gates and the ventilators
Let's talk abotu the REAL matters.
LOOK at the Silom Line - the Claim of detrimental effect on the commercial activities from Skytrain is TOTALLY FALSE. Look at Soi Lalai Sub at Saladaeng as well as Chatuchak Weekend Market not far from Mochit station, NO complains from the merchants at all that Skytrin HURTS their business. It isa business as usual ....
Look at the undergroudn track, it REALLY burnts LOTS of money for the gates and vetilators... unless there is an ABSOLUTE necessity to do so. If you don't to give the land for the construction of the gates and the ventilators, the new gates would be at the center of the roads which is DEFINITELY inconvenient for the passengers
The Enforcer!
08-07-05, 09:21 AM
the Claim of detrimental effect on the commercial activities from Skytrain is TOTALLY FALSE. is
I like the quote from Mr. Parinya Thammawatthana (the owner of Yingcharoen market) .... he told Deputy Governor Samart that he is going to develop a new Park and Ride to hold 2000 cars for BTS passengers and Yingcharoen Market customers in front of the market !
Now that is being positive!
The Enforcer!
Wisarut
08-07-05, 02:41 PM
Qualification of Contractors for Purple Line
Dailynews - July 8, 2005
The eligible contractors for Purple line [3 contracts] - either single companies or joint venture
... must be Thai firms or the joint venutre with Thai firms as the main contractor
Three contracts on Purple line
1) Bangsue - Phra Nan Klao [10 billion Baht]
2) Phra Nanklao - Bang Yai [10 billion Baht]
3) Bang Yai Depot and Bang Yai Park and Ride [5 billion Baht]
The qualified form for the first 2 contract would be either a single Thai company with revenue
more than 3 billion Bahtfrom in 2002-2004 period while the joint venture requiresthe minimum revenue more than 5 billion Baht in 2002-2004 with the revenue main contractor at least 3 billion Baht at the same period.
The 3rd contract would be either a single Thai company with revenue more than 1.5 billion Bahtfrom in 2002-2004 period while the joint venture requiresthe minimum revenue more than 2.5 billion Baht in 2002-2004 with the revenue main contractor at least 1.5 billion Baht at the same period.
The qualified companies wouldhave to make an e-auction soasto get the winners and siging the
contract in early 2006
No Park andRide for Purple Line Except at Bang Yai Depot
Dailynews - July 6, 2005
After the continuing friction between MRTA and local people from Tao Poon to Tiwanon
for the 4-km underground track with the interchange at bangsue instead of at Tao Poon,
MRTAtold the press that MRTAneed to exappriporate the land of 12 sections for 3 stations,
800 square wah [2 Rai] for each station since the local people DON'T want the park and ride
at the first 3 stations. The station also 17-19 meter high from the groudn
However, those BIGOTs still INSIST for the 4-km underground tracks and keep flaming
on those who live in Bang Yai and other people as "Tyrants of Majority".
Note: MRTA has to temporarily CLOSE down the website since the hackers from Tao Poon to Tiwanon keep SABOTAGE MRTA Website with Viruses, worms, trojan horses,
Wisarut
11-07-05, 04:25 PM
Now, those who live in Tao Poon have turn into Administration Court
as the way to settle theri plea for 4-km underground track since they would NO LONGER listen to both MRTA and OTP. :( :mad:
Wisarut
12-07-05, 04:58 PM
The Controversies on Puirplei L:ine to Bang Yai has generated Flame War between Those who live alogn BKK - Nonthaburi Road and those the rest - mainly from Nonthaburi, those who want to finish Purple Line or so asshown here:
http://www.mthai.com/webboard/5/120179.html
http://www.manager.co.th/Business/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9480000092090
The Enforcer!
13-07-05, 08:55 AM
Now, those who live in Tao Poon have turn into Administration Court
as the way to settle theri plea for 4-km underground track since they would NO LONGER listen to both MRTA and OTP. :( :mad:
Possible a guarantee that it will not get built!
The Enforcer!
Wisarut
15-07-05, 12:29 PM
After the new assessment, OTP told PM Thaksin that if the governemnt hasto comply with the request of Tao poon People, the following wouldbe happening:
1) Delay at least 1 year to modify the blueprint.
2) Project Finish Date Delayed from 2009 to 2012
3) The Extra 8 billion Baht has to be paid to cover cost overrun if taking
ONLY purple line underground to Bang Son Station ... sillwith the interchange problem between Blue ring and Purple line attached
4) The extra 20 Billion have to be paid to cover cost overrun if takign both
purple line underground to Bang Son station and Undergroudn Blue Ring up to Bang Pho Pier ... even though the interchange between Blue Ring and Purple Line has been SOLVED.
5) Extra Land exappropriation NEEDED for Undergroudn tracks.
6) The Interhcnage headache between Red Lien commuter and Purple line NOt solved easily ...
Reference: Thairath - July 15, 2005
Thaipost - Juily 15, 2005
Wisarut
15-07-05, 12:36 PM
Even Worse, MThai has FORBIDDEN me from posting through my PC!
The Enforcer!
15-07-05, 01:27 PM
Even Worse, MThai has FORBIDDEN me from posting through my PC!
Que?
The Enforcer!
otherstuff1957
18-07-05, 08:38 PM
Here's an idea: The people in Tao Poon and up to Tiwanon obviously don't want the subway extended up into their area. SO, why don't we build elevated tracks over the current Railroad tracks going north from Bang Sue and across the Chao Phraya? Once across the river you could either continue along the tracks until you get to the Bang Kruoi-Sai Nai Road and follow it north up to Rathana Thibet, OR, that area is lightly enough inhabited that you could probably just go cross-country up to Rathana Thibet.
This Line could serve the growing communities at Bang Yai and Bang Buathong and would help avert future traffic problems.
I know that conventional wisdom is to build mass transit where the population is densist and the traffic is the worst, but if it's easier to build elsewhere, those places will become more attracive places to live and in a few years, the commuters will be coming from there!
chateaulik
19-07-05, 02:06 AM
IMHO, It is just not economically feasible. Even there is no problem building this purple route, it is still not.
Wisarut
19-07-05, 01:59 PM
Khung Otherstuff187 said:
Here's an idea: The people in Tao Poon and up to Tiwanon obviously don't want the subway extended up into their area. SO, why don't we build elevated tracks over the current Railroad tracks going north from Bang Sue and across the Chao Phraya? Once across the river you could either continue along the tracks until you get to the Bang Kruoi-Sai Nai Road and follow it north up to Rathana Thibet, OR, that area is lightly enough inhabited that you could probably just go cross-country up to Rathana Thibet.
This Line could serve the growing communities at Bang Yai and Bang Buathong and would help avert future traffic problems.
I know that conventional wisdom is to build mass transit where the population is densist and the traffic is the worst, but if it's easier to build elsewhere, those places will become more attracive places to live and in a few years, the commuters will be coming from there!
Nope, those people actually WANT the extensionof subway to pass thgeir area with the followign conditions ATTACHED:
1) The Interchange with Blue Ring MUST be at Bangsue .... NOT at Taopponsince they prefer the Year 2000 version of OTP originated by Democrat over the 2Year 2004 version of OTP originated by TRT.
2) The Currenet Southern Railway track to Bangson is RESERVED for RedLienCommuter Network ... so it is IMPOSSIBLE for SRT to allow MRTAto use theri land.
3) This pruple line is for thos live Kae Rai area as well as thsoe who live alogn Rattnathibet road ... Bang Kruay - Sai Noy road (the former Bangbua Thong railway) is TOO narrow to accomodate the elevated or even subway tracks.
Wisarut
29-07-05, 10:25 AM
Now, It seems to me that thsoe protestors from Tao Poon DID NOT get much support as they might expect since people suffger from traffic jams for too long that they are willing to see MRTA Purple lien on their areas and while booing and jeering thsoe protesters ....
However, thsoe protestors have come upwith the new tricks -> askign for Hefty sum of Compensation from the Government
Wisarut
01-08-05, 11:41 AM
However, it seems to me that theo Tao Poon people said
"MRTA has told a BIG LIE to the publci that the undergroudn section take more space than elevated section."
Wisarut
01-08-05, 11:46 AM
Even worse, some people have asked MRTAto SCRAP the section that go alogn Pracharat Sai 2 and BKK - Nonthaburi Road and ans askign to follow
the following substituted routes:
1) Bangsue - Tuek Daeng - Pracha Nukul - Prachachuen - Ngam WOngwan -
Nonthaburi Provincial Hall.
2) Bang Pho - KMITNB - Nonthaburi Intersection (downtown Nonthaburi) -
Tiwanon - MOPH - Nonthaburi Provincial Hall
Wisarut
03-08-05, 10:11 AM
Note: After the talk between Tao Poon people and MRTA & OTP along with Khun Sorayut in Thung Look Thueng Khon, I feel increasingly DISGUSTED on those SOBs from Taopoon. Look at the showand youwillsee:
hiptv.mcot.net/hipPlay.php?id=2687
Wisarut
03-08-05, 11:28 AM
Now, Thai Netters hve respoinsed to the Disaghusting Talskfrom thsoe protesters from Thaipoon ... Eventhe Local Tao Poon People feel
HUMILIATED that they have the local senior Citizens who are such
a bunch of SEFISH HAGs and GREEDY Old men
Look at this and you''ll see:
http://www.mthai.com/webboard/7/128724.html
The Enforcer!
04-08-05, 09:03 AM
Now, Thai Netters hve respoinsed to the Disaghusting Talskfrom thsoe protesters from Thaipoon ... Eventhe Local Tao Poon People feel
HUMILIATED that they have the local senior Citizens who are such
a bunch of SEFISH HAGs and GREEDY Old men
Look at this and you''ll see:
http://www.mthai.com/webboard/7/128724.html
One thinks they "doth protest too much"!
The Enforcer!
Wisarut
04-08-05, 10:11 AM
Khun The Enforcer, the localTaopoon people has posted that the one who protest AGINSTthe extension of mass transit system are the same kind of HOODLUMs as Senator Chatchawan Khongudom (Chat Taopoon) ... Whoare tryign to hurt public interest as the wayto protect theri own selfish interests ... and Thairath has acted as theri mousepieces of propaganda
http://www.pantip.com/cafe/chalermthai/topic/A3644952/A3644952.html
Wisarut
04-08-05, 05:04 PM
Again, the Tao Poon Controversy has forced MThai Webboard to impose the BAN on MY IP Address
The Enforcer!
05-08-05, 09:11 AM
I am truly amazed that they ban your IP address!
That must make your really important!
The Enforcer!
Wisarut
05-08-05, 01:15 PM
More on Purple Line Controversy
The nation - August 5, 2005
Ref: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2005/08/05/national/index.php?news=national_18266154.html
Locals protest MRTA Purple Line extension
Published on August 05, 2005
Residents living along Krungthep-Nonthaburi Road would rather move than live under the MRTA’s elevated train route planned for the area, leaders of residents’ groups protesting the construction said. Protesters said that the stretch of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand’s (MRTA) planned Purple Line would obstruct sunlight, limit fresh air and kill area businesses.
“We will fight hard to make the government change its mind and take the planned overhead train underground,” said General Kittisak Rathprasert, a leader of one of the residents’ groups.
The MRTA plans to start construction on the 23-kilometre elevated Purple Line, which will run from Bang Yai to Bang Sue, next year. The line is an extension of the original Blue Line, which runs underground from Hua Lampong to Bang Sue.
The new line will have 16 stations, starting from Bang Yai in the northwestern part of the city, moving south as it crosses the Chao Phya River at Phranang-Klao bridge and then going along Ratana Thibed Road, Tiwanon Road, and Krungthep Nonthaburi Road to the Taopoon intersection.
Construction is set to begin early next year and be completed by 2009.
But hundreds of residents along the four-kilometre Krungthep-Nonthaburi Road have demanded that the stretch of the Purple Line set to pass over the area be built underground, saying that the road is too narrow to properly accommodate the elevated line.
Four stations are set to be located along Krungthep-Nonthaburi Road: Taopoon, Bang Son, Wong Sawang, and Tiwanon.
The six-lane road is about 18 metres wide, and the road’s footpaths are only about one to two metres wide, said local Kanya Pongthammarak. Each station on the planned Purple Line will be about 21 metres in width.
“The stations will completely cover the road and trains would almost be directly in front of the upper windows of our houses,” said Kanya, who owns five row houses, one of which will be expropriated to become an exit for Wongsawang station.
Kanya added that residents along the road live mostly in row houses and work in the furniture and construction business. She is quite sure that the businesses will die if they are forced to operate in tunnel-like conditions under the stations.
Moreover, the support posts for the structure will take up one to two lanes of the road. To compensate for the loss of the lanes, the MRTA plans to widen the road by reducing the width of footpaths by about a metre.
“The footpaths will be too narrow and there will not be enough sunlight and fresh air for our children. We will be locked under the stations, with them covering us like giant domes,” Kanya said.
“Do we deserve these bad conditions for the rest of our lives? Even after we are dead, the structure will still be standing and the surrounding conditions will become worse and worse,” said Kanya.
Protesters filed complaints with the MRTA and the prime minister, and will petition the Administrative Court soon.
“The MRTA threatened us by saying that if it is underground, more land would need to be expropriated. We would prefer to move rather than enduring the offensive elevated-train structure,” she said, adding that more than 300 residents agree with this sentiment.
If the train were to be underground, all five of Kanya’s row house units might be expropriated.
Tortrakul Yommanak, from the Engineering Institute of Thailand, said the MRTA had revealed a model to the public of the planned project that was purposely not done to scale, in order to mislead people that the stations were small and would not block sunlight or limit air circulation.
“The MRTA intended to deceive people by using this engineering technique. That behaviour breaks engineers’ ethics,” he said.
