The expansion of the Red Line electric train project in Thailand is progressing, with plans now visible on the State Railway of Thailand’s website. The project aims to extend the line from Rangsit to Thammasat University, Rangsit campus, over a distance of 8.84 kilometers. The project is budgeted at approximately 6.47 billion baht, which covers the costs of construction, consultancy, and land acquisition.
Following a Cabinet decision on January 7, 2025, to approve and adjust the project’s funding, work is now underway to finalize the terms of reference (TOR) and determine the cost estimates for construction. This stage is expected to take approximately two months, with bidding set to begin in March or April 2025. Once the bidding process concludes in 6-7 months, construction is targeted to begin in the first quarter of 2026, with an expected completion time of three years. If all goes as planned, the expanded section of the Red Line is scheduled to open to the public by October 2028.
In the meantime, the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) is coordinating with the Council of State to expedite the process for acquiring the necessary land for construction. The required land, totaling more than 14 rai, is primarily for station buildings, access points, and parking areas. The land acquisition process is expected to begin by the end of 2025.
This segment of the Red Line will be directly connected to the existing Rangsit to Bang Sue line. It will feature four stations: Khlong 1, Bangkok University, Chiang Rak, and Thammasat University Rangsit. The project also includes upgrades such as a 1-meter-wide track and elevated platforms with escalators and lifts to improve accessibility for passengers.
Additionally, the Ministry of Transport is expected to present the next phase of the Red Line project, which will connect Siriraj, Taling Chan, and Salaya, to the Cabinet by March 2025. While the National Economic and Social Development Board and the Bureau of the Budget have provided their feedback, the Ministry of Finance’s approval is still pending.
