MRTA Signs Investment Contract with BEM for the Orange Line This October; East Section to Open in May 2028, Entire Route by November 2030
Daily News, June 12, 2024, 3:37 PM
Transport Innovation
The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) is set to sign a joint investment contract with Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM) for the Orange Line electric train project by October 2024. The plan includes opening the eastern section from the Cultural Center to Min Buri, which is 100% complete, by May 2028, and the entire route from Bang Khun Non to Min Buri by November 2030.
The "Transport Innovation Daily News" team reported that following the Supreme Administrative Court's dismissal of the Orange Line case, upholding the Central Administrative Court's decision, the MRTA will present the results of the private sector selection and the draft investment contract, which has been reviewed by the Office of the Attorney General, along with key contract terms. These will be submitted to the Ministry of Transport for approval according to the Public-Private Partnership Act of 2019. The Ministry of Transport has 30 days to complete its review before forwarding the proposal to the Cabinet for further consideration.
Once the Cabinet approves the private sector selection results and key contract terms for the Orange Line project, the MRTA will expedite the implementation according to the planned schedule. It is expected that the joint investment contract with BEM will be signed by October 2024. The eastern section of the project, from the Thailand Cultural Center to Min Buri (Suwinthawong), which is 100% complete, is planned to be operational by May 2028. The entire route, from Bang Khun Non to Min Buri (Suwinthawong), is expected to be operational by November 2030.
Supreme Administrative Court Dismisses Case Against MRTA, Prepares to Sign Contract with BEM for Orange Line Project | Wanmai Thai PBS | June 13, 2024
Thai PBS
Finally, a resolution has been reached for the Eastern Orange Line metro project. The Supreme Administrative Court has dismissed the case regarding the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) adjusting the bidding criteria. The MRTA is now preparing to sign a contract with BEM to proceed with the project. It is anticipated that the Eastern Orange Line will commence service in 2028.
Dailynews Transport Innovation News
June 14, 2024, 2:03 PM
Reasons for the 4-year wait for the Orange Line service (expected in 2028):
* The plan has been delayed due to the need to purchase vehicles and install systems, which will take 3 years.
* The section from Cultural Center to Minburi, consisting of 17 stations, is 100% complete and will be operational first.
* The western section remains under construction and the entire 35.9 km line is expected to be operational in 2028.
Suriya Confirms Recruitment of New MRTA Governor Will Not Affect Orange Line Project
Source: Thai Post Website
Date: Monday, June 17, 2024, 10:24
"Suriya" has tasked "Surapong" with overseeing the recruitment of a new governor for the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA), affirming that this process will not disrupt the scheduled signing of the Orange Line project contract this October. As for the recruitment of the new State Railway of Thailand (SRT) governor, the selection committee will meet on June 28 to review the qualifications of the four candidates before scheduling vision presentations. If only one candidate meets the qualifications, a new recruitment process will be initiated immediately.
On June 17, 2024, Mr. Suriya Jungrungreangkit, Minister of Transport, stated that following the completion of Mr. Pakapong Sirikantaramas's term as the MRTA governor in March 2024, efforts to find a successor are underway. He has assigned Mr. Surapong Piyachot, Deputy Minister of Transport, who oversees the MRTA, to handle the recruitment process.
Regarding the progress of the Orange Line project from Bang Khunnon to Min Buri (Suwinthawong), which was cleared by the Supreme Administrative Court, the plan to sign a contract with a private entity in October 2024 remains on track. Mr. Suriya emphasized that the acting MRTA governor has the authority to sign the contract and carry out the necessary duties.
Mr. Suriya further mentioned that the recruitment of the new SRT governor is currently under the selection committee's consideration. He noted that he is unaware of the details concerning the potential disqualification of some candidates. However, if only one candidate meets the qualifications after the review, the entire recruitment process will be canceled and restarted, as stipulated by the established criteria and conditions.
Mr. Apirat Chaiwongnoi, Director-General of the Department of Rural Roads and a board member of the SRT, serving as the chairman of the SRT governor selection committee, stated that on June 28, 2024, the committee will hold its third meeting to review and verify the qualifications of the candidates. After this, the names of the qualified candidates will be announced, and they will be invited to present their vision. The selection process must be completed within one year.
When asked about rumors that some candidates lacking the required qualifications still applied, Mr. Apirat commented that candidates should thoroughly review the recruitment criteria and ensure their qualifications before applying. Nevertheless, the selection committee will meticulously verify the qualifications.
