Bangkok:The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) has announced significant progress on the Orange Line MRT project, with the Western Section reaching 38.50% completion. The project employs advanced "Pipe Roof" engineering techniques to minimize traffic disruptions and preserve the historical area around the Democracy Monument station.
According to Thai News Agency, the Western Section of the Orange Line, spanning from Bang Khun Non to the Thailand Cultural Centre, has achieved 42.50% completion in civil works and 7.89% in the rail system by the end of October 2026. The construction involves Ch. Karnchang Public Company Limited and BEM, the project's co-investor, focusing on the installation of diaphragm walls, temporary floor slabs, and railway stations.
The Democracy Monument Station, located in the historically significant Rattanakosin Island, requires special construction techniques to mitigate traffic impacts. The Pipe Roof technique is being used to support the soil and road above, allowing underground station construction with minimal surface disruption. This method reduces traffic diversions and impacts on local residents and businesses.
Additionally, the MRTA is overseeing complex construction at the intersection with the Purple Line and the excavation of a tunnel under the Chao Phraya River. This tunnel will be the third of its kind beneath the river, measuring about 200 meters long and 30 meters deep. The MRTA ensures compliance with engineering standards and safety policies throughout the construction process.
On the Eastern Section, which stretches from the Thailand Cultural Centre to Min Buri (Suwinthawong), progress stands at 76.56%. BEM is working on installing the electric train system, with Siemens Mobility Limited responsible for manufacturing and assembling 32 train sets. The first train delivery is expected in November 2026, with the remaining trains set to arrive by mid-2027, followed by a public trial run in December 2027.
The Orange Line MRT project, spanning 35.9 kilometers, connects the eastern and western parts of Bangkok with a mix of underground and elevated stations. More information can be found on the project's Facebook page and TikTok account, or by contacting the MRTA directly.