The elevated train tracks are 23kms long and link Tao Poon Station in the Bangkok district of Bang Sue to Klong Bang Phai in the adjoining province of Nonthaburi. There are another 14 stations along the route.
MRT is using three-carriage trains to service the route. These were supplied under a joint agreement with Toshiba and Marubeni from Japan. Japanese transport-minister Keiichi Ishii attended the launch ceremonies and noted the line was a testament to a new era of cooperation between the two nations.
Mr Ishii also stated that the Purple Line would help improve the Thai capital’s transport infrastructure. The Purple Line is Bangkok’s fifth urban commuter train service and the first to extend beyond the limits of Greater Bangkok.
Bangkok Purple Rail Line opens for passenger service
News in Asia
Saturday saw the inauguration of passenger services on Bangkok’s Metropolitan Rapid Transit (MRT) Purple Railway Line. HRH Princess Sirindhorn was on hand to officially launch the latest addition to Bangkok’s urban transport options.