Bangkok Metro seeks HK's advice
Bangkok Metro Plc has contracted Hong Kong-based MTR Corp to study whether a Blue Line extension would affect the company's operations.
"We want to get ready in case the government decides to extend the Blue Line. If the government makes such a decision, we want to join in the bidding," said Sombat Kitjalaksana, managing director of BMCL which operates Thailand's first subway. The subway is part of the Blue Line, running for 20 kilometres from Bang Sue to Hua Lamphong. Under consideration is the extension of the line from Bang Sue to Tha Phra for another 13km. The investment for the extension is estimated at Bt22 billion. An extension from Hua Lamphong to Bang Khae for another 14km at an estimated Bt44 billion is also planned. According to Sombat, MTR has been commissioned to study whether the railway's operations would suffer any technical problem if the Blue Line were extended and whether the extension would affect the number of passengers. Last week the National Economic and Social Advisory Board recommended the government first build the Red Line, from Don Muang to Phyathai, as that could be connected with the Airport Rail Link. A source from BMCL said the Blue Line should be the first priority due to the high economic value.
Watcharapong Thongrung The Nation
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