BANGKOK — The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) expects the eastern section of Bangkok’s Orange Line to begin trial operations for the public in December 2027, ahead of its planned launch of paid services in January 2028.
MRTA Governor Kanchapoj Udomthamphakdee said construction of the eastern section, running from Thailand Cultural Centre to Min Buri (Rom Klao intersection), was being accelerated. The first train is scheduled for delivery in November 2026, with the remaining trains expected to arrive by May 2027.
The project will then undergo approximately six months of system testing and integrated trial operations before public trial services begin. The western section, connecting Bang Khun Non with Thailand Cultural Centre, remains under civil construction and is expected to open in 2030.
The governor also provided updates on the southern Purple Line, which will run from Tao Poon to Rat Burana. Civil construction remains on schedule for completion by the end of 2027. However, the operating investment model and financial figures are being reviewed to align with government fare policies and plans for transferring project responsibilities.
MRTA expects to seek approval for the investment model by late 2026, before submitting it to the Cabinet and selecting an investor. Full operations are targeted for 2030, with the possibility of opening sections for trial runs in stages.
MRTA prepares to consolidate rail operations
Kanchapoj said MRTA was preparing to take over the Green, Gold and Red lines from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and the State Railway of Thailand, respectively, under the government’s policy to establish a single operator for the urban rail network.
The plan aims to reduce overlapping responsibilities, improve operational efficiency and make rail travel more seamless. Preparatory work includes coordination between agencies and the drafting of memorandums of understanding to establish the framework and legal procedures for transferring the projects.
The integration is also intended to improve connections between routes, service standards and the development of common ticketing and fare arrangements. Any transfer will require reviews of assets, contractual obligations, operating arrangements and the readiness of the agencies involved.
Three proposed lines under review
Three other rail projects in Bangkok and its surrounding areas — the Brown Line, Silver Line and first phase of the Grey Line — are undergoing reviews of their feasibility studies to reflect changing economic and social conditions.
The Brown Line, planned to run 22.1 kilometres from Khae Rai to Lam Sali in Bueng Kum, will have 20 stations. Its design has been completed, but the project is awaiting integration with the Expressway Authority of Thailand’s Chalong Rat–Khae Rai expressway plan, formerly known as the N1 project.
The expressway section near Kasetsart University is being reconsidered as an elevated route instead of a tunnel. The two projects may share the same right of way to minimise land-use and traffic impacts, potentially delaying the Brown Line’s submission. It is tentatively targeted to open in 2032.
The 18.3-kilometre Silver Line, connecting Bang Na with Suvarnabhumi Airport, is planned to have 14 stations, while the first phase of the 16.3-kilometre Grey Line, from Watcharaphon to Thong Lo, will have 15 stations. Both are targeted to open in 2033.
Tunnel repairs expected to restore road surface in October 2027
Regarding structural damage near Vajira Hospital, Kanchapoj said repairs to the tunnel wall and retaining wall were underway, with the road surface expected to be fully restored by October 2027.
Water seepage near Wongwian Yai has stopped, and permanent repairs to the underlying structure are in progress. The work is not affecting traffic above ground, and the road surface is expected to be fully restored within two to three months.