He said he understood that the MRTA faced many problems regarding the new line, but it did not justify lying to people.
Chatrarat Kaewmorakot
The Nation
Wisarut
05-08-05, 05:01 PM
Opinion 301 of MThai
I saw Sorayuth show that night. To be honest, I was so disgusted when that old lady claimed that the elevated-train station will block the air flow...blah blah blah...I think she just wants more money from MRTA. These protestors are really SELFISH. THEY NEVER THINK ABOUT HOW THIS PROJECT WILL HELP IMPROVE TRAVEL TIME FOR PEOPLE WHO LIVE ALONG THE ROUTE. They are just being greedy for more money. Let''s kick them out !!!
By : m Date:2005-08-05 14:18:14 IP :58.10.170.xx
The Enforcer!
06-08-05, 09:28 AM
These protestors are really SELFISH. THEY NEVER THINK ABOUT HOW THIS PROJECT WILL HELP IMPROVE TRAVEL TIME FOR PEOPLE WHO LIVE ALONG THE ROUTE. They are just being greedy for more money. Let''s kick them out !!!
In the UK they are known as NIMBY's ... Not In My Back Yard ... in other words you can build it anywhere but here!
The Enforcer!
Wisarut
06-08-05, 11:44 AM
Better Open theri bellies and cook theri entrails to feed dogs and vultures .... the punishment for thsoe NIMBY
Guerilla Commander Wisarut strikes again!
The Enforcer!
07-08-05, 01:49 PM
Better Open theri bellies and cook theri entrails to feed dogs and vultures .... the punishment for thsoe NIMBY
Wouldn't it be easier to divert the route via Th Pracha Sai Rat and then Phibun Songkhram to the bridge?
The Enforcer!
Mr. The Enforcer,
Fantastic, that combination of Wisarut's quote and your reply...... :D :D :D
Shows again how on the 2B forum seemingly ordinary topics are often interspersed with lots of (dry to sarcastic to cynical) humour.
The Enforcer!
08-08-05, 08:31 AM
Mr. The Enforcer,
Fantastic, that combination of Wisarut's quote and your reply.
Glad to oblige!
The Enforcer!
Apart from that, not a bad idea at all.... just bypass those NIMBYs completely, then in the end they are left with nothing, neither underground nor elevated track.... :D
The Enforcer!
09-08-05, 10:34 AM
Apart from that, not a bad idea at all.... just bypass those NIMBYs completely, then in the end they are left with nothing, neither underground nor elevated track.... :D
Loy Per Cen as I think they say in Laos!
The Enforcer!
Wisarut
28-08-05, 12:23 AM
Tussle between Tao Poon People vs. MRTA Continued as a Political Football
Thairath - August 27, 2005
Gen. Kittsak has responsed to MRTA Governor's remark on Gen. Kittisak
as the henchman fo Democrat since he has worked as aid de camp of PM Office during
the administration of Former PM Chuan Leekphai (Democrat) from 1997 to 2000 that:
"Khun Chuan is very good man to Run both PM Office and Kalahom [Ministry of Defence].
He NEVER Abused his power whcih I can testify for him. Therrefore, Nio Distraction from
Tao Poon Controversy Please!"
Gen. Kittisakl Claimed that there is NO Longer the Constrtuction of Elevated track
[which is TOTALLY FALSE ... Look at Megatren of Manila as a good exaple.].
Wisarut
29-08-05, 10:04 AM
Well, The Modified Purpolien Line route wouldmake those wholive in Phongphet - NgamWongwan HAPPY though ... even though those
who live in Kaset wish that the purple line to be extended to Kaset Intersection ....
However, thsoe who live long Orange Line at Ram Khamhaeng feel NO HAPPY
because the government has DISCRIMINATED AGAINST the Southerners and Muslim by Depriving the Orange Line.... in Favor of BlueRing that passed Premier Thaksin's palace
Wisarut
29-08-05, 05:01 PM
Well, ... If the government has decided to turn both Purple Line and Ornage Line into BRT .... I think the governemtn has told A BLATANT LIE to the public .... despite of the claim that they promise to convert back to MRT later on ... What about the Section of Purple Line within Ratchada Ring ....
Definitely, the government has BETRAYED and SOLD OUT the people INDEED.. I have NEVER believe that they would keep that promise once they are gone ....
Okay, This is Ai Pheng's Plan
Datails:
1) Purple Line BRT (Bang Yai – Bang Sue - Rat Boorana -> 40 km) down from
94.585 Billion Baht to about 8-9 billion Baht
2) Orange BRT (Bang Kapi - Sam Sen - Bang Bamru -> 24 km) down from
73.268 billion Baht to about 4.8-5 billion Baht
Nevertheless, The Red Line commuter got the budget of 71.847 Billion Baht (Should add Extra 6 billion Baht for Undergroudn track from HuaLamphong to Wong Wian Yai via
Charoen Rat Road)
Onthe other hand, Suvannabhum Airport Link is goign on and they just closed Kamphaeng Phet 7 Road ... with 54.111 billion Baht budget
Wisarut
30-08-05, 09:59 AM
Now, thsoe who live in Taopoon is goign top learn very hard way that
their community has become A PARIAH COMMUNITY in BKK and even Nonthaburi ....
Wisarut
01-09-05, 06:03 PM
Public Angry after the cencelation of Purple Line - Orange Line can be seen here:
http://www.manager.co.th/Politics/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9480000118322
http://www.manager.co.th/StockMarket/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9480000118498
http://www.manager.co.th/Daily/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9480000118425
http://www.manager.co.th/Politics/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9480000118406
http://www.mthai.com/webboard/5/138710.html
This is due to the betrayal they have received from TRT.
The Inner Circle of PM Thaksin still UNDERESTIMATE the Public Angry on this mass Transit Issue ... despite of the fact that TRT MPs around BKK have been BURNT
alive by angry voters ...
After all, those Inner Circle have cornered the price of land along Purple Line/orange Line and then let the prices to tumble down by cancellign the project ... -> Creatign High Expectationand then Refusing to Deliver..... Sooner or Later, those inner circle would be regret that they should NEVER cancel the projects at all.
[Wisarut Rant Mode OFF] :p
I always enjoy it, if only the situation was not so sad.
I wonder when the day comes that the Thai people finally do get angry with the small group of families that seem to run this country and treat the rest of the populace as their personal pets. I mean now it is TRT is there anyone who is not the same in Thai politics? They all seem from the same families.
This country really needs a giant U-turn in the way politics work. For me as a farang it is easy. If I do not like it I can go home. But the bitter reality for all the Thais is, they have to life with it no matter what.
Waerth
The Thais have to engage in:
We are as mad as hell; we're not going to take it anymore.
Rise up and say NO!
The Thai Government is gambling on the assumptions that Thai people will not dare. They figure that the Thais are very mild mannered and high tolerant kind of people.
All they will do is complaining and go to the temple and meditate! So it's ok to take avantage of them whenever you have a chance. It's a good strategy. And it works!
Wisarut
02-09-05, 10:03 AM
Not Anymore, .... Those in Bang Buathogn have STARTED Revolting ageinat tyhis kind of Meddlign by Ai Pheng .... :D
In 1984, then still an ordinary member of the German Bundestag for the Green Party, Foreign Minister Joschka Fischer once famously informed parliament president Richard Stücklen, "Mit Verlaub, Herr Präsident, Sie sind ein Arschloch" ("With all due respect, Mr. President, you are an asshole") during a debate.
Could please someone say something to that effect to Premier Thaksin?
(This particularly in reference to the stalled Skytrain extensions.)
Wisarut
03-09-05, 02:33 AM
For me, I woudl prefer Trashing Premier Thaksin in front of Thousands of Public Audients .. Just like the deviate studetn from RamKhamhaeng Punching Papa Prem (now the head of Privy Council) .... :p :D
The Enforcer!
03-09-05, 08:13 AM
Not Anymore, .... Those in Bang Buathogn have STARTED Revolting ageinat tyhis kind of Meddlign by Ai Pheng .... :D
Arhhh .... the peasants are revolting !
The Enforcer!
For me, I woudl prefer Trashing Premier Thaksin in front of Thousands of Public Audients..Trashing or thrashing? :p
Yeah, let's put this whole government in the trash bin of history.......
Just like the deviate studetn from RamKhamhaeng Punching Papa Prem (now the head of Privy Council) .... :p :DWhat are you referring to? Who beat Prem, and when?
Wisarut
04-09-05, 12:32 PM
Putting this whole government in the trash bin of history? Oh, that's a duty of the Thunderbolt from Heaven ... :p
Mr Kwanchai Worasut had PUNCHED the nose of Premier Prem on Nov 13, 1985 though ... :rolleyes:
Wisarut
04-09-05, 12:34 PM
Now, TRT HQ has sent SMS to TRT PMs around BKK to tell them NOT to talk abotu the mass trasit system to theri people in theri constituency ... The sign of Gagging form the Eunuches within the Inner circle INDEEED!
Mr Kwanchai Worasut had PUNCHED the nose of Premier Prem on Nov 13, 1985 though ... :rolleyes:Who is Kwanchai, and why did he do it?
Now, TRT HQ has sent SMS to TRT PMs around BKK to tell them NOT to talk abotu the mass trasit system to theri people in theri constituency ... The sign of Gagging form the Eunuches within the Inner circle INDEEED!TRT = Hypocrisy, Mendacity, Cowardice, Nepotism, Self-Enrichment, Brazenness, Impudence, Shamelessness, Impunity........ (etc etc)
The Enforcer!
05-09-05, 12:12 PM
TRT = Hypocrisy, Mendacity, Cowardice, Nepotism, Self-Enrichment, Brazenness, Impudence, Shamelessness, Impunity........ (etc etc)
Oh, you meant it is a political party?
The Enforcer!
Mr Kwanchai Worasut had PUNCHED the nose of Premier Prem on Nov 13, 1985 though ... :rolleyes:
Is Khun Kwanchai still alive? Or abroad for his health?
Wisarut
06-09-05, 10:57 AM
TRT BADLY wants to Please the Automobile vested interests who are
those within the inner circles of the Leader ... at the expense of public well being ...
Now, the Satirical cartoon in manager Daily has shown that Bangkokians want to go migrating across Thai-malay Border to KL for Mass Transit System, a sure protesting sign toward the meddlesome vested interests ...
The Enforcer!
06-09-05, 11:44 AM
Back on the subject of the Purple Line ....
Does the latest snippets of new suggest that they will build an elevated rail from Bang Yai to Nonthaburi then along Ngam Wong wan to met the Red Line?
If so, then I think this makes sense to have the Red/Pink Lines as the major arteries of the Mass Transit Network -
Red Line - Bang Yai & Rangsit to Hua Lampong then Mahachai and possibly Ratburana - linking with Pink Line at Bang Sue.
Pink Line Sala Yai to Suwannabhumi and Chachoengsao, with a spur up Srinakrin from Hua Mark to serve Ramkhamhaeng.
Blue Line as planned.
Dark Green - extend to Bang wa and Lam Lukka as planned.
Light Green - extend to Sai Lust as planed and also under Rattanakosin Island to Bangkok Noi where could use SRT tracks to Taling Chan!
It could work!
The Enforcer!
Wisarut
28-09-05, 08:30 PM
Oh, the columnist of Than Setthakij (Sept 28, 2005- Oct. 1, 2005) has pointed out some IRREGULARITIES in the Mass Transit Plan headed by Minister Pheng.
1) Minister Pheng has nominated those highway men such as Dr. Maitri Srinarawat (the duputy Director of Rural Highway Dept) to run OTP, Director Thoedsak Setthamanop (Director of Highway Dept.) to run the mass transit committee ...
2) Minister Pheng has KICKED the rail expert like Dr. Khamrobluk Sureatsawadee out of hte mass transit comittee.
This is a sure sign that Minister Pheng is goign to RUIN the Mass Transit system - without LISTENING to hte people!
Opinion 3: by Mr. Tiwanon
Ai Pheng is the typical politician who come to
1) DESTROY both Purple Line and Ornage line by claiming that they are UNWORTHY to construct
2) reallocate the money for mass transit system to Nakhon pathom, Ayutthaya and Phatthaya to please the rural voters
3) Force the section from Khae Rai to Bang Kheng Underground.
4) Destroy section from Bang Yai to Bangsue to please thsoe NIMBYs from Tao Poon Despite of Electrion promise.
Ai Pheng, You have to Answer to the people. We would NEVER Accept your LAME executes you tell the gullible and greedy presses.
Opinion2:
Premier Thaksin, How can you pick up Ai Pheng (Your CRONY) to run MOTC and give him a sanction to destroy both Purple Line and Orange Line? Both Lines would go through the city center to alleviate traffic jam while reducing the car usages. However, Ai Pheng has given a token compensation by comming upwith the lien from Bang Yaito Bang Khen as undergroudn track while siphoning hte money for his cronies.
Therfore, I would like to ask Premier Thaksin andMinister Pheng some quick questions.
1) How can you CLAIM that Purple Lien andOrange lien are UNWORTHY to invest while tellign a LIE to the publci that the extension of red line commuter to Phattaya, Nakhon Pathom and Ayutthaya are more worthy despite of the fact that there arefewer people in thsoe area thanthe areas that Purple line and Orange lien have passed?
Very few people would go to Nakhon pathom, Patthaya and Auyutthaya durign the weekdays while they wold goto thsoe places ONLY durign the holidays and long weekends.
2) What is your rational to move the track from Bang Yai to Bang Sue to bang yai to Bang Khen? As we have known, the elevated track across the expresswayis very risky so YOU have come up with undergroudn track to avide that expressway.
