The Thai Deputy Minister of Transport has presided over a major milestone for the country’s MRT Purple Line: Tao Pun–Rat Burana (Kanchanapisek Road) Section.Surapong Piyachote oversaw a ceremony at Somdech Phra Pinklao Hospital Station in Thon Buri marking the launch as the tunnel boring machine (TBM) for Contract 4 (Memorial Bridge – Dao Khanong) was officially launched.
High-profile attendees included German Ambassador to Thailand Dr Ernst Reichel and Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport Sorapong Paitoonphong, as well as senior figures from the Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA), the Department of Rail Transport, the Metropolitan Police Bureau, and main contractor Unique Engineering and Construction (UNIQ).
Piyachote emphasised the Thai Government’s commitment to developing the country’s urban transport infrastructure, guided by the ‘Transport for Thailand’s Opportunity’ policy.
The Ministry of Transport has tasked the MRTA with delivering projects that are efficient, environmentally responsible, and accessible to the public.
The Purple Line is a key part of the Mass Rapid Transit Master Plan for the Bangkok Metropolitan Region.
This launch signals progress, with civil works for the Tao Pun–Rat Burana section already 47.95 per cent complete as of December 2024, well ahead of the planned 40.1 per cent. The line is expected to begin service in 2029.
Trenchless technology plays a vital role in this project. Two earth pressure balance (EPB) TBMs are being used on this section to tunnel through Bangkok’s soft soil with minimal surface disruption. The EPB method maintains stability at the tunnel face, making it ideal for urban environments.
The machines will first bore from Somdech Phra Pinklao Hospital Station to Memorial Bridge Station before being moved and redeployed to continue tunnelling toward Dao Khanong. The Ministry has also implemented strict environmental and traffic mitigation measures to reduce PM2.5 emissions and minimise disruption to residents and commuters.
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