Reporters have identified the four candidates for the SRT governor position as follows:
1. Mekin Petchplai, CEO of Voice TV Co., Ltd., and former Managing Director of Airports of Thailand Public Co., Ltd. (AOT),
2. Apichai Nimjirawat, Director of Advanced Information Technology Public Co., Ltd. (AIT),
3. Aviruth Thongnet, Deputy Governor of the SRT,
4. Veeris Amrapal, Governor of the Industrial Estate Authority of Thailand (IEAT).
Source: Bangkok Business Online
Date: Monday, June 17, 2024, 16:54
The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) has submitted the draft joint venture contract for the "Orange Line" to the Ministry of Transport. The final decision now rests with the Cabinet. Meanwhile, BEM remains committed to their original bid. If expedited, the procurement of trains could be completed in two and a half years, allowing the section from the Cultural Center to Min Buri to commence operations.
Mr. Witthaya Phanmongkol, Acting Governor of the MRTA, provided an update on the Orange Line project, which spans from Bang Khun Non to Min Buri (Suwinthawong). He noted that following the Supreme Administrative Court's dismissal of the disputes regarding the bid changes for the Orange Line, the MRTA has reported the bidding results and submitted the draft joint venture contract to the Ministry of Transport.
The next steps fall under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Transport and the Cabinet, which will decide whether to authorize the MRTA to sign the joint venture contract with the best bidder, the BEM Group. This group includes Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM) in collaboration with Ch. Karnchang Public Company Limited (CK), offering a net present value (NPV) of -78,287.95 million baht.
"After the Supreme Administrative Court's decision, it's up to the Cabinet to decide whether to proceed with signing the joint venture contract. The MRTA must wait for this decision before consulting with the best bidder and pushing for the rapid procurement of trains to serve the public. The bidder has confirmed that their original bid price stands, allowing for an immediate contract signing without further negotiation," stated Mr. Witthaya.
Mr. Witthaya also mentioned that the urgent priority for the Orange Line project is to begin service on the eastern section, from the Cultural Center to Min Buri, as construction is already complete. Once the contract is signed, this area can be handed over to the private sector for the installation of signaling systems and train procurement. According to the contract, the private sector has a timeframe of 3 years and 6 months to complete these tasks.
Based on typical project timelines, it usually takes around one year to design the trains and another year to procure them before they are delivered for system testing. During this period, the train service provider can install the signaling system simultaneously. Thus, it is feasible to expect train procurement to be completed in approximately two and a half years.
Orange Line Ready to Sign "Transportation" Contract Awaiting MRTA Proposal to Cabinet, BTS Reveals Court Dismissal Disappointment for Public
Manager Online, June 17, 2024, 7:57 PM
The Ministry of Transport is waiting for the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) to finalize the Orange Line project proposal for submission to the Cabinet. Meanwhile, BTS reveals ongoing discussions with their legal team, expressing disappointment over the missed benefits for the public and the state. Preparations are underway for major project bids, including rest areas on the Bang Pa-in and Bang Yai motorways and the O&M system for Bang Khun Thian-Ban Phaeo and Kathu expressways.
On June 19, 2024, the Supreme Administrative Court upheld the lower courts decision to dismiss the case filed by Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited (BTS) against the selection committee under Section 36 of the Public-Private Partnership Act B.E. 2562. The case involved the Orange Line project from Bang Khun Non to Min Buri (Suwinthawong) and MRTAs request to cancel the investment invitation notice issued on May 24, 2022 (second time), and the revised selection criteria different from the July 2020 notice.
Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote stated that following the Supreme Administrative Courts ruling, the MRTA would proceed according to protocol by summarizing the rulings points and submitting the matter to the Ministry of Transport, which will then present it to the Cabinet. Whether the contract can be signed by October 2024 depends on the process.
When asked if the project might face further delays or rejections, Surapong explained that once the MRTA submits it, the Ministry of Transport will forward it to the Cabinet. The Cabinet Secretary will review it, and if all is in order, it will be scheduled. Otherwise, it may be sent back for further work.
BTS Expresses Regret Over Lost Benefits
Surapong Laoha-Unya, CEO of BTS, commented that following the Supreme Administrative Courts decision, BTSs involvement appears to be over. Whether the case is fully resolved remains uncertain, pending further legal discussions. He expressed regret over the lost benefits for the public and the state.
BTS had previously filed a lawsuit against the Governor of MRTA and the selection committee under Section 36 of the Orange Line project regarding the cancellation of the bidding process. The Central Criminal Court for Corruption and Misconduct dismissed the case. BTS has appealed, but no decision has been made yet.
Preparing for Major Bids: Motorway and Expressway Projects
Surapong added that BTS remains interested and prepared to bid on upcoming projects from the Ministry of Transport. These include O&M projects for Highway No. 82 (Bang Khun Thian-Ban Phaeo), rest areas on Motorway M6 (Bang Pa-in-Nakhon Ratchasima), and Motorway M81 (Bang Yai-Kanchanaburi), as well as the Kathu-Patong Expressway in Phuket by the Expressway Authority of Thailand.
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