Groundbreaking for Red Line Extension Talangchan-Salaya Scheduled for July 15, Opening Set for July 2029

The State Railway of Thailand has signed a construction contract with the Unique engineering consortium to build the Red Line extension from Talangchan to Salaya, valued at over 20 billion baht, with groundbreaking set for July 15 and opening in July 2029. Anan Phothnim Daeng, acting governor of the State Railway of Thailand, announced that on May 19, 2026, the railway signed the contract with a joint venture between Unique Engineering and Construction Public Company Limited and Trustee Construction Limited. The Sirinaj-Talangchan-Salaya section and three additional stations—Phra Ram VI Bridge, Banggrok-MEA, and Ban Chimplee—have a combined budget of 14,720 million baht, while the Rangsit to Thammasat University Rangsit Center section has a budget of 6,057 million baht. Construction is expected to begin July 15 and take three years, completing in June 2032 and opening for service in 2029. The Sirinaj-Talangchan-Salaya section spans 20.50 kilometers with 13.83 kilometers at ground level and 6.67 kilometers elevated, featuring nine stations: Sirinaj, Bangkhunnon, Talad Nam Talangchan, Phra Ram VI Bridge, Banggrok-MEA, Ban Chimplee, Kanchanaphisek, Salathammasonpon, and Salaya. Construction areas use primarily railway land with no land acquisition required. The Rangsit to Thammasat University Rangsit Center section spans 8.84 kilometers at ground level with four stations: Khlong Neung, Bangkok University, Chiangrak, and Thammasat Rangsit Center, mostly utilizing railway land with approximately 14 acres of land requisition for station and access road construction. When operational, the project will reduce travel time from Pathumthani to Bangkok and improve access to the Thonburi-Salaya area through the main rail system, alleviating traffic congestion while promoting economic development around the stations.