SRT Board Rejects 44,157.76 Million Baht "Missing link of Red Line Extension" with the distance of 25.9 km
Monday 27th May 2024
The SRT Board has ordered a review of the "Missing Link of Red Line Train Extension" project from Bang Sue (Krungthep Aphiwat) - Phyathai - Makkasan - Hua Mark
and Bang Sue (Krungthep Aphiwat) - Hua Lamphong, worth 44,157.76 million Vaht, recommending design adjustments to move Rajavithi station to connect with
Ramathibodi Hospital (the new version of Ramadhibodi Halt). The board plans to reconsider the project in June.
Mr. Anan Phonimdaeng, Deputy Governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), revealed that the SRT board, chaired by Mr. Chirut Wisanjit, decided to review
additional details and adjust the budget for the light red line suburban railway system project, which includes the Bang Sue - Phaya Thai - Makkasan - Hua Mak
section and the dark red line, Bang Sue - Hua Lamphong section (Missing Link), spanning 25.9 kilometers. The design adjustment involves relocating
Rajavithi station to improve passenger access to Ramathibodi Hospital, and the revised plan will be presented to the board in June 2024.
The project was initially rejected to revisit specific details, such as the station relocation to Ramathibodi Hospital.
Originally, the station was located opposite Rajavithi (near Rajavithi Orphanage Home for Girls), but the preliminary study suggests moving it to the other side to
better serve the hospital.
The Light Red line commuter extension from Bang Sue to Hua Mark consists of 5 stations including:
1. Rajvidhi Intersection - to be changed to Ramadhibodi station (Connecting with Dark red line commuter extension)
2. Phyathai (Connecting with BTS and ARL)
3. Makkasan (Connecting with MRT) - No Rajprarob station as the condition NOT to compete against ARL run by Asia Aera One
4. Ram Khamhaeng station (Connecting with ARL)
5. Hua Mark (Connecting with Yellow Line Monorail by BTSC)
"We need to explain the principles and benefits of the move, assess the impact on the train linking the three airports, and provide verification documents.
The board wants to ensure this relocation does not affect other projects, such as the high-speed rail project connecting the three airports. This adjustment will
generate 416.09 million Baht cost overrun from the original 44,157.76 million baht approved by the Cabinet in 2016 to become 44,573.85 million Baht," said
Mr. Phonimdaeng. This kind of cost overrun from the readjustment of Rajvithi station to Ramadhibodee station alone caused the rejection for the proposal.
Furthermore, the civil work cost has been ballooned up from 24,189.89 million Baht to 35,026.59 million Baht due to rising inflation, the daily wage hike
rising F factor and rising of raw materials.
An SRT news report indicated that the budget for land expropriation between Bang Sue - Phaya Thai - Makkasan - Hua Mak and Bang Sue - Hua Lamphong
(Missing Link) is 61 million baht. Expropriation will begin in October 2024 and is expected to be completed by September 2025, covering approximately
78 square meters, 2 plots, and 3 houses.
SRT making a clear point that Missing link must be implemented as planned, never being cancelled since it the way to allow red line commuter networks to
connect Bangkok and Thonburi city suburbs in North-South and East-West axis with Bangkok city center along with commuter, intericity and freight services.
Red line commuter has very different groups of passengers in comparison with High Speed train connecting three airports as mentioned by Asia Aera one.
Note: this kind of words from Asia Aera one means Asia Aera One want to grab the concession of red line commuter as the complementary service for
High Speed train connecting three airports as the way to maximize the passengers of both systems.
Note: It would be better to add Klong Tan station (Gateway of RCA) to connect with the future Grey Line Monorail along with Samsen station (the gateway to Dusit district - Home of Army men)
Ministry of Transport accelerates feeder system to connect red and purple train lines, supporting 20 baht fare and launching 4 EV bus routes connecting Rangsit Station
MGR Online, June 25, 2024, 8:50 AM
The Ministry of Transport revealed that the 20 baht flat fare policy for trains has boosted passenger numbers. Surveys show public demand for more feeder systems connecting stations and parking spaces. Recently, private operators have added 4 electric vehicle (EV) bus routes connecting the red line at Rangsit Station.
Mr. Ratchanon Aiyapanu, Assistant Minister and Spokesperson for the Ministry of Transport, stated that the 20 baht flat fare policy, initiated by Mr. Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Minister of Transport and Deputy Prime Minister, has been piloted in two projects: 1. The Red Line suburban train project, Bang Sue-Taling Chan section (10 stations) and Bang Sue-Rangsit section (4 stations), and 2. The Purple Line MRT project, Tao Poon-Khlong Bang Phai section (16 stations). Both projects have seen a significant increase in passengers.
