Work is being sped up on the BTS's southern Green Line extension to ensure the project will be finished by next year, two years ahead of its original schedule.
Speaking during an inspection at Samrong station Thursday, Bangkok governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra said he had ordered workers to speed up their work on the the southern extension which runs from Bearing to Samut Prakan, as Samrong Station is expected to launch next year.
Samrong station is located in front of Samrong Nua police station.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) expects the Green Line will help ease traffic problems in Bangna and Samut Prakan province.
Samrong station on the southern stretch of the Green Line will be the first after Bearing.
The line will be the first BMA link for the city with greater Bangkok. The capital will also have the Purple Line, operated by the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), which will officially open on Aug 6, linking Bang Yai and Tao Pun.
Once the southern extension is completed, it would provide greater convenience for commuters who travel between Bangkok and Samut Prakan. People from Pathum Thani can travel to Samut Prakarn directly on the same train, MR Sukhumbhand said.
During the tour, the governor inspected facilities including toilets and lifts for the disabled and a control room.
He also examined skywalks linking Bearing and Samrong stations.
The southern and northern extensions of the Green Line are a joint project between the Transport Ministry, the BMA and the MRTA to develop the 12.8km southern Green Line extension from Bearing to Samut Prakan and the 18.4km northern Green Line extension linking Mor Chit, Saphan Mai and Kukot.
The deal authorises the BMA to manage the two extensions after their construction.
The BMA will hire Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc (BTSC), which operates the skytrain lines in Bangkok, to run the extension service, he said, adding the move will help ensure continuity of rail operations.
MR Sukhumbhand said passengers will get one free ride on the extension during its soft opening, adding authorities will work to establish appropriate fares.
The project is about 88% completed, according to Taweesak Lerdpraphan, director of the Traffic and Transport Department, who also joined the inspection. There will be nine stations as part of the southern extension, according to Mr Taweesak.
The stations are: Samrong, Pu Chao Saming Phrai, Erawan, Royal Navy Thai Academy, Samut Prakan, Srinakarin, Phraek Sa, Sai Luad and Samut Prakan Housing Project.
The extensions require a budget of over 60 billion baht for construction work and over 15 billion baht for the rail system, according to Mr Taweesak.
In the future, Samrong station will link to the MRT's yellow line which will run between Samrong and Lat Phrao, he said.
A committee for land transport management agreed on June 10 last year to manage the extensions.
Bangkok deputy governor Amorn Kitchawengkul approved on June 15 this year the hiring of Krunthep Thanakom to work on rail system installation and operation management.