The construction of three rail route extensions in Bangkok is expected to start next year, Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) governor Peerayudh Singpatanakul said Monday.
The projects are the 101 billion baht Purple Line extension, covering 23.6km, which will run in the south of the capital from Tao Pun to Rat Burana; the 14.7 billion baht Blue Line addition running 8km from Bang Khae to Phutthamonthon Sai 4; and the 17.5km Orange Line extension from Thailand Cultural Centre to Taling Chan.
Mr Peerayudh said the agency has submitted the extension details of the Purple and Blue lines to the Transport Ministry for consideration ahead of them being forwarded to the cabinet.
If approved, bidding for both projects will be held and construction will begin next year.
Mr Peerayudh said the MRTA was close to concluding project details for the Orange Line extension.
The project proposals will be submitted to the MRTA board, chaired by Yodyuth Boonyatikarn, and sent to the Transport Ministry and the cabinet, respectively.
The project is expected to get cabinet approval and construction should begin next year too, he said.
Meanwhile, contractors interested in the 23km Orange Line section from Thailand Cultural Centre to Min Buri in eastern Bangkok, estimated at 82.9 billion baht, can submit bids next Monday, he said.
Mr Peerayudh said the agency has also told contractors to offer bids for the Pink and Yellow lines on Nov 7. The 34.5km Pink Line will run from Khae Rai to Min Buri and is worth 53.4 billion baht, while the 30.4km Yellow Line will link Lat Phrao and Samrong valued at 51.8 billion baht.
Mr Peerayudh said the MRTA was also talking to Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Co (BEM), which has a concession to operate the MRT Blue Line and Purple Line subway service, about the 1km "missing link" between the Purple Line's Tao Pun station and Bang Sue station on the Blue Line.
"We want a quick solution because delays could affect the official launch of the Purple Line," Mr Peerayudh said.