Construction could begin as soon as 2022 on new public transport networks under the second master plan of developing the mass transit system in Bangkok and its metropolitan area, Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said Monday.
The minister made the comments after a seminar run by the Transport Ministry and Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica). Jica is now conducting feasibility studies for the master plan.
Reports from the ministry claim Jica has been researching and compiling studies for the blueprint, known by authorities as "M-MAP2", for free. The plan is tipped to succeed the ministry's "M-MAP1" blueprint, which covers the construction of 10 electric train lines and extensions for existing lines by 2029.
According to Mr Arkhom, M-MAP2 will involve building smaller routes for electric trains, which are meant for use as feeder systems for the main routes which will be built under the first master plan.
He said the outlines for the new electric train lines are about 80% complete, with Jica set to submit its plans to the Transport Ministry in three months' time.
Initial reports from the ministry claim that around four new train routes could be constructed under M-MAP2. They are the Grey Line monorail from Watcharaphon (Ram Intra Road) to Rama IX Bridge; the Gold Line from Krung Thon Buri BTS station to Prajadhipok (via Klong San); the planned Light Blue Line from Din Daeng (Pracha Songkhro road) to Sathon (Chong Nonsi); and the Brown Line monorail from Khae Rai (in Nonthaburi) to Lam Sali.
The Brown Line was tipped to be incorporated into the M-MAP1 blueprint, under orders from the government to fast-track the project. However, Mr Arkhom has now confirmed the project will be constructed under M-MAP2.
While feasibility studies are being conducted by the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning, the project has been met with controversy from Kasetsart University officials and nearby locals since the latest plans involve the construction of an expressway close to the university.
Mr Arkhom said M-MAP2 will also include plans for other transit systems and the construction of central stations in Bangkok and its metropolitan area. The ministry last month asked Jica to include new bus routes in the new blueprint. M-MAP1 only had plans for the extension.
Jica's reports state it has floated ideas for large transport stations across Bangkok, where bus terminals will be placed nearby electric train line networks to establish feeder systems for the public.
Initial primary terminal stations suggested by the authority, which operates under the Japanese government, include those in Nonthaburi, Min Buri, Taling Chan, Bang Wa, Bang Na and Bang Kapi.
Smaller, secondary stations could be built in Hua Mak, Laksi, Bang Khunnon and Lat Phrao, Jica reported.
"A great deal of additional research must be put into these plans. While the old plans [for M-MAP1] have been discussed repeatedly over the past 20 years, we have only seen examples of construction working upstream," Mr Arkhom said.