The Thai government has authorized Bangkok Expressway and Metro Plc (BEM) to commence work on the western route of the Orange Line transit system, announced by government spokesman Chai Wacharonke. This transit system aims to link Bang Khun Non and Min Buri districts via a 35.9-kilometer network of underground and elevated railways.
The western route spans 13.4 kilometers from Bang Khun Non to the Thailand Cultural Center, while the eastern segment covers 22.4 kilometers from the Cultural Center to Suwinthawongse in Min Buri. Construction of the eastern stretch is complete, with operations expected to commence by January 2028. However, delays in executing the western route stemmed from a bidding dispute involving Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC) and the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA).
Following a Supreme Administrative Court decision on June 12, which favored MRTA’s bidding terms adjustment, BEM was selected to lead the Orange Line project over its competitor, Italian-Thai Development (ITD). BEM proposed a financial model less reliant on state funds, noted by Chai Wacharonke.
Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit confirmed a 140 billion baht ($4 billion) contract under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP)-Net-Cost model, spanning 30 years with completion of the western section targeted for 2030.
