Bangkok, Thailand – In a recent development, the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) has granted a 345-day extension to the Pink Line monorail project, marking the third time such an extension has been approved. The decision was announced by Department Highways Director-General Sarawut Songsivilai, who also serves as the MRTA board chairman. Consequently, the estimated completion date for the project has been revised to August 2024, shifting from the previously stated deadline of July 2023.
The MRTA board unanimously passed the approval for the deadline extension on May 18, pertaining specifically to the initial 34.5 kilometers of the monorail line. The contractor responsible for the project, Northern Bangkok Monorail (NBM), cited the adverse impact of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic as the primary reason for seeking the contract extension.
Initially, the MRTA had already granted a one-year extension, setting the completion target for September 2022. However, NBM subsequently requested a second extension, this time for 290 days, pushing the revised deadline to July of the current year.
The construction progress of the Pink Line, as of the previous month, stood at an impressive 96.43%. This ambitious monorail project encompasses 30 stations, effectively connecting the Khae Rai area in Nonthaburi to the Min Buri district in eastern Bangkok. With a substantial value of 53.4 billion baht, the Pink Line is expected to intersect with the Orange Line at Min Buri, while also establishing a link with the Green Line at Wat Phra Sri Mahathat Station.
The Pink Line monorail project is anticipated to significantly alleviate traffic congestion and improve transportation accessibility in the bustling city of Bangkok. While the pandemic has posed unexpected challenges, the MRTA and NBM remain committed to completing this crucial infrastructure project, contributing to the city’s overall development and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.