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MRTA Pushes 4 New Electric Rail Lines, Revives Tram Projects in 3 Provinces

MRTA Pushes 4 New Electric Rail Lines, Revives Tram Projects in 3 Provinces

Thansettakij•Economy•3d ago

Reader Briefing

Thailand's MRTA is advancing four new electric rail projects and revitalizing tram initiatives in Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Nakhon Ratchasima, aiming to boost public transportation in both Bangkok and major provincial areas.

  • •Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) is pushing forward with four new elevated rail lines. The projects include the Brown, Silver, Grey, and Blue lines, with varying completion timelines and study phases.
  • •The MRTA is also reviving and advancing tram projects in three major provinces: Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Nakhon Ratchasima, with projected openings in 2032.
  • •Project timelines have seen adjustments due to design revisions, environmental impact studies, and coordination efforts with relevant agencies, pushing some proposals to later dates.

Overview

  • •The MRTA is pushing forward with 4 new electric rail projects and revives tram projects in 3 major provinces.
  • •The MRTA confirmed that the Brown Line project will proceed according to plan, with ongoing design adjustments at two key points.
  • •Design adjustments for the Brown Line are expected to take approximately 6 months, impacting the original submission timeline to the cabinet.
  • •The Silver Line (LRT) project from Bang Na to Suvarnabhumi is undergoing new environmental impact assessment (EIA) studies due to a lapse of over 5 years.
  • •The study for the Silver Line project is expected to commence within the next 2-3 months and will take approximately 1 year to complete.
  • •The Grey Line mono-rail project, Phase 1 (Watcharaphon-Thong Lor), is anticipated to be proposed to the MRTA Board for consideration in 2027.
  • •The Blue Line mono-rail project (Din Daeng-Sathorn) is expected to commence its study after 2029, according to the M-MAP2 plan's priority.
  • •The Phuket tram project is expected to be proposed to the cabinet in late 2026 or early 2027, with an opening target of 2032.
  • •The Chiang Mai tram project has completed its extension study and public hearings, aiming for service commencement in 2032.
  • •The Nakhon Ratchasima tram project has adjusted its route by 30-40% based on local demand and is projected to open in 2032.
  • •A preliminary assessment suggests the Chiang Mai and Nakhon Ratchasima tram projects might be advanced before others.

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Key Entities

Organization

Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand(การรถไฟฟ้าขนส่งมวลชนแห่งประเทศไทย)ℹ️
The government agency responsible for pushing forward new electric rail and tram projects in Thailand.
Expressway Authority of Thailand(การทางพิเศษแห่งประเทศไทย)ℹ️
The authority coordinating with MRTA on the Brown Line project due to overlapping areas with expressway construction.
Cabinet(คณะรัฐมนตรี)
The governmental body to which MRTA plans for new rail projects, including trams in Phuket, are submitted for consideration.
Board(คณะกรรมการ)
The MRTA Board responsible for reviewing and approving project proposals, such as the latest plan for the Brown Line.
Department of Highways(กรมทางหลวง)
The agency tasked with improving Highway No. 4027 in Phuket to alleviate traffic congestion during tram construction.

Person

Mr. Kajthapan Udomthampakdee(นายกาจผจญ อุดมธรรมภักดี)
The Governor of the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA).

Law

M-MAP2
A plan that prioritizes the advancement of the Blue Line electric rail project and other extensions.

Place

Phuket Province(จังหวัดภูเก็ต)ℹ️
A province where MRTA is pushing for a Light Rail (Tram) project, with expected cabinet submission in late 2026 or early 2027.
Chiang Mai Province(จังหวัดเชียงใหม่)ℹ️
A province where MRTA is advancing a tram project to connect Mae Hia and Ratchaphruek, aiming for service in 2032.
Nakhon Ratchasima Province(จังหวัดนครราชสีมา)ℹ️
A province where the planned tram route has been modified by 30-40% based on local demand, with service expected in 2032.