Bangkok: The State Railway of Thailand (SRT) has signed contracts for the construction of two extensions of the Red Line electric train. The extensions are set to enhance commuting options between Bangkok and its suburbs, with the construction expected to commence in July 2026.
According to Thai News Agency, the signing ceremony took place at Bangkok Central Station in Chatuchak District. The SRT signed contracts for the Red Line suburban railway extension project, specifically the Dark Red Line from Rangsit to Thammasat University, Rangsit Campus, and the Light Red Line from Siriraj to Taling Chan to Salaya. The contract for the Dark Red Line, valued at 6,057,000,000 baht, was signed with Unique Engineering and Construction Public Company Limited. For the Light Red Line, valued at 14,720,000,000 baht, the contract was signed with the UT Joint Venture, consisting of Unique Engineering and Construction Public Company Limited and Trusty Construction Company Limited. The ceremony was presided over by Mr. Anan Pothinimdaeng, Deputy Governor of the SRT, and Mr. Prasong Suwiwatthanachai, Managing Director of Unique Engineering and Construction Co., Ltd.
An Integrity Pact was also signed with the Anti-Corruption Organization (Thailand) to ensure transparency in the implementation of the Dark Red Line project. Mr. Anan Jenngamkul, Deputy Governor of the SRT, was present at the signing.
Mr. Anan explained that the Red Line extensions align with the government's rail transport development policy under the 20-year National Strategy (2018-2037) and the Bangkok Metropolitan Area Mass Transit Rail Master Plan Phase 2 (M-MAP2). The project aims to upgrade the rail network, alleviate traffic congestion, and meet future public transportation needs sustainably. Approved by the Cabinet in 2025, the project involves the construction of the Dark Red Line from Rangsit to Thammasat University and the Light Red Line from Siriraj to Salaya, with three additional stations.
The Dark Red Line, Rangsit - Thammasat University section, spans 8.84 km at ground level, with four stations. The construction primarily uses railway land, with minimal land expropriation needed. The Light Red Line, Siriraj - Salaya section, covers 20.50 km, featuring both ground-level and elevated tracks, and includes nine stations. This section utilizes railway land without requiring land expropriation.
The SRT plans to sign contracts with construction supervisors for the Siriraj-Taling Chan-Salaya section in June 2026 and for the Rangsit-Thammasat University section in July 2026. Following this, a Notice to Proceed (NTP) will be issued to the contractors, with construction starting simultaneously in July 2026. The 36-month construction period is expected to conclude in 2029. Once operational, the Red Line extensions aim to reduce travel time from Pathum Thani Province to Bangkok, improve access to the Thonburi-Salaya area, reduce traffic congestion, spur economic development, and contribute to sustainable energy conservation.