You have TOLD a BIG LIE to the public that the line form Bang Yai to Bang Khen is to feed the Red Line commuter at Bang Khen station due to hte followign reasons:
2.1) There must be LOTS of people from Bang Yai to Bang Khen ... so Bang Yai -Bang Khen line can be a feeder for Red line Commuter ... a cover-up plan to make Red lien commuter have rosy perspectives despite of the fact that there are fewer people livign alogn red line commuters.
2.2) The meddling around the mass transit system is REALLY AGAINST the government's policy to cut down the burden of people on transportation. Forcing the passengers to make afrequent changes on the mass transit systems would ruin the life of people by adding extra cost to please your cronies .... even the joint ticket system would NOT help that much .... You just want to ruinthe mass transit system in the same wayas BMTA has ruined Bangkokians by shortening the bus routes, forcing the frequent transfers to different lines.
3) The mass transit system are SUPPOSED to be LONG lines passing one corder of the cities to the otehr corners of the city via City center (or the line from City center to vinciniteis) ...NOT thsoe short feeder lines heading from Suburbs to City center in the way you are going to do righrt NOW! Any gllitches on the construction of this project would DEFINITELY the way to RUIN mass transit system so as to force more people ot buy MORE cars!
4) We have felt convinced that you DID have a hidden agenda to PLEASE the automobile and while RUINING mass trasit system. Please give us a proof that our conviction is WRONG.
Last but not least, I woudlask Premier Thaksin to REJECT the proposalof Minsiter Pheng if you still LISTEN to the people rather than the cronies. Failture to do so means the leader would head to Downfall.
Opinion 1: By Wiz
Ai Pheng, It is pure corruption in the policy.
TGunner
29-09-05, 01:01 AM
Thanks K. Wisarut. The cronyism in this government is really hurting the country.....but it's really nothing new in the political arena..... Sad that Thai public are really powerless to stop these selfish bastards to do whatever they want.....because comes the election, the same kind of politicians will get elected to the offices anyway. Sighhhhh
Nekochan
29-09-05, 01:11 AM
Ai Pheng as mentioned by Mr. Wisarut is becoming a household name among consultants.
Rule no1: newcomers will not mess with anything left behind by previous guy in charge.
Rule no2: To do so means you start from scatch again which requires more studies.
Rule no3: More studies mean more "commission fees" paid secretly to politicians and high ranking civil servants (it was 20-25% now to whatever....)
I wrote before why the h*** on earth you had detailed design in digital format and then you realised what you had studied so far was a crap. (so far and not so good at all)
Then you start new things like BRT and monorail. People whoever involve in procurement, determining construction specifications will go to see the man in charge.
Land developers too, will start to run in riot after they purchased plots of land wishing real estate business will be a boom (or busted), particularly along Purple North corridor. If they want the Purple North to be continued, they need to lobby hard.....you know what I mean....
Oh! BY THE WAY, MRTA's Governer Prapat may have to go, too after this October!!!
The Enforcer!
07-10-05, 09:05 AM
So we are now back to Bang Yai to Bang Sue!!!
With a French U-bend technology to make it 25% cheaper!
Hip! Hip! Horray!
...and for his next trick....
The Enforcer!
May I know is this new extion line get JBIC loan support?
Wisarut
10-11-05, 05:43 PM
KhunRenuy, If MRTA has chosen Alstom (whihc is likely due to the French Connection with the governemnt on Sattellite Project), MRTA wouldget JBICloan becuase there are the strong alliance betwen French Investors and Japanese Banks andvice versa -> to compete with German-Mainland Chinese Allanace ;) :D
The Enforcer!
11-11-05, 01:31 PM
KhunRenuy, If MRTA has chosen Alstom (whihc is likely due to the French Connection with the governemnt on Sattellite Project), MRTA wouldget JBICloan becuase there are the strong alliance betwen French Investors and Japanese Banks andvice versa -> to compete with German-Mainland Chinese Allanace ;) :D
Sounds a bit 'iffy' to me.
The Enforcer!
The Enforcer!
24-11-05, 08:55 AM
Expect CONFLICT of interest between the Handicapped and the landowners along the route because the handicapped want ELEVATORS in every station while the landowners REFUSE to surrender their land unless they get paid at hefty prices.
So if we break the landowners legs then they will want the elevators?
The Enforcer!
Wisarut
24-11-05, 11:12 AM
Maybe, we need to break the legs of the landowners so they would be convinced the necessity ot install the elevatorsfor the handicapped :D :cool: :rolleyes: :eek:
Wisarut
26-08-06, 04:08 PM
MRTA Pushing Purple Lien Forward Despite of Difficulties to Settle with Landowner
Prachachart Thurakij - August 28-30, 2006
MRTA has hired CB Co.Ltd .to make the new land assessmebntment before exapopriatign the land for Purple line
There will be 16 stations on 23-km of Purple line with price tag of 40.790 billion Baht
1) Tao poon (Interchange for Blue Rign and Purple Line on Tao poon Intersection -
which people have despited - They prefer interchange at Bangsue Instead even thouyh they want Tao poon station)
2) Bang Son (intechange with Southern Trains even thogh tere are so few trains stop here)
3) Wongsawang (Between Krungthep - Nonthaburi 52-56)
4) Tiwanone (Between Krung Thep - Nonthaburi 12-14, near Tiwanone Intersection)
5) Ministry of Public Health (Between Tiwanone 3 and Ministry of Public Health)
6) Nonthaburi (Between Nonthaburi District Hall and Thaicom Office)
7) Sri Pronsawan (Between Rattanathibet 22 and Nonthaburi Bypass road, Carrefour Nonthaburi
and Riochmond Hotel)
8) Nonthaburi1 (Rattanathibet road and anotehr Nonthaburi Bypass road -)
9) phra Nanklao Brudige (The first station in Bangyai side of Nonthaburi)
10) Sai Mah (at the gate of Sue Trong village)
11) Tha It (near Intersection with rachapruek road)
12) Bangrak yai (Near Wongchai village and Pip Inn Hotel)
13) Bang Ploo (Near Blang Ploo Intersection)
14) Bang Yai Intersection (near Kritsadanakhon project 10 village)
15) Bang Yai Market (near Kasemraj hospital, and Big C bang Yai)
16) Bang Phai canal - end of the line
Note; Those who live in Bang Buathong have filed BITTER compalined that they want More extension to Bang Buathogn Intersection (about 5-6 km from bang Yai Intersection)
At a rough guess, the decision on these bids will be left to a new government after the election, to avoid the new government having to review a decision already made by this controversial interim government:
(BangkokPost.com) – The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) recently announced that the bidding process for the construction of the Purple line of the mass transit route running from Bang Yai to Bang Sue will begin in October.
MRTA director Prapat Jongsanguan said it plans to invite private companies interested in taking part in the bidding process to come forward soon.
The MRTA will also sign a memorandum of understanding with the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) on Thursday regarding loans that Japan is expected to provide the Thai government. The Japanese government has yet to decide whether or not to approve a total of 84 billion baht in loans, but Mr Prapat is confident the loans will be approved.
“I am certain that the Japanese government will approve of plans to provide us with loans to complete part of this mammoth project,” he said.
The Purple line, deemed the most ready for construction of the three new Bangkok mass-transit routes approved earlier this year by the cabinet, has completed its environmental impact assessments (EIA).
Two other routes, the Red and Blue lines, have yet to receive EIA approval, a key requirement before financing can be secured.
The three routes are expected to cost 160 billion baht in total, with 45 billion going to the Purple line; 59 billion for the Red line, which runs from Rangsit to Bang Sue and Bang Sue to Taling Chan; and 52.5 billion for the Blue line stretching from Bang Sue to Tha Phra and Bang Khae and Hua Lamphong to Tha Phra.
Around 52% of the financing for the three routes, or 84 billion baht, will come from JBIC loans. The rest will be raised from domestic government borrowings and allocations from the central budget.
The new light rail lines will be integrated with the current Bangkok subway and Bangkok Skytrain systems. Economists hope that work on the new lines, which are expected to take four years to complete, will help stimulate economic growth in 2008 and jump-start private investment in the property sector.
May expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=121029
Don't be fooled by the headline! The decision may come soon is perhaps what the below is trying to tell us:
23 August 2007
JBIC decides to release loans for electric-train route project
Governor of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand, Prapat Chongsanguan (ประภัสร์ จงสงวน), says the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) is assessing Thailand’s electric train route-extension project to decide whether to release loans for the construction of the purple line or the Bang Yai (บางใหญ่) – Bang Sue (บางซื่อ) route .
Representatives of JBIC have traveled to Thailand to discuss and study the project over the last week. After JBIC completes its assessment over the project, it will request the Japanese government to consider whether to approve loans for the purple line electric train.
As for the amount of loans that JBIC will be able to release, the governor says the Ministry of Finance will discuss the matter with JBIC and affirms that JBIC is not concerned over Thailand’s political situation, especially the constitution referendum and the general election.
Regarding the progress of the electric train route-extension project, Mr Prapat says the bidding for the project is expected to take place in October this year and the construction will begin early next year.
Reporter : RTI-Reporter05
http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255008230021
25 August 2007
Purple line to provide its service in the next three years
The Governor of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), Mr. Prapat Chongsanguan (ประภัสร์ จงสงวน) expresses his confidence that the purple line linking Bang Yai (บางใหญ่) and Bang Sue (บางซื่อ) will be ready to provide its service for Bangkok residents in the next three years.
Mr. Prapat reports the progress of the purple line construction, saying its design is already completed. Currently, the details of the project are being proposed to the Office of the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) for consideration on whether it is in line with the 1992 Joint Investment Act.
There are two interesting implementations for the project. The first implementation is the joint investment between the government and the private sector. The government will invest in infrastructure while the private sector will invest in electronic train system. The second implementation is to allow the private sector to run both construction and operation.
The NESDB is expected to complete the consideration of giving the green light to the project within September and will propose it to the Cabinet in October this year.
The MRTA will start paying the compensation for the owners of the expropriated lands in October.
http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255008250003
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- (http://www.angkor.com/2bangkok/2bangkok/forum/showthread.php?p=16802#post16802) and purple-line 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
mdechgan
01-09-07, 12:41 PM
So when do you guys think we will see the purple line to Taling chan in operation?
Is there any hope of the pink line from Taling Chan to Suvarbnabhumi or the blue line Petchkasem road?
The Enforcer!
02-09-07, 08:19 AM
So when do you guys think we will see the purple line to Taling chan in operation?
With the slight advance in bidding date, I would suggest that the PINK Line to Taling Chan might open around August 2010.
Is there any hope of the pink line from Taling Chan to Suvarbnabhumi?I cannot see any plans to build the Bang Sue to Phaya Thai section that would be needed for this line unless it is (somehow) a ground level link?
Is there any hope of the blue line Petchkasem road? This is delayed by needing EIA approval but if it bids in January 2008, then late 2013 is a good start date.
The Enforcer!
mdechgan
03-09-07, 11:51 AM
There is no way construction will be completed within two years. Especially if land is to be reappropriated.
There are doing some work on Phutthamonthon 2 road where I live and the schedule is already two years just for new pipes and asphalt.
The Enforcer!
04-09-07, 09:03 AM
There is no way construction will be completed within two years. Especially if land is to be reappropriated.
There are doing some work on Phutthamonthon 2 road where I live and the schedule is already two years just for new pipes and asphalt.
You may well be correct but an SRT friend said to me that the Red Line runs aside current SRT track thus there is no land to appropriate only piles to pile so to speak.
The Enforcer!
14 September 2007
Govt. to use domestic loans for purple line electric train project
Minister of Transport Adm.Thira Haocharoen (ธีระ ห้าวเจริญ) reports that the government might use domestic loans to fund the construction of the Bang Yai (บางใหญ่) – Bang Sue (บางซื่อ) extended electric train route or the purple line. He says the government’s request for loans from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) is likely to be rejected.
Adm.Thira says the ministry is considering domestic loans as Ministry of Finance Chalongphob Sussangkarn (ฉลองภพ สุสังกร์กาญจน์) informed it of JBIC’s delay in the releasing of loans to Thailand.
The Ministry of Finance will be responsible for domestic loans expected to come from the Bank of Thailand or the oil fund of the Ministry of Energy in order to expedite the construction of the purple line.
Reporter : RTI-Reporter05
http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255009140002
Wisarut
14-09-07, 04:16 PM
Domestic loan has an edge of the elimination of FOREX fluctuation and allow MRTA to purchase the rollign stocks form the one who offer the best prices ... but with the cost of higher interst rates.
Yappofloyd
15-09-07, 03:47 PM
Similar story on Nation website last night
Govt to invest in Purple Line rail system The Nation 14/09/07
Finance Minister Chalongphob Sussangkarn said on Friday that to speed up the investment in the Purple Line rail route, the ministries of finance and transport as well as the National Economic and Social Development Board agree to separate the investment in rail system and the rolling stocks.
"The government will proceed with the investment in the rail system. We're asking for the Cabinet's approval within a month," Chalongphob said in the annual seminar by the National Economic and Social Advisory Committee in Pattaya.
"In light of lower export growth, the government must take charge of investment to boost the economy. I think the next government also needs to follow this line while having to maintain some populist policies to take care of the huge number of the poor," he said. Chalongphob said that the decision to split the investment in two parts will speed up the investment, which has been delayed for some time due to uncertainties concerning the pattern of joint public and private investment. The uncertainties have also resulted in the delay in the loan approval by Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC).
He noted that if JBIC cannot approve the loan for such investment in time, the Finance Ministry will tap domestic funds as state and private banks are ready to lend due to ample liquidity in the market. "I understand that there could be delays in JBIC's loan approval as Japan's prime minister has resigned and JBIC is also under reorganisation. Still, we want to tap a loan from JBIC," he said.
mdechgan
26-09-07, 03:19 PM
Does anyone know why construction of the Phutthamonton Sai 1 road is stopped and unfinished? This road was to connect the purple and blue lines at Bang Khae and Taling Chan.
