The Thai government is moving forward with plans to expand the Red Line Commuter Train, specifically the Siriraj-Taling Chan-Salaya section. The Ministry of Finance has submitted its feedback on the project to the Ministry of Transport, signaling progress toward Cabinet review. The project, managed by the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), has already received input from the Budget Bureau and the National Economic and Social Development Board (NESDB).
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Suriya Juangroongruangkit has tasked the Department of Rail Transport (DRT) with preparing a project summary for Cabinet consideration. The summary is expected to be submitted within the week, with the matter likely to reach the Cabinet Secretariat (CSC) by next week. Before final approval, the CSC must seek additional input from relevant agencies, including the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment. If no objections arise, the process is expected to conclude by March 2025, with Cabinet deliberation in April 2025.
According to a Ministry of Transport report, while key agencies did not oppose the project, they emphasized the need for a risk management plan to prevent delays similar to those experienced during the construction of previous Red Line sections. The Siriraj-Taling Chan-Salaya expansion, covering 20.5 kilometers, is estimated to cost 15.17 billion baht. The decision to bundle the Taling Chan-Salaya and Taling Chan-Siriraj sections into a single contract was made to optimize costs and streamline management, reducing the budget by 110.06 million baht.
The Cabinet previously approved the Taling Chan-Salaya and Taling Chan-Siriraj sections in 2019. The project’s Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) was completed between 2015 and 2016 and remains valid, according to the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning (ONEP). If the Cabinet grants approval in April 2025, the SRT aims to begin contractor selection by May 2025, with construction commencing in January 2026. The project is scheduled for completion in early 2029.
Attending officials have noted that the consolidated contract will help avoid complications at Taling Chan station and improve efficiency. The next steps include securing final approvals and ensuring that the project remains on schedule.
