The current western terminus of the Silom branch line is Bang Wa Station on Phetkasem Road. The addition to the line will add another six stations. Provided the extension gets final approval, construction will begin in 2017 with a predicted completion date two years later.
Initial estimates put the cost of extending the track and building stations at the THB10 billion mark. Representatives of the various public bodies who attended the hearing about the plan called on the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) to monitor all phases of the project to ensure the people’s best interest was served.
Deputy-governor Kitchawengkul said the BMA needed the feasibility research results before deciding how to fund the project. He explained that if the study showed passenger numbers would be enough to generate profits, private companies might be interested. If not, the BMA would probably raise external funds in order to augment the city’s infrastructure.
Bangkok okays plan to extend Skytrain line
News in Asia
Bangkok’s deputy-governor has announced concerned agencies have all agreed to an extension of the city’s Skytrain to connect the Southern Bus Terminal to the network. Speaking to reporters late last week, Amorn Kitchawengkul said the municipality would now go ahead with a viability study for the extension of the Silom Line as far as Taling Chan.