Wisarut
26-09-07, 05:41 PM
Does anyone know why construction of the Phutthamonton Sai 1 road is stopped and unfinished? This road was to connect the purple and blue lines at Bang Khae and Taling Chan.
Landdowners Refuse to Let the contractors come to work on Phutthamonthon Sai 1 unless they got More Payment :eek:
mdechgan
27-09-07, 11:39 AM
Is this where the Wat is?
I was realler confused because the road is practically finished on both sides.
Its just the middle part near the Wat where it just seems to be a dead end. One could practically see the other side.
So what will happen? From what I saw there where no homes, offices, nor buildings. Just some farm land. So the farmers refuse to give up their land. Who will budge first? I heard that the government can force exappropriate the land with proper compensation.
Wisarut
27-09-07, 06:30 PM
Any land exappropriation near temple areas are traditionally required hefty compensation ... Unstisfied level of compensation mean project delayed :rolleyes: :p :D ;)
01 October 2007
Purple line of sky-train is expected to be proposed to Cabinet tomorrow
The Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr. Sansern Wongcha-um (สรรเสริญ วงศ์ชะอุ่ม), reveals that the expansion of the sky-train's purple line, connecting Bang Yai (บางใหญ่) and Bang Sue (บางซื้อ), will be ready for proposal to the Cabinet meeting tomorrow (October 2nd).
Mr. Sansern says the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB) will be responsible for completing the proposal on the expansion of the purple line. As for the source of fund to finance the initial investment, the Deputy Minister of Transport says it will rest upon the Finance Ministry’s consideration.
Reporter : RTI-Reporter02
http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255010010031
Cabinet approves Purple Line investment
(BangkokPost.com) - The cabinet approved the government's financing of the Purple Line rail route from Bang Yai to Bang Sue on Tuesday, governor of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) Prapat Chongsanguan said Tuesday.
"The cabinet approved only the investment in civil work, worth about 31.2 billion baht," Mr Prapat said.
Other costs of the 23-kilometre line are estimated to push the total of the project to 55.9 billion baht. They include rolling stock and land expropriation.
Transport Ministry will take charge of inviting private sectors to bid for the construction of the Purple Line in November, and it is expected that the chosen bidder can begin the building project around May or June 2008.
May expire soon:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=122249
Wisarut
03-10-07, 01:11 PM
Now, Thai government is looking for the loan from CHiense EXIM Bank as the alternative to JBIC sicne it has much less string attached.
Govenrmen Apporved Budget for Purple Line
Budget allocation will be as follows;
Civil Work 31.217 billion Baht
Consultant on Civil Works 1.248 Billion Baht
Total: 32.465 billion Baht
Land Exapporpiration: 9.314 billion Baht
The condition for this project is:
1. Using Thai labor and local knowhow as much as possible.
2. The bidding process needs to be under audit from the outsiders.
3. No shortcut for piddign process ALLOWED.
4. Need commercial developemnts to compensate for cheap ticket price.
MOF is lookign for 400 million Baht loan form Chinese EXIM Bank to finance this project.
However MOF said they don't want other BMCL to run teh purple line despite of the fact that Private section has a duty top supply rollign stock and electrification and system installation. Therore heavy loss expected for this pruple line.
http://www.manager.co.th/Daily/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9500000116685
I saw that, and was actually left wondering if the attached string is that you can not boycott our Olympics or give us too much hassle over our Myanmar neo-colony. Not that this government is ever likely to do either!
The Enforcer!
04-10-07, 08:53 AM
Therore heavy loss expected for this pruple line.
Not really surprising since most of its route is unpopulated - the whole line is a scam to increase land value.
The Enforcer!
http://etna.mcot.net/query.php?nid=32030
Sommai : JBIC likely to give loan to Thailand
Sommai Phasee, deputy finance minister, said on Thursday that Japan Bank for International Corporation (JBIC) is likely to give loan to Thailand for the purple line of electric train.
He said Finance Minister Chalongphob Sussangkarn went to Japan last night to talk with JBIC on the issue.
Sommai added that the plan to borrow from China is the extra plan for Thailand and the Finance Ministry still wants to borrow from JBIC. However, there are several routes of electric trains that need capital from abroad. - The Nation
Wichit Chaitrong
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/11/01/business/business_30054531.php
JBIC approves Bt31 bn loans to Thailand
An informed source from the Finance Ministry said Japan Bank for International Corporation (JBIC) has approved Bt31 billion of loans to support Thailand's construction of the Purple Line electric train.
The official approval would be announced within the next few days.
The loans would be divided into two tranches: one with 25-year maturity carrying the 1.4 per cent interest rate and the other with a 15-year maturity carrying 0.4 per cent in interest rate.
- The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/11/07/business/business_30055238.php
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/11/07/business/business_30055238.php
13 November 2007
Finance Ministry to invite president of Chinese EXIM Bank to review dual-track train project in Thailand
The Ministry of Finance will send an invitation letter to the president of the Export-Import Bank of China (EXIM), to review the dual-track train project before deciding whether to approve loans for the construction.
Deputy Minister of Finance Sommai Phasi (สมหมาย ภาษี) reveals that the Public Debt Management Office is mobilizing funds for the dual-track train project. The fund is expected to come from loans released by the EXIM Bank of China.
As for progress of the purple route electric train project, the deputy minister says the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) will send a letter to respond to Thailand’s request for loans within the next few weeks. He says the loan for the construction of tracks and tunnels from Japan have a repayment period of 25 years at an interest rate of 1.4%. Domestic loans from the oil fund will also be used to fund the project.
Reporter : RTI-Reporter05
http://thainews.prd.go.th/newsenglish/previewnews.php?news_id=255011130030
JBIC offers B31bn loan
Funds would finance 60% of Purple Line
PARISTA YUTHAMANOP
The Japan Bank for International Co-operation (JBIC) is expected to pledge a loan for construction in early 2008 of the 23-kilometre mass-transit line from Bang Sue to Bang Yai, also known as the Purple Line, said Pongpanu Svetarundra, director-general for the Public Debt Management Office.
JBIC concluded the deal as political uncertainty has eased with the election scheduled on Dec 23, sources said.
Mr Pongpanu said JBIC had agreed in principle to offer the government 31 billion baht (110 billion yen) worth of loans at a 1.4% interest rate. The loans, which mature in 25 years, would finance 60% of the total construction cost.
JBIC notified the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development about the loan plans on Nov 5. The Mass Rapid Transit Authority can call an international bid for the subway line on Dec 5, or 30 days after the notification.
''[The MRTA] has sent the documents related to the bidding to JBIC,'' Mr Pongpanu said.
In addition, he said, on Dec 10 JBIC would send a team to assess the potential to finance the State Railway of Thailand's suburban mass-transit line extending from Bang Sue to Rangsit, otherwise known as the Red Line.
The new elected government is likely to continue construction of the three mass-transit projects that received approval from the military-installed government. They include the Purple and Red lines and the Blue line, which extends from Bang Sue to Bang Khae.
''No political party would cancel three mass-transit projects that have been approved. No matter who forms the new government, the party would keep them going,'' Mr Pongpanu said.
The government was also negotiating to borrow $400 million (13.5 billion baht) from China to finance mass transit and other infrastructure.
In any case, loans from China would not overlap with JBIC's lending, he said.
One ministry executive said the international bidding for the Purple Line could take place before or in tandem with JBIC's loan pledge.
The total construction cost for the Purple Line could amount to 50 billion baht. About 31 billion baht would be financed by JBIC and the remainder from the annual budget. The ministry expects to use all JBIC loans within five years.
In any case, the ministry may decide to finance the whole subway project with JBIC loans to reduce the burden on the state budget. The ministry has requested a total of 55 billion baht from JBIC.
''An area of the creditor's concern is that the bidding must be done in a fair and transparent manner,'' the executive noted.
JBIC proposed three options for the 31 billion baht worth of loans for the Purple Line: 15 years at a 0.75% interest rate; 20 years at 0.9%; and 25 years at 1.4%.
In any case, difficulties with land expropriation could yet complicate the construction of the mass-transit lines. The executive said that the suburban Red Line would be partially financed by borrowing from domestic funding sources.
The SRT's recent labour strike could also hamper negotiations on financing the project, he said.
Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/Business/21Nov2007_biz34.php
JBIC funds Skytrain extension
A Bt18.7 billion (US$550 million) loan has been granted by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) for Skytrain elevated mass transit services to ply between the Bang Yai and Bang Sue areas of the capital, Japan's ambassador to Thailand announced Monday.
The Bt18.7 billion JBIC loan, presented by Japanese ambassador Hideaki Kobayashi to Finance Minister Chalongphob Sussangkarn, will carry a 7-year grace period and a 25-year repayment term with 1.4 per cent interest per annum.
A portion of the loan paying for consultant firms will charge 0.01 per cent interest per annum while any untapped part of the loan money will incur a 0.1 per cent fee.
Under the JBIC loan, the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand, the Skytrain project owner is free to choose any foreign contractors for construction of the ''Purple Route'' Skytrain system or suppliers for procurement of materials by way of bids. (TNA)
http://enews.mcot.net/view.php?id=1622
Yappofloyd
11-12-07, 09:59 PM
But all amber so far. Why are we not surprised by this....
MASS TRANSIT / PURPLE LINE RAILWAY Cabinet delay holds up calling of contract bids AMORNRAT MAHITTHIROOK BKK Post 11/12/07
The delay in cabinet approval for a land expropriation budget for the Purple Line railway project is holding up the sale of bidding terms to potential contractors, according to the Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA).
MRTA governor Prapat Chongsanguan said pending a cabinet resolution the agency could not sell bidding terms because it could not schedule the delivery of construction sites to the contractor. If bidding terms are sold without the schedule, there can be legal disputes with the contractor, he said. Besides, the contenders need the land delivery schedule to estimate costs.
Mr Prapas said the cabinet earlier ordered the Finance Ministry, the Transport Ministry, the Budget Bureau and other agencies to estimate the land expropriation costs for the 32-km Purple Line from Bang Sue in Bangkok northwestward to Bang Yai in Nonthaburi. The land expropriation committee headed by Surachai Thansitthipong, deputy permanent secretary for transport, estimated the expropriation costs at 9.21 billion baht. The MRTA planned to sell the bidding terms next month.
The construction cost is set at 31.2 billion baht and the consultancy fee at 1.2 billion baht. The Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) has agreed to provide loans to the project. The first lot of loans comes to 62.4 billion yen, or 18.7 billion baht.
The Enforcer!
12-12-07, 07:39 AM
Why are we not surprised by this.....
Really sad isn't it, that we are really not surprised at all.
The Enforcer!
Yappofloyd
06-02-08, 04:12 PM
Transport plan too ambitious, claim experts Published on Feb 5, 2008 Watcharapong Thongrung The Nation
The Samak government's plan to expand mass-transit routes is too ambitious due to budget constraints and time-consuming construction, said traffic experts. Office of Transport Policy and Planning director Maitree Srinarawat said yesterday that this government was unlikely to be able to finance all nine routes at the same time. "But it's possible that the government will begin construction on a gradual basis," he added.
His remarks came after the announcement of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej on Sunday that he was giving top priority to mega-project development, including mass transport. One is the completion of urban train routes in three years.The government of ousted prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra had planned to create an additional 10 train routes at a cost of Bt550 billion before scaling them down to three. The last government changed the plan again to five routes worth Bt165 billion. A Transport Ministry source believes the new government will not give sole top priority to investment in mega-projects but will also be concerned about developing other sectors such as agriculture and education. He also questioned whether Samark's remarks were to boost the government's popularity.
Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand governor Prapat Chongsanguan said he was concerned about the stalled land expropriation for the construction of the Purple Line.The previous government approved the route's construction and reduced the compensation amount for expropriation from Bt9.3 billion to Bt9.2 billion, which prompted opposition from residents.
MASS-TRANSIT EXPANSION
Further delay to Purple Line bid
Published on February 14, 2008
PM's plan means traffic, feasibility to be revisited: Sahas
Bidding for contracts to construct Bangkok's Purple Line mass-transit project could be delayed from next month, as a result of the new government's plans to expand such projects in the capital.
Deputy Prime Minister Sahas Banditkul yesterday said a traffic master plan laid out by the Traffic and Transport Policy and Planning Office would need to be adjusted to accommodate Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej's plans to expand mass-transit works.
"This could lead to a delay in the Purple Line, but the bidding process will not be cancelled," he said.
Bidding for an Bt18-billion line linking Bang Sue and Bang Yai - part of the Purple Line - was planned for next month after a public hearing next Monday.
Sahas, who oversees transportation policy, yesterday discussed the matter with officials of the Transport Ministry, the Traffic and Transport Policy and Planning Office of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) and the State Railway of Thailand.
He said the agencies would conduct a detailed study of how the existing master plan could be integrated with the prime minister's plan.
"As far as I could learn from the state agencies, there is no difficulty in integrating the plans. The difference between them is just the coverage of the extended routes - which will reach into the suburban area in eight directions - and the inner and outer loops," he said.
However, he declined to specify the framework for the study, saying there was no need to speed up the process and that the project must proceed prudently.
Pranot Suriya, deputy director-general of the Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning Office, said his agency might have to conduct another feasibility study of investment in the train routes if there were adjustments to the original plan.
His office has already completed one such feasibility study of investment in 10 mass-transit routes during the term of the Thaksin Shinawatra administration.
"However, I don't think it will take too much time if we have to do the study again, given that both plans share common basic details," he said.
MRTA governor Prapat Chongsanguan said adjustments to accommodate the prime minister's plans would not affect the master plan. It was only a matter of more work needing to be done.
The new routes proposed by the prime minister were the same as those involved in a study when Samak was Bangkok governor.