Inspections at the Rangsit Station on the Red Line, including discussions with the public and relevant agencies, revealed that the Feeder System is insufficient, particularly in terms of public transportation and parking spaces. All agencies have prepared plans and are ready to implement solutions.
The Department of Land Transport is preparing to increase the number of electric public buses and will present the plan to the Provincial Land Transport Control Committee of Pathum Thani in July 2024. The initial plan is to add 4 more EV bus routes operated by private companies: 1. Rangsit Circle, 2. Rangsit - Thammasat University Rangsit, 3. Rangsit - Bangkok Hospital Saint Carlos, and 4. Rangsit - Khlong 7.
The proposal will then be submitted to the Minister of Transport for consideration. Currently, there are 4 routes of small red and green buses operating since the opening of the Red Line: 6188 Rangsit - Charusorn, 1008 Rangsit - Nong Sua District, 1116 Rangsit - Chiang Rak Railway Station, and 381 Rangsit - Ongkharak.
Additionally, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) plans to improve the area to increase parking spaces from 100 to 200-300 and is accelerating the development of plans to construct additional parking buildings.
SRTET reveals the success of the maximum 20 baht train fare policy after 8 months, with continuously increasing ridership.
On July 2, 2024, Mr. Suthep Panpeng, CEO of SRT Electrified Train Co., Ltd. (SRTET), the operator of the Red Line commuter rail, disclosed that following the policy given by Mr. Surapong Piyachot, Deputy Minister of Transport, to SRTET to focus on facilitating seamless travel and maximizing public satisfaction, especially the maximum 20 baht train fare policy, which is considered one of the important Quick Win projects of the Ministry of Transport, the Red Line commuter rail has implemented this policy since October 16, 2023.
Initially, fares were collected separately for each line of the Red Line commuter rail system, including the Thani Ratthaya line (from Bangkok Grand Station to Rangsit station) and the Nakhon Withi line (from Bangkok Grand Station to Taling Chan station). Later, on November 30, 2023, phase 2 of the service began, allowing passengers to travel across lines between the Red Line commuter rail and the MRT Purple Line (Khlong Bang Phai - Tao Poon section) at a combined maximum fare of only 20 baht. Both train lines have a connection at Bang Son station.
Before implementing the maximum 20 baht fare policy, the Red Line commuter rail had an average weekday (Monday - Friday) ridership of 21,813 passengers/day. After the policy began, ridership increased to 30,952 passengers/day, a 41.90% increase. A new high of 39,567 passengers was recorded on February 9, 2024. Counting from the start of the policy until now, over 8 months, the total number of passengers has reached 7,078,082.
Although it was initially estimated that the policy might result in decreased revenue for the company, due to the continuously increasing ridership, it is now projected that after a full year of implementation, there will be no negative impact on the company's performance compared to the period before the policy.
Mr. Suthep added that Mr. Surapong Piyachot, Deputy Minister of Transport, has also assigned and regularly monitored SRTET's public service performance, emphasizing convenient and seamless connections with other transport systems, safety in all travel, and supporting the integration of innovation and modern technology into all transport networks to increase service efficiency and prioritize public benefit.
The company remains committed to developing into a leader in electric train services with international standards, focusing on maximizing user satisfaction, maintaining operational standards in train operations and maintenance, continuously developing staff potential, and being responsible to society and the environment related to the organization's business. It aims to connect all travel with other public transport systems conveniently, quickly, and safely, as well as sustainably improve the quality of life in suburban areas.
SRT Board approving the missing link with the distance of 25.9 km (Bangsue - Hua Lamphong and Bang Sue - Hua Mark) with the price tag of 44,573.85 million Baht, up from the previous approval at 44,157.76 million Baht and effectively up by 410.09 million Baht.
This extra cost is Rajvithi station to interchange with the future Orange Line MRT and the clearance with Asia Aera One to ensure that this missing link would NOT compete against High Speed train connecting airports.
SRT Boars has already approved the first 3 extensions:
1. Rangsit - Thammasart Rangsit - 8.84 km at 6,473.98 million Baht => Submitted to the Secretariat of Cabinet to reach cabinet soon
2. Taling Chan - Salaya - 14.8 km at 10,670.27 million Baht => still drafting before submitting to Secretariat of Cabinet
3. Taling Chan - Siriraj - 5.7 km at 4,616 million Baht => still drafting before submitting to Secretariat of Cabinet
However, it may hint the plan that Asia Aera One want to grab the 30-50 year concession the whole red line commuter system to function as the feeders for High Speed train connecting airports just the line way the Octopus is speading its powerful tentacles to catch the smaller fish : https://www.bangkokbiznews.com/business/economic/1135442
SRT Board Orders Review of Commercial Area and Advertising Space Auction for "Red Line Train"
Thansettakij
July 11, 2024 | 8:09 PM
The SRT board has ordered a review of the auction results for "commercial areas and advertising space" on the Red Line train. This follows concerns from the Asset Subcommittee that the private sector may not be able to handle the risk management of the 20-year concession contract. They recommend discussions with the legal department and expect to present the matter to the board again in August.
