The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) is advancing plans for the Brown Line electric rail project, connecting Khae Rai to Lam Sali in Bangkok. The 22.10-kilometer project is currently undergoing revisions to its design and public-private partnership (PPP) framework, in alignment with the government’s policy of capping fares at a maximum of 20 baht for the entire line. It is expected that once the new chairman of the MRTA board is appointed, the revised plans will be submitted for approval.
The project will be simultaneously reviewed with an environmental impact assessment (EIA), which has already been approved by the subcommittee of experts. The next step is approval by the National Environment Board.
The timeline for the project has been adjusted, with the selection of private investors expected by 2025, construction beginning in 2026, and completion slated for 2029. The system currently under consideration is a light rail transit (LRT), including options like monorails or automated guideway transit (AGT). However, new technologies may be evaluated if they align with projected passenger numbers, which are estimated to reach 218,000 people per day in the first year of operation.
The Brown Line will consist of elevated tracks along its entire length, featuring 20 stations and a total investment of 49.8 billion baht. The breakdown includes 7.25 billion baht for land acquisition, 18.54 billion baht for construction, 16.35 billion baht for system installations, 1.39 billion baht for consultancy services, and 6.32 billion baht as a contingency reserve. Land expropriation will involve the acquisition of 436 plots covering approximately 67 rai (around 26 acres), with the demolition of 232 buildings.
The line will connect to seven other electric rail lines: the Purple, Pink, Red, Green, Grey, Orange, and Yellow lines. It will start at Khae Rai, where it links with the Purple and Pink lines, running along Ngamwongwan Road to Bang Khen, where it will intersect with the Red Line. The line will continue under the Green Line and follow Prasert Manukitch Road, with its support columns alternating with the structures of the N2 expressway. It will pass through Chalong Rat intersection to connect with the Grey Line before heading to Nawamin Road, where it will meet the Orange and Yellow lines at Suan Son intersection.
Officials reported that the MRTA will follow Thailand’s laws on land expropriation and acquisition for public transportation projects. Further studies and revisions will take place before final project approval by the relevant government authorities.