Watcharapong Thongrung
The Nation
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/02/14/business/business_30065306.php
Yappofloyd
14-02-08, 02:24 PM
Absolutely stupid! The line should still be tendered next month based on the previous govts approval and then any exts proposed by the new PM can be tendered later.
This line, like most others, has already been delayed by three years since the TRT 2004 election platform, so another small delay means at least 6 months. I think the original timetable for the whole line, to Rat Burna, to be completed was 2009.
PUBLIC TRANSPORT / NEW RAIL LINES Route extensions will cause only slight delay AMORNRAT MAHITTHIROOK Bkk Post 14/02/08
Changes to the planned extension of the commuter rail network may delay the work slightly, but commuters will benefit in the end as the network will be larger, Deputy Prime Minister Sahas Banditkul said yesterday. He was speaking after a meeting with officials at the Transport Ministry. The changes outlined by Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej would affect existing plans only slightly. The only real difference was the planned routes would now be longer.
The deputy prime minister, who supervises the ministry, said the bidding for the construction of the Purple Line from Bang Sue to Bang Yai in Nonthaburi would be postponed pending the finalisation of plans for the additional line from Bang Yai district to Sai Noi district. Mr Samak also wants a northern railway going beyond Don Muang in one direction to Rangsit and in the other direction to Lam Luk Ka.
In the western suburbs, he wants the line to go beyond Taling Chan to Salaya area in Buddha Monthon district, Nakhon Pathom, and in the south from Rat Burana to Pom Phra Chul in Samut Prakan. The prime minister has also recommended an east-west line from Taling Chan via Phran Nok, Tha Phra and Rama IV to Klong Toey.
Transport Minister Santi Prompat said the Purple Line would be the first railway project the new government would implement. Mr Samak's ideas did not significantly impact other routes as their plans had not yet been finalised.
Prapat Chongsanguan, governor of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority that is implementing the Purple Line project, said it would not take long to adjust the Purple Line and there should be no financing problems as the Japan Bank for International Cooperation had agreed in principle to provide loans. Maitree Srinarawat, director of the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning, said extending the routes would clearly benefit the travelling public.
The Enforcer!
15-02-08, 08:51 AM
These delays are what is known in political terms as "constrictive inertia" - in other words the less you intend to do something the more you talk about doing it.
The Enforcer!
Yappofloyd
27-02-08, 10:26 PM
This must be about the third time this loan has been approved by the JBIC for the Purple Line but perhaps the first in which terms have actually been finalised with MoF. However, note that it is reported that MoF wishes to have further talks to waive some fees so more negotiations it seems....I wonder when the tender will go out?
MASS TRANSIT Purple Line loans finalised - WICHIT CHANTANUSORNSIRI Bkk Post 27/02/08
The Japan Bank for International Co-operation (JBIC) and the Finance Ministry have finalised terms of a loan to finance construction of the new Purple mass-transit line. The yen-denominated loans will be split into two parts, one for 18 billion baht and a second for 13 billion. Interest will be 1.4% per year over 25 years.
Total construction costs for the Purple Line, running from Bang Sue to Bang Yai, are projected at 54.8 billion baht. Pongpanu Svetarunvra, the director of the Public Debt Management Office, said the Finance Ministry would hold talks with the JBIC to waive additional fees of 0.1% to help reduce costs.
The Purple Line is one of nine Bangkok mass-transit projects proposed by the Samak Sundaravej government. The total cost for the new projects is estimated at 700 billion baht, to be financed through a combination of foreign borrowing and domestic bond issues. Bidding for contractors for five of the nine mass transit routes is expected to be completed this year, involving contracts worth 280 billion baht.
The routes include the Purple Line; the Blue Line running from Hua Lamphong-Bang Khae-Bang Sue-Tha Phra; the Red Line running from Rangsit-Bang Sue-Taling Chan; the Light Green Line from Onnuj-Samut Prakan; and the Dark Green Line from Mor Chit to Saphan Mai. Bidding for another four projects, worth 420 billion baht, is expected to be held from 2010 to 2011.
Wisarut
28-02-08, 12:08 PM
JBIC loan will be Year by Year basis ... not a big chunk for better loan spending control ... Need to renew the contract year by year :cool::p;)
Bids for purple-line electric rail construction set for April
BANGKOK, March 7 (TNA) – Transport Minister Santi Prompat on Thursday expressed confidence that bidding building the Purple Line electric mass transit route would take place in April.
The minister said he would make a field trip to inspect the route site so that the land expropriation would be made properly.
Regarding construction progress on the Airport Link project, Mr. Santi said he had asked top officials of the State Railway of Thailand about the matter, and they affirmed the project would be completed and in operation by the end of this year.
He said the ministry had prioritised the electric mass transit route projects to be implemented this year.
First is the construction of the Red Line Taling Chan-Ban Sue route. There are two bidders for the project implementation. The successful bidder will be announced soon.
Second is building the Purple Line Bang Yai- Bang Sue route.
Others are the Blue Line Hua Lam Pong-Bang Kae and Bang Sue-Tha Phra extension route and the Green Line Mor Chit-Saphan Mai and Onnuch-Samut Prakarn routes. (TNA)-E005
Business News : Last Update : 10:54:02 7 March 2008 (GMT+7:00)
http://enews.mcot.net/view.php?id=3157
Yappofloyd
29-03-08, 04:43 PM
A puff piece! Thank Buddha that the MRTA has a Transport Minister who can come up with such a unique idea as a feeder system:rolleyes: Obviously, the commencement of constructiion next year will not meet Samaks 2-3 year completion timetable.
TRANSPORT Santi orders feeder system for Purple Line AMORNRAT MAHITHIROOK Bkk Post 28/03/08
Transport Minister Santi Prompat has instructed the state-run Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) to ensure there is a comprehensive feeder system along the planned Bang Sue-Bang Yai rail line. Mr Santi said the MRTA has to work closely with other state agencies in designing and planning the feeder system along the line where there are a large number of communities.
''There are more than 10,000 households in certain real estate projects. Joint planning with local administrations in Nonthaburi is needed to ensure the feeder system responds to the communities' demands,'' he said. According to Mr Santi, the Bang Sue-Bang Yai line, known as the Purple Line, cuts through a densely populated area and is worth the investment. Once completed, the line will accommodate traffic between Nonthaburi and Bangkok.
Mr Santi and MRTA governor Prapat Chongsanguan went by helicopter yesterday to survey the planned mass transit routes and inspect construction of the airport link project. He said the routes they surveyed confirmed that the proposed nine mass transit projects would effectively reduce car use by 60%.
Mr Prapat said yesterday the MRTA is modifying the design of the terminal stations on the Purple Line to accommodate a feeder system. He said that buildings housing car parks are likely to be reduced to make room for open parking space.
According to Mr Prapat, the MRTA is also considering whether it will jointly invest with private firms to provide shuttle buses from train stations to housing estates within a radius of 3-5 kilometres. He also said he is confident that bidding for the routes will be open in April as planned and that construction is likely to start by next year.
Meanwhile, deputy Bangkok governor Panich Vikitsreth said the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) will decide on the fare rates for the skytrain's extended route from Sathon to Taksin road in a few months. He said the BMA has proposed charging ''station fees'' of 10 baht for the two new stations by the skytrain operator.
Mr Panich said the skytrain operator should maintain fare rates of 15-40 baht rather than increase the fares after the 2.2km extension is opened. However, he said the BMA is ready to reduce the fees by half if the operator feels its revenue will drop. But this can happen only if there are enough people riding on the trains.
Purple line draws mega-firms
By Watcharapong Thongrung
The Nation
Published on May 3, 2008
Altogether 27 construction companies bought tender documents for the Bt36-billion Purple Line project by yesterday's deadline, including Germany's Siemens, China's Hong Run Construction Group, South Korea's GS Engineering and Italy's CMC Cooperative Musatory.
A panel will be formed to screen the bidders for meeting qualification criteria and proposing the best construction techniques and quotes, said a source from the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand, the developer of the suburban rail project.
"You'd better closely watch who's going to sit on the committee, whether they have close connections with any political groups," he said.
Transport Minister Santi Prompat said the strong interest should ensure fair bidding.
Aside from nearly all big local contractors, picking up the bidding package during the April 21-May 2 period were Japanese companies Obayashi, Tokyu, Nishimitsu and Kajima, as well as Italy's Rizzani De Eccher.
The 23-kilometre route will be funded by a loan facility from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/05/03/headlines/headlines_30072171.php
Unrealistically low could have some truth in it. I just have a sort of suspicion that the Cabinet was prompted to make this decision by someone else. :eek: In all fairness to this Cabinet, they are probably no more or less manipulated/transparent than any other Cabinet in living memory.:p :mad:
Budget request for Purple Line 'too low'
The cabinet on Tuesday sent a budget request for the new Purple Line train back to the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand because it was too low, MRTA Governor Prapat Chonngsanguan said.
Ministers told Mr Prapat to be more realistic about the rising costs of material, and to resubmit the budget next Tuesday.
The MRTA had asked for an additional 15 per cent, raising its budget request to 36 billion baht for the commuter railway. But the cabinet wants the MRTA to consider the proposal in greater detail, said Mr Prapat after the meeting.
The initial budget was 31 billion, and was approved by the military-appointed government last year when petrol was priced at about 25 baht per litre. The 36 billion was set in February when the oil price was around 30 baht a litre, Mr Prapat said.
The retail price of premium gasoline has since gone above 40 baht.
Some 27 tenders have reportedly been submitted by companies from Thailand, Japan, Italy, China and South Korea for the contract to built the Purple Line, a 23km elevated rail route between Bang Sue and Bang Yai.
Link may expire:
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=128113
PURPLE LINE
Project split 'invites collusion on bidding'
By Watcharapong Thongrung
The Nation
Published on June 16, 2008
Limited number of local contractors may not need to contend fiercely: engineer
The Transport Ministry's move to split the Purple Line project into three contracts has raised concern over possible bidding collusion, said a source in the ministry who fears that the government could end up investing a much higher sum than expected on the urban train route.
An engineering source said there were only three Thai contractors that had their own material production bases and therefore the potential to build the mega-projects: Italian-Thai, Ch Karnchang and Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction. The split of the contract into three parts means the three might not have to contend fiercely for the contracts.
"If bidders do not need to compete on pricing, they have the extra capacity to pay to favoured politicians and officials," he said. The source said the contractors would also gain from any increase in the project's budget.
He added that in general state agencies always set the budget of such mega-projects at a high level in order to cover inflation, especially in the cost of materials. This means they do not have to ask repeatedly for budget increases, risking construction delays.
The Transport Ministry will ask for the Cabinet's approval to increase the project budget in the civil-work part by 5 per cent to Bt36 billion from the original Bt31 billion, citing the need to cover rising materials costs.
The first contract covers the eastern part of elevated route, which is 12 kilometres long and has eight stations. Fourteen contractors have purchased bid documents, which must be submitted by August 4.
The second contract covers the western part of the route, which is 11 kilometres long and has eight stations. Sixteen contractors have picked up the bidding documents, which are to be submitted by August 6.
The last contract covers the maintenance centre and car-park building. Twenty-three contractors have purchased bid documents, to be submitted by August 8.
The engineering source also questioned whether the Purple Line project could begin as planned after the bidding process, as it might experience protest from communities that would be environmentally affected by the construction.
Article 67 of the Constitution bans the construction of mega-projects that would have negative health and environmental impacts on nearby communities. The law requires public hearings on the projects.
Though a public hearing on the Purple Line project has already been held, the project has still risks being halted by protests from the communities.
The source also questioned whether the government would really slap fines on contractors if they failed to meet construction deadlines. He said the government had yet to impose fines on the contractors of the Airport Link project connecting Makkasan with Suvarnabhumi Airport, following their failure to meet deadlines.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2008/06/16/business/business_30075575.php
Govt approves rise in Purple Line construction cost
(BangkokPost.com) - Government on Tuesday approved the increase in budget to construct the Purple Line rail project.
The budget is increased to 36 billion baht from 31 billion baht, according to government spokesman Vichienchote Sukchotirat.
The increase of the budget is to meet with the rising of construction cost.
The 23-kilometre elevated line runs from Bang Sue to Bang Yai. It is due to start service by 2012.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/breaking_news/breakingnews.php?id=128281
Yappofloyd
23-06-08, 02:14 PM
Now here is a radical idea, why not bring the bidding and tender dates forward and thus allow the succesful contractor to lock in some prices for materials before the end of the year?
CONSTRUCTION Contractors seek support Low prices for state jobs will deter bids NAREERAT WIRIYAPONG (Bkk Post 23/06/08)
Construction companies are urging the government to raise construction prices for other megaprojects after the approval of adjustments for the Purple Line rail system, saying that other projects' prices were also far below actual costs. ''They should raise the prices of the other [rail] lines as well to make the projects more realistic to implement,'' said Woraphant Chontong, senior executive vice-president of the SET-listed contractor Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction (Stecon).
The cabinet last week agreed to raise the price of the 23-kilometre Purple Line from about 32 billion baht to 38 billion, as proposed by the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA).
Contractors have been hard hit by rising building material prices. Some question the value of bidding for government infrastructure projects if they will end up losing money on the jobs. ''We are looking forward to bidding for projects for which prices are fair enough for us to join the race,'' said Mr Woraphant. ''If the margin on the project is too thin, we will not bid.'' Stecon has already suffered a large loss stemming from the delays in the Airport Link rail project. It has called on the state agencies involved to lift the prices of all nine planned mass-transit rail lines, which have a current budget of 770 billion baht.
Stecon's financial performance this year will remain under pressure from the sharp rise of material costs, especially for steel bars, and oil prices. Seel rods account for 15% of Stecon's total costs. The steel is now priced at 39 baht a kilogramme, double last year's price, he said, adding that the contractor also faced rising transport costs.
