MRT Orange Line

History

The original plan of Orange Line aimed to serve travel demand between the northwestern area of Thonburi, at Bang Bamru Railway Station in Bang Phlat District, and the east of Bangkok in Bang Kapi District. It was planned to run along Ramkhamhaeng Road and Ratchawithi Road, passing many public places like Hua Mak Stadium, Dusit Zoo and Victory Monument, and provide access to universities including Ramkhamhaeng University, Suan Sunandha and Suan Dusit Rajabhat University and many government offices.

In 2009, the proposed MRT Brown line from Bang Kapi District, elevated along Ram Khamhaeng Road, to the eastern suburb in Saphan Sung District and Min Buri District, was merged with the Orange line in Bangkok's mass rapid transit master plan. In July 2011, the section from Bang Khun Non to Taling Chan was finally scrapped in favour the SRT Light Red line spur line which duplicates the same route. In 2012, there were further notable changes made to the central and western sections of the Orange line. The section from Din Daeng District to Bang Bamru was rerouted away from Victory Monument to Pratunam Market, Petchaburi rd and Larn Luang Road, then under Ratchadamnoen Klang Road (the cancelled BTS Silom Line extension to Phrannok route) and terminates at Bang Khun Non to interchange with the MRT Blue Line extension. (Instead of the previous route to Taling Chan District to interchange with SRT Light Red Line).

Alignment

The Orange line will start from Min Buri District as elevated structure on Ramkhamhaeng Road (former Suka Phiban III Road) from eastern suburb in Min Buri District and goes underground near Lam Sali intersection in Bang Kapi District, also transfers to MRT Yellow Line. It continues southwest along Ramkhamhaeng Road, passing Hua Mak Stadium and Ramkhamhaeng University. Then it turns to the west and crosses Pradit Manutham Road to the current MRT depot. Then it goes to Thailand Cultural Centre Station, the alignment crosses over and transfers to the current MRT Blue Line. It continues via Din Daeng housing estates and Bangkok City Hall 2 to Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, Sam Liam Din Daeng Junction. Then turn left into Ratchaprarop Road towards Pratu Nam and turn right into Phetchaburi Road then interchange with BTS Sukhumvit Line at Ratchathewi Station. It continues along Lan Luang Road and Ratchadamnoen Road. Then crosses the Chao Phraya River near Phra Pinklao Bridge, passes Siriraj Hospital and goes along Bangkok Noi Rail line and terminates at Taling Chan District, interchanges with SRT Red Line.

Progress

The Orange line was due to be tendered by the end of 2013. However, due to resident protests regarding station footprint and compulsory land acquisition around stations at Pratunam, Ratchaprarop, Pracha Songkhro and Soesim stations the MRTA stated that is needed another 12 months to redesign sections of the line. Subsequently, political protests against the Thai government led to the metro transport funding bill lapsing when parliament was dissolved in Dec 2013. As of December 9, 2015, the Thai cabinet has approved the Orange line. On 19 April 2016, the Cabinet approved 82.9 billion baht to build 17 stations and 21.2 km. of rail from the Thailand Cultural Centre to Minburi, of which 12.2 km. will be underground and 9 km will be elevated. Construction contracts were signed in February 2017, with construction expected to start in June 2017

Stations

In the table below, an italicised name indicates that the station is under construction and not yet in operation.