Bangkok is moving forward with the Bangna-Suvarnabhumi BTS electric train project, vying for a concession worth 27 billion baht. The study was completed in 2013 for the light rail project spanning 18.3 kilometers, which Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has been pushing for several years. As of June 2018, the BMA is hoping to get approval for the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), which is currently under review by the Expert Committee (Khor Chor). It remains uncertain whether approval will be granted by the end of this year.

           To expedite the project, the BMA has prepared detailed documents for private sector participation in a parallel investment model under a 30-year PPP Net Cost framework to alleviate budget burdens. This model was approved by the Traffic System Management Committee (TSMC), chaired by Somkid Jatusripitak, the Deputy Prime Minister, last year.
           The project requires an investment of 27.892 billion baht and will feature 14 stations, constructed in two phases. The first phase will build 12 stations from Bangna-Thana City Intersection, while the second phase will add 2 stations from Thana City to Suvarnabhumi South. The route will connect with the BTS at Bangna station and the Yellow Line at Wat Sri Iam station.
           The construction will be elevated along the Bangna-Trad road, with the Department of Highways (DOH) already approving the use of land for the station locations. The first station, Bangna Station, will be near the Bangna intersection, featuring a skywalk connecting to the BTS at the BITEC building, approximately 550 meters away.
          “Praphamontree Station” will be located near Berkeley International School and opposite Praphamontree School. Bangna-Trad 17 Station will be at the entrance of Soi Bangna-Trad 17, connecting to Udomsuk 42.
          “Bangna-Trad 25 Station” will be near Big C and Central Bangna, while Wat Sri Iam Station will be built over the Wat Sri Iam intersection and will connect with the Yellow Line. Premruthai Station will be opposite the Nation building.
           “Bangna-Km. 6 Station” will be located at Km. 6, and Bangkaew Station will be along Bangkaew Road, leading to Kanchanaphisek Station, opposite Mega Bangna. Wat Salud Station will be near Soi Wat Salud and Boonthavorn, while Kingkaew Station will be in front of Kingkaew Market.

           The last station of the first phase, Thana City Station, will be in front of Thana City Village, close to the parking and maintenance building (depot) that will request to use 29 rai of vacant land in front of the Thana City project.
           For the two future stations, Khurak University Station and Suvarnabhumi South Station will be located within the southern area of Suvarnabhumi Airport.
           The construction period is expected to take 3 years from the start of piling, as there is no land expropriation involved.
           According to the analysis by the consulting firm, the first year of operation is expected to see 42,720 passenger trips per day, with fares collected based on distance starting at 12 baht and increasing by 2 baht per kilometer.
           To encourage more people to use the service, the consultants have proposed a flat fare option of 20 baht for the entire line for the BMA to consider.
           Although the exact date for the groundbreaking has not been set, this electric train line has been highly anticipated by the private sector looking to invest in the Bangna area.
           Notably, the Amput family is planning to invest in a massive shopping center, Bangkok Mall, and Kiri Kanjanapas, the BTS tycoon, is also interested and has recorded this project in his ongoing bidding plans to expand the BTS business, which has now extended to Samut Prakan, while still holding onto several hundred rai of land in the Bangna area to revitalize it.
           Everything is ready; we are just waiting for the BMA to push the project forward.

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