The proposed extension of the MRT Yellow Line between Ratchadaphisek and Ratchayothin intersections has passed its Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA).
Transport Minister Saksayam Chidchob said the project's EIA report was approved by the National Environmental Board (NEB) on Tuesday.
The extension is expected to benefit commuters by providing a connection from the Yellow Line -- which will link Lat Phrao in Bangkok and Samrong in Samut Prakan -- to the city's other electric train lines, namely the Blue and Green lines, the Airport Rail Link, as well as the Orange Line, which is currently under construction.
Mr Saksayam said that once completed, the Yellow Line would make it easier for residents living in Bangkok's eastern suburbs to travel to the densely populated areas along Ratchadaphisek Road.
The government is currently looking for a private sector partner to jointly invest in the line, which will be operated by the Eastern Bangkok Monorail (EBM). Once completed, the proposal will be submitted to the Transport Ministry and the cabinet for approval.
According to the minister, Bangkok Mass Transit System has confirmed that it will fund the construction of the 2.6km Yellow Line extension, which will connect it to the BTS-run Green Line at Phahonyothin Station.
This project is worth around 3-4 billion baht including land expropriation costs, he said.
Sources close to the matter said the operator of the Yellow Line extension might end up having to compensate the Bangkok Expressway and Metro (BEM), which operates the MRT Blue Line, for lost revenues because when it is completed, it will allow commuters to connect with the Green Line without having to first use the Blue Line.
According to a study by the Mass Rapid Transit Authority, the number of Blue Line users will drop by about 6,000 people per day once the extension is in service and many observers have said this may be a sticking point.
The Yellow Line is scheduled to open for limited trial runs between Wat Sri Iam and Samrong stations in July this year but the government has said the pandemic may delay the launch by several months.
BSR Joint Venture won the bid to construct the Yellow and Pink lines under a public-private partnership (PPP) scheme in 2016. Bombardier Transportation Holding (Thailand) is contracted to supply 30 carriages for the Yellow Line.