Watchara Sanghattawattana, vice-president for business development of the contractor Ch. Karnchang Plc (CK), applauded the government's decision to lift the price of the Purple Line linking Bang Sue and Bang Yai, for which bidding is to open in August. CK planned to seek three contracts for the Purple Line, he said. ''It is a good sign that the government understands the situation we are facing. This will help the government's infrastructure projects really move forward,'' said Mr Watchara.
Stock analysts are upbeat on CK, citing potential projects both in local and overseas markets. CK has completed civil work on about 15 billion baht worth of projects in hand, so it will face less impact than some of its peers from higher building material prices. The new projects for which CK would compete this year would be based on adjusted construction material costs, Tisco Securities said in a recent report. ''[However], key risks are delays in construction, fewer projects than expected, and cost overruns from rising material and oil prices,'' said the report.
Siam City Securities said steel prices were still on the rise, due to strong demand of at least 10 million tonnes for new projects in China. Global demand for steel is expected to grow 6.7% this year and 6.3% next year, it said. CIMB-GK Securities (Thailand) forecasts cement prices will climb by 10% this year on a 25% increase in coal prices, which would be bad news for contractors. CIMB has revised down its earning forecasts for Italian-Thai Development (ITD) by 33% this year and 35% next year on poor revenue growth and high costs. Stecon (STEC) shares closed on Friday at 3.74 baht, up four satang, in trade worth 33.95 million baht. CK rose 15 satang to 5.30 baht, in trade worth 35.26 million, and ITD was unchanged at 5.85 baht, in trade worth 364.68 million baht.
Yappofloyd
01-09-08, 08:41 PM
Well the tender period for the three sections of the Purple Line finished today. I'm wondering in light of the current political turmoil, whether or not the evaluation period will be deferred? (assuming the govt doesn't fall soon resulting in all projects will be stopped, reviewed and yet again delayed!:()
http://i245.photobucket.com/albums/gg75/yappofloyd/28587196kf9.jpg
Yappofloyd
03-12-08, 12:40 PM
Fours qualify to place bids to build the Purple line - Bkk Post 01/12/08
Four contenders will bid for the Purple route railway contracts this month after passing the technical requirements set by the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA). The 59.9-billion-baht project, linking Bang Sue and Bang Yai, is made up of two contracts, based on construction methods for the 23-kilometre route and its support facilities.
Italian-Thai Development Plc, Sino-Thai Engineering & Construction Plc, and CKTC Joint Venture qualified to lodge tenders to build the 12km eastern elevated electric train route from Tao Pun to the King Rama III bridge.
ITON Joint Venture, CKTC Joint Venture, and Sino-Thai Engineering & Construction Plc can compete to construct the western elevated route from King Rama III bridge to Klong Bang Phai station and a bridge across the Chao Phraya river. The total distance is 11km.
The MRTA has advised the Japan International Cooperation Agency, which will provide project support, of the list of qualifiers. The Japanese agency will give the list final consideration, assistant MRTA governor Chukiat Potayanuwat, said. He expected this would take about one month. "We expect to open the bidding in December," said Mr Chukiat, who is chairman of the panel overseeing the bidding.
The MRTA signed an agreement on March 3 asking the Japan Bank for International Cooperation to finance the project. The transit authority is still considering the construction techniques being offered by those firms which have indicated an interest in building a maintenance centre for the trains and a parking building for passengers' vehicles, Mr Chukiat said.
Yappofloyd
14-12-08, 09:07 PM
Five contenders for train depot job pass MRTA technical check - BKK Post 14/12/08
Five contenders are technically qualified to vie for construction of a new electric train depot and four park-and-ride buildings for the Mass Rapid Transit Authority's Purple Line electric railway. MRTA assistant governor Chukiart Phothayanuwat said the bid evaluation committee had approved the technical qualifications of all five bidders who put their names forward.
They are the PAR Joint Venture _ made up of Power Line Engineering Plc, ASCON Construction Plc and RNC (Thailand) Co; the Takenaka-Ritta Joint Venture; the CKTC Joint Venture _ comprising Ch Karnchang Plc and Tokyo Construction Co; Italian-Thai Development Plc; and Sino-Thai Engineering & Construction Plc.
The MRTA will report the technical evaluation results to its creditor, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica). With Japanese approval, MRTA will then consider the bids submitted by the five contenders. Jica is expected to spend three to four weeks considering the technical evaluation report and the MRTA should open the bid envelopes next month, Mr Chukiart said.
The construction contract is one of three contracts the MRTA will sign for construction of the 60-billion-baht Purple Line project that will stretch 23 kilometres from Bang Sue in Bangkok to Bang Yai, Nonthaburi province. The new train depot is located in Bang Yai. Mr Chukiart said the local political situation should not affect Japanese lending for the planned electric railway projects.
The Enforcer!
24-12-08, 10:26 AM
In today's Nation from Finance Minister Korn Chatikavanij:
However, Korn, a former investment banker, said the government might have to review some mega-investment schemes, due to global and domestic economic conditions.
For example, it would not be possible to implement all 10 mass-transit routes planned by the Samak Sundaravej government for Bangkok. Yet projects that had gone through the bidding process or received foreign-government loans would go ahead. Currently, the Purple Line from Bang Yai to Bang Sue is at the most advanced stage, because it already has an initial Bt19-billion loan from the Japanese government. It is followed by the Red and Blue lines from Taling Chan to Bang Sue and from Tha Phra to Bang Sue.
The Enforcer!
Ch Karnchang lands first Purple Line contract
By Watcharapong Thongrung
The Nation
Published on January 14, 2009
Ch Karnchang has snatched the first contract for the Purple Line urban rail project with a Bt16.7-billion bid. The contract is slated for signing in March, with construction work set to begin the following month.
According to the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), Italian-Thai Development and Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction put forward bids of Bt17.9 billion and Bt17.1 billion, respectively, for construction of the 12-kilometre route from Taopoon to Rama III Bridge.
The price list will be checked before submission to the MRTA board, chaired by Highways Department director-general Supoj Saplom. It will then be sent to the Japan International Cooperation Agency, which is funding the project, before going to the Cabinet.
Despite the good news, Ch Karnchang's share price yesterday fell Bt0.18 or 4.31 per cent from Monday's close, to Bt4.
"We're set to open bids for the second contract in February, so that the contract can be signed in May," said Deputy MRTA governor Chookiat Pho-thiyanuat, who is chairman of the bidding committee.
The Purple Line was one of the six lines proposed by the now defunct Thai Rak Thai Party ahead of the 2005 Bangkok governor election.
Due to delays, the construction cost of the route rose to Bt36 billion during last year's Samak Sundaravej government, which led the MRTA to split the project into three contracts.
The second contract encompasses 11km from Rama III Bridge to Klong Bang Phai, while the third contract is for the maintenance centre and parking building.
As Ch Karnchang will now no longer be able to bid for new contracts for the same route, the bidders for the second con-tract are down to Iton Joint Venture and Sino-Thai. Remaining bidders for the third contract are Italian-Thai, Sino-Thai, Takenaka-Ritta Joint Venture and PAR Joint Venture.
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2009/01/14/business/business_30093181.php
Wisarut
13-01-09, 10:31 PM
http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2009/01/14/business/business_30093181.php
Sure, JICA would approve CK PCL to handle the first contract (Bangsue - Phra Nang Klao Bridge) due to strong Japanese connections of CK - children of the founder of CK CPL have been studied Civil Engineering in Japan and established the conenction with Japanese contrators.
jpatokal
14-01-09, 09:11 AM
Is there an up-to-date map of the final alignment somewhere? In particular, is it really the case that this line does not intersect any existing mass transit line in BKK, and won't do so until the Blue Line extensions are complete? :confused: Chatchawal's map (http://www.2bangkok.com/2bangkok/MassTransit/map/System%20Map%206.11.pdf) (2005) shows it as meeting the Taksin extension at Wongwian Yai, but is this just wishful thinking...? (It's not in the scope of the first phase anyway.)
Yappofloyd
14-01-09, 10:02 AM
Is there an up-to-date map of the final alignment somewhere? In particular, is it really the case that this line does not intersect any existing mass transit line in BKK, and won't do so until the Blue Line extensions are complete? :confused: Chatchawal's map (http://www.2bangkok.com/2bangkok/MassTransit/map/System%20Map%206.11.pdf) (2005) shows it as meeting the Taksin extension at Wongwian Yai, but is this just wishful thinking...? (It's not in the scope of the first phase anyway.)
Yes it is true that it will not interchange with any line at the northern end until the Blue Line is extended to Tao Pun. I seem to recollect there was a decision by the MRTA to extend the Blue Line from Bang Sue terminal to Tao Pun first before the rest of the loop line is built. Perhaps decision makers may focus on approving the north western part of the Blue Line loop as a matter of priority (esp since most of the delays stem from the route through Chinatown).
Some maps, none that great scale wise;
http://img81.imageshack.us/img81/5602/jbicgf3.jpg
http://img221.imageshack.us/img221/369/economiclw4.jpg
http://img126.imageshack.us/img126/5834/t2wo6.jpg
Plans posted on Skyscraper by Khun BlueDragon Exp post #394(http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=234072&page=20) show the then designs of the interchange station -
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/BlueDragonExp/1234042.jpg
http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h68/BlueDragonExp/1234048.jpg
Yappofloyd
14-01-09, 10:24 AM
I always thought that the original plans of building the Tao Pun to Wong Wian Yai underground section first was a good one as this would provide a sorely needed N-S link through a very congested and poorly serviced part of the city. Given construction will also take much longer on this section it also made sense to get it going first.
However, vested political interests and property groups changed plans but as I have said before, your going to have 3 lines (Purple, Red Taling Chan, Red Rangsit) terminating at Tao Pun or Bang Sue with the only direct connection further south being a circuitous Blue Line route via Ratchada. Seems rather silly.
Gievn how long it has taken to get to this point on the NW section I wonder if the central section will be built in the next decade? Then there is the south section to Rat Burana (and a potential future E-W cross river link from RB to the yellow line at Samrong).
Wisarut
14-01-09, 11:24 AM
I always thought that the original plans of building the Tao Pun to Wong Wian Yai underground section first was a good one as this would provide a sorely needed N-S link through a very congested and poorly serviced part of the city. Given construction will also take much longer on this section it also made sense to get it going first.
However, vested political interests and property groups changed plans but as I have said before, your going to have 3 lines (Purple, Red Taling Chan, Red Rangsit) terminating at Tao Pun or Bang Sue with the only direct connection further south being a circuitous Blue Line route via Ratchada. Seems rather silly.
Gievn how long it has taken to get to this point on the NW section I wonder if the central section will be built in the next decade? Then there is the south section to Rat Burana (and a potential future E-W cross river link from RB to the yellow line at Samrong).
BTW, the construction of Purple line (Section) also INCLUDE the connection between Bangsue to Tao Poon to allow the rollign stock exchange between thsoe form Huay Kwang depot and those from the future Bang Yai Depot.
Furthermore, BMCL has been allowed to run 1 more km to Tao Poon which will be a junction similar to Siam station of BTS.
The Enforcer!
18-01-09, 07:09 AM
If JICA approve everything, what timescales are we looking at?
Construction: 2009-2012
Opening: Late 2012
The Enforcer!
Yappofloyd
18-01-09, 11:24 AM
If JICA approve everything, what timescales are we looking at?
Construction: 2009-2012
Opening: Late 2012
The Enforcer!
Planned, optimistic, political hype, realistic or delayed timescale? Which one?
If you look at the Invitation for Bidding notice on the previous page the tiem given for completion is 2013 but that is if construction starts in early 2009 - already mid 2009 is the earliest start date given that the contract is being signed in May according to the Nation article on 14/01.
The Enforcer!
18-01-09, 03:01 PM
Planned, optimistic, political hype, realistic or delayed timescale? Which one?
I want the politically hyped, realistically delayed, optimistical planned one.
The Enforcer!
Yappofloyd
27-01-09, 12:40 PM
An update in the IRG.
Bangkok urban rail progress International Railway Gazette 22 Jan 2009
THAILAND: Test running began on Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi airport rail link on January 18. Siemens has supplied four Siemens Desiro EMUs for the non-stop Airport Express services on the 28 km standard gauge line, and five three-car units which will operate a commuter service calling at eight intermediate stations.
Meanwhile, the first contract for civil engineering work on the Purple Line metro is expected to be signed in March, following the opening of financial bids for Phase 1 by the Mass Rapid Transit Authority.
The lowest bid for the 12 km section between Taopoon and Rama III Bridge was submitted by the CKTC joint venture of Ch Karnchang and Tokyo Construction. CKTC's bid of 16·7bn baht beat rival bids from Italian-Thai Development (17·9bn baht) and Sino-Thai Engineering & Construction (17·1bn baht). The preferred bidder must be approved by Japan Bank for International Co-operation, which is financing the civil works.
As winner of first phase contract, CKTC is excluded from Phase 2 which encompasses the 11 km section from Rama III Bridge to Klong Bang Phai. Financial bids submitted by the other two consortia are due to be opened in February, with a contract expected to be signed in May. Bids for a third contract covering the depot at Bang Yai and four park-and-ride facilities have been received from Italian-Thai, Sino-Thai, Takenaka-Ritta JV and PAR JV.
