SRT Signs Contracts for Red Line Extension; Pile Driving to Begin This July, Service Opens in 2029

The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) held a contract signing ceremony on May 20, 2025, at Boromahat Hall, Bangkok Central Station in Chatuchak District, Bangkok, for two Red Line extension projects. The first contract, valued at 6.057 billion baht, covers the dark red line from Rangsit to Thammasat University Rangsit Center (8.84 kilometers) with four stations: Khlong Neung, Bangkok University, Chiang Rak, and Thammasat Rangsit Center. This ground-level line will require approximately 14 acres of land acquisition.

The second contract, valued at 14.72 billion baht, covers the light red line from Siriraj to Talad Noi to Salaya (20.50 kilometers total), consisting of 13.83 kilometers of ground-level track and 6.67 kilometers of elevated track with nine stations, including three new stations: Rama VI Bridge, Bang Kruai-MEA, and Ban Chimpli. No additional land acquisition is needed for this route.

Acting SRT Governor Anant Photinimadang stated the projects follow the national 20-year strategy and M-MAP2 master transportation plan, approved by the Cabinet in 2025. The State Railway plans to sign construction supervision contracts in June and July 2025, with pile driving expected to commence in July 2025. The three-year construction period will conclude with service opening in 2029. The light red line will add approximately 20 minutes to travel time from Bang Sue to Talad Noi, while the dark red line will add 9-10 minutes from Bang Sue to Rangsit. The existing 25 Red Line trains will be sufficient to operate both extensions. An Integrity Pact has also been signed with the Anti-Corruption Organization (Thailand) to ensure transparency throughout the project.