Mr. Chirut Wisanjit, Director-General of the Department of Land Transport (DLT), as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), revealed that the SRT Board meeting acknowledged the opinions of the Asset Subcommittee regarding the report on the consideration of the announcement inviting proposals for the use of benefits for commercial activities and the installation of advertising signs at the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Building and 12 Red Line train stations.
"The Asset Subcommittee has expressed opinions on the feasibility of the private sector managing the project, whether it can be done or not, especially in terms of cash flow and future investments, as well as the shareholding ratio of the private sector. Initially, the SRT board has assigned the SRT to take the opinions of the Asset Subcommittee into consideration along with the Legal Subcommittee to proceed according to the legal process."
Mr. Chirut continued that the consideration of such opinions is within the authority of the Procurement Committee. If, in the end, the auction is canceled, it will be within the authority of the SRT Governor, following the Procurement Act regulations. The SRT will have to revise the TOR (Terms of Reference) again since the previous auction did not attract private sector interest due to concerns about the investment not being worthwhile. While a private investor is being sought, the SRT will be responsible for the operations.
Mr. Anan Pho Nim Daeng, Deputy Governor of the State Railway of Thailand (SRT), stated that this project is a 20-year concession with a high investment value. The private companies participating in the auction offered good returns and met the qualification criteria specified in the TOR, with registered capital not exceeding 100 million baht.
However, the registered capital of the private companies may not be sufficient for investing in a large-scale project with a high budget. Therefore, the Asset Subcommittee is concerned that if there is investment in a 20-year concession, while rental fees continue to increase, it could pose a risk to the private sector in terms of management.
"The SRT asked the private bidders to confirm whether they can proceed, and they confirmed that they can. However, the Asset Subcommittee is still concerned about the feasibility of completing the project according to the investment plan proposed to the SRT, while the SRT continues to receive rental fees. If the project requires an investment of about 700 million baht within a short period, the private sector may not be able to handle it and might have to borrow money for the investment."
Mr. Anan added that according to the project investment plan, the private sector must complete the investment within 4 years. They need to expedite the opening of restaurant areas, bank ATMs, and One Tambon One Product (OTOP) shops, which are urgent plans that the private sector must implement. Currently, it is found that the private sector is still maintaining the same price as in February.
After the SRT board acknowledges the consideration results, it will be forwarded to the Legal Subcommittee for consideration of the conditions to determine whether the project can proceed. It will then be presented to the SRT board again in August before signing a contract with the private sector.
The return on investment for the private sector in the project proposed to the SRT is 79 million baht, exceeding the minimum return, based on the land price. The construction area is divided into 4 phases, with each year's construction covering 10,000 square meters. In the first year, there is a fixed rental fee of 78 million baht per year per 10,000 square meters, resulting in a total return for the SRT of 157 million baht.
Reporters added that between March 15 and April 28, 2023, the SRT invited interested private sectors to submit proposals for the use of benefits for commercial activities and the right to manage advertising space at the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Building and 12 Red Line train stations. The invitation was for 4 contracts using a bidding process:
Contract 1: Proposal for the use of benefits for commercial activities at the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Building, covering an area of 47,675 square meters. Three private companies purchased the bidding documents: Central Pattana Public Company Limited, King Power Suvarnabhumi Company Limited, and Prem Group Engineering Company Limited. Only Prem Group Engineering Company Limited submitted a proposal.
Contract 2: Proposal for the use of benefits for commercial activities at 12 Red Line train stations, covering an area of 3,759 square meters. Two companies purchased the bidding documents: Plan B Media Public Company Limited and King Power International Company Limited. No proposals were submitted.
Contract 3: Proposal for the right to manage advertising space at the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal Building, covering an area of 2,303 square meters. No one purchased the bidding documents.
Contract 4: Proposal for the right to manage advertising space at 12 Red Line train stations, covering an area of 2,080 square meters. Two companies purchased the bidding documents: Plan B Media Public Company Limited and King Power International Company Limited. No proposals were submitted.
You cannot post new topics in this forum You cannot reply to topics in this forum You cannot edit your posts in this forum You cannot delete your posts in this forum You cannot vote in polls in this forum
Forum FAQ
Search
Usergroups
Profile
Log in to check your private messages
Log in