-Work is progressing on the suburban Red Line following the signing of the Phase 1 contract on December 12. JBIC has agreed a loan of 89·7bn baht for Phase 2 from Bang Sue to Rangsit, and State Railway of Thailand is seeking cabinet approval of the budgets for the signalling and rolling stock; tenders are expected to be called shortly, with the total value put at 6·15bn baht.
http://www.railwaygazette.com/ur_single/article/2009/01/9281/bangkok_urban_rail_progress.html
Yappofloyd
03-03-09, 07:14 PM
MRTA seeks reduction Nation 27/02/09
The Mass Rapid Transit Authority has asked a consultant on the Purple Line project to renegotiate with CKTC Joint Venture on a possible reduction of the construction costs of the project's first-part contract. The consultant will report the results to the price-bidding committee today. CKTC won the project's first-part contract.
A state-agency source said it was possible that CKTC would agree to cut the costs 10 per cent from the present Bt16.7 billion, due to the falling prices of construction materials.
Purple line cost 'can be cut only bt500m' By Watcharapong Thongrung The Nation 03/03/09
CKTC, a joint venture CKTC, a joint venture of Ch Karnchang and Tokyo Construction, has said it cannot reduce by more than Bt500 million the construction cost of the mass-transit electric train Purple Line project's first contract worth Bt16.7 billion.
The Transport Ministry and the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) had targeted cutting the price by 10 per cent of the contract value, or Bt1.6 billion. A source at the ministry said yesterday that the committee for the bidding for the Purple Line project, chaired by MRTA deputy governor Chukiat Photayanuwatr, last week held final negotiations to reduce the bidding price on the first contract.
The Purple Line will connect Bang Yai with Bang Sue. "CKTC insisted at the meeting that it could not reduce the construction price more than Bt500 million," said the source. Previously, CKTC had won the bidding for the Purple Line project's first contract offered at Bt16.72 billion, beating rival bids from Italian-Thai Development (Bt17.9 billion) and Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction (Bt17.1 billion).
The preferred bidder must be approved by Japan Interna-tional Cooperation Agency (JICA), which is financing the civil works. However, the MRTA's board will consider the final construction price proposed by the committee for the bidding tomorrow. The source said if the board gave the nod, the MRTA would submit the resolution to the JICA and seek to open bidding for the second contract.
Yappofloyd
21-04-09, 12:12 PM
The negotiations of the CKTC bid price seems to have saved the 10% sought.
CKTC gives in on Purple Line bid price The Nation April 20, 09Consortium CKTC Joint Venture has agreed to further trim the construction cost of the first section of the Purple Line mass-transit system to a bit lower than Bt15 billion, paving the way for the signing of the construction contract in two months' time.
Tawalyarat Onsira, deputy permanent secretary of the Transport Ministry and board member of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), said recently that the agreement had been reached in the latest round of price negotiation between the consortium and the MRTA price-bargaining committee.
The MRTA will submit the reduced price for the board's consideration at the meeting today, he added. Once the board approves, the MRTA will submit the price details for examination by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which is financing the civil work, and then for the Cabinet's approval. It is expected to be around two months before the MRTA can sign the construction deal with the consortium, he said.
CKTC is a joint venture of Ch Karnchang and Tokyo Construction. It won the first contract for the Purple Line by quoting Bt16.72 billion, but the Transport Ministry asked the MRTA's board to bargain for a cost reduction in line with falling oil prices. The consortium agreed to reduce the price to Bt15.5 billion in the first round of negotiations with the MRTA committee before further cutting the price to under Bt15 billion in the latest round of negotiation.
However, a transport-ministry source said the latest price was still higher than the price of Bt13 billion determined by the MRTA when inflation was high and oil at US$140 (Bt4,970) a barrel. "The current oil price is around $50 per barrel, so the construction cost should be lower than Bt13 billion," he said, adding that if the consortium declined to further cut the construction cost, the MRTA would launch a new round of bidding in order to seek a lower price.
The MRTA source said construction of the route in the first contract should not be put off further as it had already been delayed for two months. The Purple Line, worth Bt36-billion, is split into three sections. The first runs from Taopoon to Rama III Bridge, the second from Rama III Bridge to Klong Bang Phai Station, and the third involves construction of a maintenance depot at Bang Yai and four parking lots.
Yappofloyd
23-04-09, 12:37 PM
Purple Line contract ready for signing By: AMORNRAT MAHITTHIROOK, BKK Post, 23/04/09
CKTC Joint Venture looks set to sign the first contract in June to build a section of the mass transit Purple Line railway after agreeing to cut its price by about 1.7 billion baht.
The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand board yesterday endorsed the results of price negotiations for the construction of the 12km elevated rail route from Tao Pun to Phra Nangklao Bridge, said board chairman Supoj Saplom. CKTC, which comprises Ch Karnchang and Tokyu Construction from Japan, has agreed to lower its quoted price to 14.96 billion baht from its lowest quote previously of 16.72 billion baht.
It had earlier offered to reduce the construction cost to 15.5 billion baht but the board said it was still too high. The board later appointed the selection panel, chaired by deputy MRTA governor Chukiart Porthayanuwat, to negotiate with the contractor. The negotiations were held after construction material prices fell and the price of the design plan for Tao Pun Station was lowered.
The MRTA will let the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the loan creditor, know the results of the negotiations by Monday . Jica is expected to consider the matter within three weeks before sending it back to the MRTA, which will bring the issue to its board to seek approval from the cabinet. The contract is expected to be signed in June, with building work scheduled for completion within 42 months, said Mr Supoj. Bidding for another 11km section of the line from the bridge to Bang Yai district in Nonthaburi is expected to open in May, he said.
Yappofloyd
02-05-09, 01:32 PM
This news came out a few days ago. The Dems have put their foot down & given the Transport Minister (a Newin faction man) no option? Perhaps, it is also a tactic to send a clear message for the next contract of the Purple Line which is due to be tendered this month?
Purple Line delay likely By: AMORNRAT MAHITTHIROOK 2/05/2009 Bkk Post
The Purple Line bidding will not be forwarded for cabinet approval until all doubts about the allegedly overpriced project are cleared up, Transport Minister Sohpon Zarum says. Mr Sohpon said yesterday the Transport Ministry was looking at all details of the bid won by CKTC Joint Venture led by Ch Karnchang and Tokyu Construction after the House anti-graft panel on Wednesday complained the bid was three billion baht above the median price.
The bidding was approved by the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand. The agency settled the price negotiations with CKTC on April 22. CKTC agreed to cut its price by around 1.7 billion baht to 14.96 billion baht for the first 12km section of the line from Tao Pun to Phra Nangklao Bridge.
But the House committee dominated by the Democrat Party said on Wednesday that the price was still too high and that it suspected irregularities. Mr Sohpon said if all suspicions could not be cleared by the officials involved, the ministry would not send it to the cabinet for final approval. "The project will be not submitted to the cabinet unless I study it thoroughly, which will take some time," he said.
Purple Line possibly corrupted: Democrat MP By The Nation 30/04/09
That Ch Karnchang won the first contract of the Purple Line electric train project at the cost higher than the median price could indicate a possible corruption in the project by a state official, said Charnchai Isarasenarak, Democrat MP as vice chairman of the House anti-corruption committee.
Charnchai questioned if it is appropriate that the board the Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) on April 22 approved the CKTC consortium to construct the route in the first contract at the price of Bt14 billion, which is higher than the median price of Bt11.16 billion. CKTC is a joint venture of Ch Karnchang and Tokyo Construction. It won the first contract for the Purple Line by quoting Bt16.72 billion, but the Transport Ministry asked the MRTA's board to bargain for a cost reduction in line with falling oil prices. In the latest round of price negotiation, the consortium agreed to reduce the price to Bt14.98 billion. "This suggests that the price approved by MRTA board is Bt3 billion higher than the median price," he added. He said the project's bidding process began in the tenure of Prime Minister Samak Sundaravej and later in the stint of Prime Minister Somchai Wongsavat.
Charnchai said he already informed Prime Minister Abhist Vejjajiva, deputy Prime Minister, Korbsak Sabhavasu, and Finance Minister, Korn Chatikavanij, on the matter of the higher construction cost. He said the MRTA board should further cut the price to the referent price. He added that the Transport Minister Sophon Saram and the Cabinet must not sign the approval on the price approved by MRTA board when it is proposed for their approvals. If they do so, the country's interest will be affected and that will affect the government accordingly. The House anti-corruption committee will call in persons involved in the project to clarify the matter on April 30.
The Purple Line, worth totally Bt36-billion, is split into three sections. The first runs from Taopoon to Rama III Bridge, the second from Rama III Bridge to Khlong Bang Phai Station, and the third involves construction of a maintenance depot at Bang Yai and four parking lots.
The company believes the Purple Line contract will be the most profitable one, even though CKTC - a joint venture between Ch Karnchang and Tokyo Construction - had to lower the project price in its latest round of negotiations with the Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA). A meeting on Wednesday of the MRTA's board approved the results of the price negotiations between the MRTA and the consortium, which saw the price cut to Bt14.98 billion.
Wisarut
02-05-09, 01:39 PM
Even thoguh CKC is the allance of Democrat for many years,It is a well known secret that CKC is gogin to let STECON of the Magnificent Bastard fo Buriram to becoem subctractor for CKC.
Yappofloyd
08-05-09, 07:48 PM
MRTA revises its project cost estimate The Nation Published on May 6, 2009
The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand's board is revising its cost estimate for the Purple Line urban train project, which will automatically delay the contract-signing with the bid winner, CKTC Joint Venture. A source in the state agency said that it was found recently that the bid winner had adopted the construction (K) factor, which is not in line with the actual cost. This could benefit the company by as much as Bt1 billion. "If the board does not revise the price, it could be implicated in helping benefit the construction firm," the source said.
However, he insisted that the decision to revise the costing had nothing to do with a Democrat MP's complaint of possible corruption. K bills are cost-escalation factors, which represent the difference the government has to pay on top of the original contract valuation, should construction-material prices rise in state projects. The board, chaired by Highways Department director-general Supot Saplom, will meet shortly to revise the costing. Last month, it approved the first contract - awarded to CKTC - at a bid price of Bt14.97 billion. CKTC originally won the contract with a bid of Bt16.7 billion, but later agreed to the lower price. It was expected that the MRTA would sign the contract with CKTC within two months of the price agreement.
Earlier, Transport Minister Sophon Saram said that the ministry would review the bidding process to ensure transparency, following the charge by Charnchai Isarasenarak, a Democrat MP and vice chairman of the House anti-corruption committee, of possible corruption involving some state officials. Former MRTA governor Praphat Chongsanguan also suggested that the government cancel the bidding, as even at the reduced cost of Bt14.9 billion, it was more than Bt3 billion higher than the median price of Bt11.16 billion.
He said the bidding process for the Purple Line, which consists of three contracts, had begun when oil prices were at their peak. Then, the overall cost estimate was raised from Bt31 billion to Bt36 billion, as oil prices rose above US$140 (Bt4,870) per barrel and led to the skyrocketing cost of construction materials.
Charnchai earlier questioned whether it was appropriate for the MRTA board to have approved CKTC's bid of Bt14 billion, which was higher than the median price. He also urged Sophon and the Cabinet not to approve the bidding. CKTC is a joint venture between Ch Karnchang and Tokyu Construction.
Yappofloyd
26-05-09, 11:21 PM
Me thinks something smells fishy......
Minister revamps selection process, By: AMORNRAT MAHITTHIROOK 26/05/2009 Bkk Post
Transport Minister Sohpon Zarum has ordered the Mass Rapid Transit Authority to select the successful tenderers for three construction projects on the Purple Line electric railway extension at the same time. The Purple Line construction is covered by three contracts, and the MRTA has called separate bids for them. Mr Sohpon yesterday expressed concern about the original plan to pick the winning bids separately, saying it could prevent authorities from effectively controlling the overall cost of the project. The government has set a ceiling of 36 billion baht for the railway which will stretch from Bang Sue in Bangkok to Bang Yai in Nonthaburi.
The MRTA is evaluating bids submitted in the tender offers for the contracts to build the 12km eastern elevated section of the Purple Line, from Tao Poon to Phra Nang Klao Bridge. There are three qualified bidders: Italian-Thai Development Plc, Sino-Thai Engineering & Construction Plc, and CKTC Joint Venture. CKTC submitted the lowest quote of 14.96 billion baht.
Mr Sohpon said even the lowest quote exceeded the previously set cost of 13.4 billion baht. He said it would be difficult for the authorities to manage the overall project cost if the evaluation of the bids submitted in the other two contests was delayed.
The second contract is for the construction of the 11km western elevated section, from Phra Nang Klao Bridge to Klong Bang Phai, including a bridge across the Chao Phraya river. The three qualifiers are ITON Joint Venture, CKTC Joint Venture and Sino-Thai Engineering & Construction. The third contract is for the construction of a depot in Bang Yai and four park-and-ride buildings.
There are five qualifiers: Italian-Thai Development, CKTC Joint Venture, Sino-Thai Engineering & Construction, Takenaka-Ritta Joint Venture, and PAR Joint Venture. ''I don't understand why the conditions were set so,'' Mr Sohpon said. ''It could be seen as favouring certain companies. Sealing one contract after another is problematic.''
Based on the lowest quote for the first contract, the minister said, the total cost of the Purple Line would be more than the 36-billion-baht ceiling. The government could be asked to increase the budget or scrap the present bidding contests, he said. MRTA chairman Supoj Saplorm said the bidding terms and conditions were set by the previous MRTA board.
Yappofloyd
27-05-09, 06:34 PM
Rail change shunted 27/05/09 Bkk Post
PURPLE LINE :Members of the Mass Transit Authority of Thailand board have decided to go ahead with their original plan for the Purple Line. Board chairman Supoj Sublom said yesterday the transit authority could not settle the contracts for all three stages at one time because it would be a setback for Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction, which could handle only one contract.
Transport Minister Sohpon Zarum on Monday said he wanted the selection of the winning tenders for all three contracts done together. The line from Bang Sue to Bang Yai in Nonthaburi is divided into three contracts. The first stage attracted three qualified bidders, ITON Joint Venture, CKTC Joint Venture and Sino-Thai.
