The cabinet on Tuesday approved the 140-billion-baht Orange Line western extension linking the Thailand Cultural Centre with Bang Khun Non across the river, with plans to hold bidding this October.
The 13.4-kilometre section is part of the Orange Line project, which is 22.57km in total length.
"The bidding for construction and operation will be held simultaneously," deputy government spokeswoman Traisulee Traisoranakul told media after the cabinet meeting yesterday.
The government, she said, also agreed to permit private companies to co-invest in the project under the supervision of the Public-Private Partnership Board, chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak.
The western section will cost an estimated 142 billion baht in total. This will cover 14.6-billion baht for land appropriation, 96 billion baht for civil work, and 32.1 billion baht for other expenses including rail operations, according to Ms Traisulee.
The bid winner will be granted a 30-year concession to operate the line, said the spokeswoman.
The extension is expected to open in 2026 and serve 439,000 passengers daily.
It will have 10 underground stations and seven stations running above ground.