A model of the electric trains to be used on the Purple Line was displayed in 2014. The first three trains are due to be delivered in October, so the new commuter service to Nonthaburi can open in mid-2016. (Photo by Apichart Jinakul)
The Transport Ministry is confident the new Purple Line electric railway will be ready to open next year and serve commuters travelling between inner Bangkok and Nonthaburi to the northwest.
Deputy Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith said he had asked Hiroto Izumi, special adviser to the Japanese prime minister, to ensure that the company providing the trains, Japan Transport Engineering Co, deliver them punctually so the Purple Line could open in mid-2016 as planned.
The Japanese representative promised at Monday’s meeting that the first three trains, with a total of nine carriages, would be delivered in October. They could then undergo test runs in December, Mr Arkhom said.
“I visited the plant where the trains are manufactured in Japan and strongly believe that the first three can be delivered this October. Transport Minister Prajin Juntong will visit the plant again this month,” Mr Arkhom said.
The 60-billion-baht Purple Line is an extension route of the existing Bangkok subway, which runs 21km from Hua Lamphong to Bang Sue. The new elevated sections extend the service a further 23 kilometres with 16 stations between Bang Sue in Bangkok and Bang Yai district of Nonthaburi.
Source: http://www.bangkokpost.com/news/general/558987/purple-line-rail-service-to-open-next-year
