The proposed extensions of the planned MRT Pink Line monorail network may stretch further to Tiwanon Road in Nonthaburi if they receive positive feedback from the public, Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) assistant governor Sarot T. suwan said.
He was speaking after presiding over the launch of the second public hearing for a possible electric train line extension project leading into the Muang Thong Thani housing estate in Nonthaburi.
The proposed extensions are recent additions to plans for the upcoming MRT Pink Line monorail network from Khae Rai (Nonthaburi) to Min Buri, for which land-clearing and traffic diversions began along the planned route last November.
Under the MRTA's supervision, the Pink Line will run along Nonthaburi's Chaeng Watthana Road and will have a Muang Thong Thani station in front of the estate.
BSR joint venture, the consortium which had last year won operating rights for the Pink Line and Yellow Line Monorail (Lat Phrao-Samrong), earlier suggested the expansion project to the MRTA for consideration.
The venture consists of BTS Group Holdings Plc, Sino-Thai Enginnering and Construction Plc and Ratchaburi Electricity Generating Holding Plc.
About 3km long, the proposed extensions will stretch from the Pink Line's planned Si Rat station on Chaeng Watthana Road and will enter Muang Thong Thani, in a two-station network.
The first station will be in front of the Impact Challenger halls, while the second will be located nearby Muang Thong Thani Lake.
The extensions would boost travel from Chaeng Watthana Road to Muang Thong Thani, which is a densely populated residential area, the Impact Muang Thong Thani complex, along with state agencies and educational institutes such as Sukhothai Thammathirat Open University.
Mr Sarot said if the public likes that idea, the MRTA will consider a further 2km extension from Muang Thong Thani to Tiwanon Road in Nonthaburi.
If approved by cabinet, the work on the extensions could start early next year.
