The Thai Cabinet is expected to review a proposal on June 17, 2025, to consolidate two suburban railway projects—Taling Chan–Salaya and Taling Chan–Siriraj—into a single contract, paving the way for immediate bidding and future construction of an extended section of the Red Line commuter rail system.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Suriya Jungrungreangkit confirmed that the Ministry of Transport has submitted the agenda item for Cabinet consideration. The plan calls for the merging of the Red Line extension from Taling Chan to Salaya, including three additional stations (Rama VI Bridge, Bang Kruai-EGAT, and Ban Chim Phli), with the Red Line Light Rail from Taling Chan to Siriraj. The merged contract would be managed under the State Railway of Thailand (SRT).
According to Suriya, the proposal was submitted to the Secretariat of the Cabinet on March 27, 2025. It is currently under review by relevant agencies, a standard step before official Cabinet deliberation. The Ministry has been actively pursuing this integration to ensure smooth and timely progress of the project.
A report by Daily News‘ transport innovation desk noted that combining the two routes into a single 20.5-kilometer contract could reduce overall costs by approximately 110.06 million baht, lowering the total budget from 15.29 billion baht to 15.18 billion baht. Savings are attributed to eliminating duplicate costs, including consultancy, construction offices, and supervision.
The total proposed budget of 15.18 billion baht comprises 10.77 billion for civil engineering and rail infrastructure, 3.96 billion for electrical and mechanical systems, 14.78 million for bidding consultancy, 392.13 million for construction supervision, and 39.55 million for an independent engineering consultant.
If approved, the SRT is prepared to open bidding immediately, with a contractor expected to be selected by the end of 2025. Construction could begin in early 2026 and is projected to take 36 months, aiming for an operational launch by early 2029.
The entire project will be built on SRT-owned land, avoiding the need for land expropriation. Initial passenger forecasts estimate 36,050 daily users in the first year, rising to 67,340 per day by the 30th year.
The full Red Line extension from Siriraj to Salaya will include 10 stations: Thonburi–Siriraj, Charan Sanitwong, Taling Chan Floating Market, Taling Chan, Ban Chim Phli, Kanchanaphisek, Sala Thammasop, and Salaya, plus three additional stations: Rama VI Bridge, Bang Kruai–EGAT, and Ban Chim Phli. The project forms part of the broader Red Line network, extending service beyond the currently operational Bang Sue–Taling Chan segment.
Further announcements and updates are expected following the June 17 Cabinet session.
