Construction on the two new BTS Skytrain stations in western Bangkok are on schedule and will be completed in time for the December opening. At least that was the conclusion made yesterday by Bangkok Governor Sukhumbhand Paribatra after inspecting the BTS Pho Nimit Station on the Skytrain’s Taksin-Phetkasem route.
The governor said that construction at Pho Nimit Station is 75% complete while Talad Plu station is at 71%. He added that the Wuttakat and Bang Wa stations will be completed and ready for operation by August 2013.
Amorn Kitchawengkul, managing director of Krungthep Thanakom, the city’s financial arm noted that there will be two trains with three carriages each to service commuters at the Pho Nimit and Talad Plu stations. Service will be slower than the initial plans since only one side of the dual tracks can be completed this year. Once all stations have ben completed, including the installation of 54 lifts for disabled passengers at BTS stations, Theerachon said commuters will be able to enjoy the full benefits of the Skytrain.
For his part, Deputy Governor Theerachon Manomaipiboon explained that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) is unable to start the construction of the Bang Wa Station until the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) is done building the mass-transit system’s Blue Line, the Nation reported.
In a related development, the Pheu Thai Party submitted more evidence supporting its petition against the BMA for extending contract of the the Bangkok Mass Transit System Co. The BTSC runs and manages the Skytrain. Party spokesman Jirayu Huangsab submitted documents saying the BMA might have violated the Public-Private Joint Venture Act 1992 and the State Bidding Act 1999.
The DSI’s Special Cases Committee has until October 10 to decide whether to take up the case, reports said.