CKTC won the contract offering the lowest price of 16.7 billion baht, later reducing this to 14.9 billion baht. But the MRTA board was still not satisfied with the price and set up a panel yesterday to negotiate with CKTC to lower it further. The contract needs cabinet approval.
Yappofloyd
11-06-09, 01:57 PM
5 months of negotiations to reduce the contract price by 2.5 billion is definately worth the delay given the savings for the govt. A good outcome especially given the pressure from those in the coalition who will profit from this contract.
MRTA finalises Purple Line 1st phase price at B14bn By: AMORNRAT MAHITTHIROOK 09/06/2009
The Mass Rapid Transit Authority has finalised a price of 14.29 billion baht for the Tao Poon-Phra Nang Klao section of the Purple Line electric train project. It will now seek approval for the price from its creditor, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica), and the cabinet before the end of July.
MRTA chairman Supoj Saplorm said the authority's board concluded the price for the 12km section yesterday after CKTC Joint Venture agreed to reduce its quote. Mr Supoj said the joint venture, made up of Ch Karnchang Plc and Tokyu Construction Co Ltd of Japan, had tendered the lowest price for the construction work. The venture originally tendered a price of 16.72 billion baht, then agreed to lower it to 14.96 billion baht. This was still not low enough for the cabinet, which insisted on a further reduction.
The MRTA board asked CKTC Joint Venture to cut its contingency fund from 600 million baht to 50 million baht and reduce the construction cost by 123 million baht. This brought down the figure to 14.29 billion baht. The MRTA will ask Jica to approve the quote and expects an answer in three weeks. If Jica agrees to the price, the MRTA will seek cabinet approval early next month and then consider bids for the two other Purple Line phases.
The Purple Line will stretch from Bang Sue to Bang Yai. The MRTA has called for tenders for the two other parts: the 11km Phra Nang Klao-Klong Bang Phai section; and the building of a train depot in Bang Yai, Nonthaburi, and four park-and-ride buildings. Mr Supoj expects the total price for the Purple Line to come in below the government's ceiling of 36 billion baht.
MRTA deputy governor Chukiat Photayanuwat said the authority would contract its present subway concessionaire, Bangkok Metro Co Ltd (BMCL), to operate the trains from Bang Sue station to Tao Poon, the next station. The contract price has been set at 1 billion baht.
Wisarut
11-06-09, 05:58 PM
Now, the second contract biddding for purple line (Phra Nangklao - Bang Yai - Bang Phai) has been announced:
http://www.manager.co.th/Business/ViewNews.aspx?NewsID=9520000065993
STECON: 15,320,000,000 Baht -> Winner
CKTC Joint Venture: 15,600,500,000 Baht
ITON Joint Venture: 16,350,830,000 Baht.
Now MRTA started the price negotiation with STECON to be down by 12%
padthainoodles
11-06-09, 07:22 PM
How much does anyone want to bet that by the time they finally agree a contract oil prices will have risen again and the whole silly circus will have to start all over again?:(
Wisarut
12-06-09, 02:15 AM
How much does anyone want to bet that by the time they finally agree a contract oil prices will have risen again and the whole silly circus will have to start all over again?:(
For the case of MRTA, the quoted bidding of 15,320,000,000 Baht by STECON is still 20% higher than the medium price. so they have to ask STECON to cut down the prices by 12%
Yappofloyd
12-06-09, 05:34 PM
How much does anyone want to bet that by the time they finally agree a contract oil prices will have risen again and the whole silly circus will have to start all over again?:(
Silly circus is an apt description of the whole policy and tendering process. Oil and commodity prices are already rising again so both contractors should start construction ASAP.
Only 4 months behind schedule?! More like 3 years!
Stecon wins bid for Purple Line phase 2 Bangkok Post By: AMORNRAT MAHITTHIROOK 12/06/2009
Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction has won the tender to build the second section of the mass transit Purple Line from Phra Nang Klao Bridge to Bang Yai district in Nonthaburi, the Mass Rapid Transit Authority says. The MRTA opened the price bids yesterday. The 11km section is from the bridge to Klong Bang Phai in Bang Yai.
Stecon proposed the lowest quote of 15.32 billion baht, against a price of 12.6 billion baht estimated by the state, according to MRTA deputy governor Chukiat Phothayanuwat. The other bidders were ITON Joint Venture and CKTC Joint Venture. ITON, which comprises Italian-Thai Development, Obayashi and Nawarat Patanakarn, quoted a construction price of 15.6 billion baht. CKTC, which includes Ch Karnchang and Q Construction, submitted a 16.35-billion-baht bid.
The construction of the line is divided into three contracts. CKTC has sealed the contract to build the section from Tao Pun to the bridge. Stecon's bid will be examined to see if its quote bears any conditions. The MRTA expects to have Stecon cut its quote by at least 12%, the same reduction agreed with CKTC after several rounds of negotiations. The government has set the overall cost for the Purple Line at 36.05 billion baht and under its procurement regulations the cost can increase by no more than 10% from this level. Mr Chukiat does not expect the total cost of the whole project to exceed the set price.
The MRTA will open bids late next week for the third contract for the construction of a train depot and four park-and-ride buildings. The Purple Line project is running about four months behind schedule. Mr Chukiat said the consideration of tenders for the final construction contract should be faster as the MRTA has gained experience with the first contract which will be signed next month. Building the Purple Line structure will take 3-1/2 years and another year will be needed to install tracks and trains, he said.
Skytrain western extension?????? Someone should tell the BTSC.
STEC wins bidding for 11-kilometre section THE NATION June 12, 2009
Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction yesterday won the Bt15.3-billion contract for the Bang Yai-Bang Sue section of the Purple Line mass-transit route. STEC shares dropped to Bt4.50 yesterday after gaining on Wednesday when it closed at Bt4.76, up 8.68 per cent from Tuesday's close of Bt4.38.
STEC was founded by Chaovarat Chanweerakul, the interior minister and leader of the Bhumi Jai Thai Party, a powerful partner in Abhisit Vejjajiva's coalition government. Chaisit Kururat, chairman of the bidding committee, said STEC proposed the lowest price for construction of the 11-kilometre western extension of the Skytrain system.
The contract covers eight stations, starting at the Rama III Bridge and ending at Klong Bang Pai on the Thon Buri side of Bangkok, as well the structure across the Chao Phya River. CKTC Joint Venture, led by Ch Karnchang, another local construction giant, proposed Bt15.6 billion for the contract, while ITON Joint Venture, led by Italian-Thai Development, offered Bt16.35 billion. CKTC has already won the first 12-kilometre section of the Purple Line, a long-delayed mega-infrastructure project.
The Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) will shortly finalise the price for the second contract before seeking Cabinet approval to sign it. The Purple Line project will be financed partly by loans from the Japan International Cooperation Agency. MRTA deputy governor Chukiat Photayanuwatr has negotiated with CKTC to lower the first contract from Bt16.7 billion to Bt14.9 billion. The first contract covers the eastern section of the Purple Line, running from the Taopoon area to the Rama III Bridge.
The government has capped the Purple Line's overall budget at Bt36 billion, including the third contract for a sub-depot and other works. Originally, the budget was set at Bt31 billion, but then oil prices soared to a record US$147 a barrel at the time of the bidding invitations last year, prompting the government to raise the budget to Bt36 billion. Crude oil prices have fallen to about $70 (Bt2,400) per barrel at present. The State Railway of Thailand has already awarded the job to build the Taling Chan-Bang Sue section of the Red Line. Work is now underway to relocate squatters from the construction site.
Yappofloyd
22-06-09, 11:53 PM
This is the third and last contract of the initial section of the Purple Line.
Second Purple Line contractor to be named By: AMORNRAT MAHITTHIROOK Bkk Post22/06/2009
The Mass Rapid Transit Authority will name the winning contractor for the second stage of the mass transit system's Purple Line tomorrow.
Four finalists are vying for the 5.9 billion baht contract to build a maintenance centre and depot for the train line running from Bang Sue in Bangkok to Bang Yai district in Nonthaburi. They are Italian-Thai Development, KTC Joint Venture, Takenaka-Ritta Joint Venture and PAR Joint Venture.
MRTA governor Chukiart Pothayanuwat said the agency had decided not to allow Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction to bid for the project because it had already been contracted to build the first section of the line. Stecon won the contract to build the line from Phra Nangklao Bridge to Bang Yai after offering the lowest price of 15.3 billion baht.
Yappofloyd
25-06-09, 12:48 AM
PURPLE LINE: PAR Joint Venture wins final contract By: AMORNRAT MAHITTHIROOK Bkk Post 24/06/2009
PAR Joint Venture has won the third and final contract for the mass transit Purple Line. It will build the depot and maintenance buildings. The consortium of Power Line Engineering, Ascon Construction and RNC (Thailand) tendered a bid of 6.4 billion baht, about 400 million baht below that of its closet rival, Italian-Thai Development.
The estimated price of the depot and maintenance buildings was set at 5.9 billion baht. The total construction cost of the line has been capped at 36 billion baht. The two other contractors tendering bids were CKTC Joint Venture and Takenaka and Ritta. The depot and maintenance buildings will be built in Nonthaburi's Bang Yai district, the end of the Purple Line, which starts at Bang Sue.
Mass Rapid Transit Authority governor Chukiat Phothayanuwat yesterday said the next step was to look at the details of the building costs. MRTA officials would then begin talks with the company to lower the price.
Power Line lands purple-line contract- The Nation Published on June 24, 2009
Power Line Engineering's consortium yesterday bagged the Bt6.3-billion deal to build part of the Purple Line mass-transit system by outbidding construction giant Italian-Thai Development. PAR Joint Venture's bid beat ITD's quote of Bt6.8 billion, while CKTC Joint Venture, led by Ch Karnchang, and Takenaka-Ritta Joint Venture proposed to complete the project for Bt7.6 billion and Bt8.8 billion, respectively.
Chaisit Kururat, assistant governor of the Metropolitan Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA), said this was the third contract for the Purple Line, covering a depot at Bang Yai and four park-and-ride centres at the Nonthaburi, Ta-id, Samyek Bang Yai and Klong Bang Pai stations. The bidding committee did not open the submission of Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction, because the firm had already secured the second contract of the Purple Line project, he said.
The first contract was awarded to the consortium led by Ch Karnchang. Chukiat Pothayanuwat, the MRTA governor-designate, said the Cabinet had authorised the MRTA to develop this route with a total budget of Bt36 billion. The cost for the first section of this line is set at Bt14.8 billion while the cost for the second section is under negotiation with Sino-Thai Engineering, which entered the lowest bid of Bt15.3 billion.
The Purple Line has a total length of 23 kilometres, with 16 stations in Bangkok and the neighbouring province of Nonthaburi. Work on the first section, running from Bang Sue to Rama III Bridge, is due to start later this year. The second section will run from Rama III Bridge to Bang Yai and Klong Bang Pai. An extension of this route from Bang Sue to southwest Bangkok and further into Samut Prakan is also under consideration.
Wisarut
25-06-09, 01:17 AM
Now, Government is asking MRTA to negotiate with 3 winning contractors to cut down the price to 32 billion since it is about to exceed the limit of 36 billion Baht
Yappofloyd
27-06-09, 12:34 PM
MRTA wants lower prices for Purple Line THE NATION June 25, 2009
The Mass Rapid Transit Authority is finding it difficult to negotiate with bid winners of the Purple Line mass-transit system to lower their prices, to keep the cost below Bt36.055 billion.
The government cap of Bt36.055 billion is for all four of the project's contracts, while the prices quoted by the winners of the first three contracts are already close to that. There is still a fourth contract to come, with a median price of Bt4 billion. MRTA governor-designate Chukiat Potayanuwat said his agency felt it was difficult to ask for a price cut for all of the contracts, given the level of profit the companies stood to lose.
Moreover, the bid winners have the right to refuse to lower their prices. CKTC Joint Venture, winner of the first contract, has already agreed to reduce its winning-bid price of Bt16.7 billion to Bt14.842 billion. That contract is for the eastern section of the Purple Line, running from the Taopoon area to the Rama III Bridge.
The winner of the second contract, Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction (STEC), quoted Bt15.3 billion. That contract covers eight stations, starting at the Rama III Bridge and ending at Klong Bang Pai in Thon Buri district, as well the structure across the Chao Phya River. This week, Power Line Engineering's consortium won the third contract by quoting Bt6.3 billion. That one covers a depot in Bang Yai and four park-and-ride centres at Nonthaburi, Ta-id, Samyek Bang Yai and Klong Bang Pai stations.
A Transport Ministry source said the MRTA should be successful in asking STEC to cut its price significantly, as the work in the second contract was easier than that in the first one. The source pointed out, however, that this was by no means guaranteed. STEC was founded by Interior Minister and Bhum Jai Thai Party leader Chaovarat Chanweerakul, a powerful partner in Abhisit Vejjajiva's coalition government.
Chukiat said the MRTA would focus on declining oil and construction-material prices when negotiating with the bid winners. He said the global oil price was hovering around US$70 (Bt2,400) per barrel, a sharp drop from $140 at the time of the first bidding last August. Chukiat said if the MRTA failed to negotiate a lower price, the state agency would have to ask the Cabinet for more money. Another option would be for the government to cancel the bids and start them anew, although that would seriously affect the project.
Wisarut
04-07-09, 01:41 AM
The very reason why Khun Mark and Khun Korn telling MRTA Board of Director to bargain the prices with contractors so hard id DUE TO the fact that JICA expressing their frustration, disappointment and dissatisfaction toward MRTA Board of director for the failure to cut down the price to be within the very low limitations to please the contractors instead of creditors. :eek:
http://www.thaipost.net/news/040709/7256
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