The one-kilometre MRT Blue Line extension from Bang Sue to Taopoon rectifies a planning oversight which left commuters with the only option of shuttle buses when transferring between the two train services. The Blue Line originally opened in 2004 and the Purple Line last August.
When the inconvenience of not being able to seamlessly transfer between the two lines became obvious, prime-minister Prayut Chan-o-cha invoked special powers to get it built. Under the auspices of Section 44, the construction process got a kickstart and was completed in just five months.
12GO ASIA notes that travellers are now able to travel all the way from Bangkok’s intercity rail terminus, Hua Lamphong Station, to Nonthaburi Province with one change and in air-conditioned comfort. Purple Line trains terminate at Bang Yai Station and the total distance is 44kms.
The International Rail Journal supplied our image of the Blue Line extension opening day.
Rail ink opens and connects two Bangkok urban train lines
News in Asia
Thailand’s prime-minister presided over ceremonies to open a rail line in Bangkok which has been dubbed the missing link. Prayut Chan-o-cha looked on as the first official service connecting the city’s elevated Purple Line and the underground Blue Line departed from Taopoon Station.