MRT Blue Line extension to be operational in 2020

BANGKOK, Feb 12 (TNA) – The extension of the MRT Blue Line underground will be in full operation in 2020 and additional trains have been procured to serve more passengers in the future. Deputy Minister of Transport, Mr Pailin Chuchottaworn inspected progress in the construction of the Wat Mangkorn station, part of the MRT Blue Line extension from Hua Lamphong – Bang Khae and Tao Poon – Tha Phra. He said the construction made satisfactory progress. The Wat Mangkorn station is decorated in Sino-Portuguese architectural style, reflecting the culture of Chinese community in Yaowarat or China Town area. As of the end of January, the construction of the blue line extension was 97 per cent completed. It will be operational in 2019 while the full service of the whole line is expected in 2020. Moreover, he said the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) and its concessionaire to procure more trains to serve the rail route extension. The new trains will be delivered this year for the test run and they will be ready for operation in 2019. After the delivery, the electric train fleet will be raised to 17 trains in total. He also instructed the MRTA to add more facilities such as toilets for passengers for the future Yellow Line and Pink Line. (TNA)