MRTA seeks input on Bangkok’s MRT Orange Line extension
The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) is gearing up for a new round of bidding for the construction of the 120-billion-baht western extension of the MRT Orange Line.
MRTA governor Pakapong Sirikantaramas told the media on Friday that the agency will hold an online market sounding on Monday and the input will be used in the drafting of a request for proposal (RFP).
An MRTA committee had held a meeting to discuss fresh bidding for the Orange Line and investment issues for the Purple and Yellow Lines.
The MRTA last month scrapped the bidding process for the construction of the western extension, linking the Thailand Cultural Centre in Huai Khwang district to the Bang Khun Non area in Thon Buri, after it became mired in legal wrangles in the Administrative Court.
The project was tendered to the public in July but the MRTA changed the bidding criteria after receiving offers from several firms. The move led to disputes with one of the potential bidders, the Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTSC).
While a court decision was pending, the MRTA decided to terminate the process and initiate a fresh round of bidding. It claimed the dispute was unlikely to be resolved soon and the project would be further delayed.
Mr Pakapong said the process of gathering input is expected to be completed in March, so the purchase of bid envelopes is likely to proceed in April.
If things go as planned, the bid results should be known in August and construction work should begin by the end of this year, according to the MRTA governor.
In other news, Mr Pakapong said the MRTA’s board has approved a 33-million-baht commercial development project at Phra Nang Klao Bridge station of the MRT Purple Line.
Under the scheme, a private company will manage the project which will include an upgrade of Phra Nang Klao Bridge Pier to facilitate commuters who want to use passenger boat services.
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