Thailand’s State Railway is set to seek approval in mid-May 2025 for the terms of reference (TOR) for a new 8.84-kilometer extension of the Red Line commuter rail from Rangsit to Thammasat University Rangsit Campus, with a goal of beginning construction in early 2026.
The draft TOR for the civil works of the Red Line extension project has been completed, covering construction costs estimated at 6.06 billion baht. Additional allocations include 166.79 million baht for a construction supervision consultant and 20.04 million baht for an independent engineering advisor. The proposal will be submitted to the State Railway of Thailand (SRT) governor for consideration in mid-May, according to transport sector reports.
The project is expected to enter the bidding phase between May and June 2025, with contractor selection expected to take six to seven months. Construction is targeted to begin in early 2026 and will take approximately three years, with service planned to launch by the end of 2028. Operations will continue under SRT Electrified Train Co., which currently runs the Red Line service from Bang Sue to Rangsit.
Land acquisition for the extension remains in the legal approval process, with the expropriation decree expected by late 2025. A total of approximately 14 rai of land will be required for station development, access points, and parking areas, including areas around Khlong Nueng, Bangkok University, Chiang Rak, and Thammasat University stations.
The Red Line extension will run parallel to the existing railway line and include four ground-level stations. Each station will feature a central platform with pedestrian overpasses, elevators, and escalators for commuter access. The total project cost is estimated at 6.47 billion baht, including 4.06 billion for civil and rail works, 2 billion for electrical and mechanical systems, and about 210 million baht for land expropriation and consulting services. Daily ridership is projected at 26,000 trips.
Officials involved include senior representatives from the SRT, with the project aimed at expanding commuter rail services to better connect northern Bangkok suburbs with major academic institutions.
