Bangkok Pink Line: 2026 Construction Update

Bangkok’s Pink Line monorail, a major railway sector news story, opens, boosting transit with 30 stations and a 470,000 daily passenger capacity.

May 22, 2024 4:16 pm

Project Profile: MRTA Pink Line Monorail, Bangkok

The MRTA Pink Line is a 34.5 km elevated, automated monorail system designed to enhance urban mobility across northern Bangkok. As a key component of Thailand’s Mass Rapid Transit master plan, the project utilizes a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model to integrate advanced GOA4 driverless technology and connect with multiple existing and future rail lines. This profile details the technical specifications and strategic importance of this critical infrastructure asset.

Attribute	Details
Project Name	MRTA Pink Line Monorail
Location	Bangkok, Thailand (Connecting Nonthaburi and Min Buri)
System Type	Elevated Straddle-Beam Monorail
Length	34.5 km main line, with a planned 2.6 km extension
Maximum Speed	80 km/h
Estimated Project Cost	Bt53.5 billion (approx. $1.6 billion USD)
Status	Operational (Opened in phases starting late 2023)
Key Contractors & Suppliers	Consortium: BSR Joint Venture (BTS Group, Sino-Thai E&C, RATCH Group) Rolling Stock: Alstom Signaling: Alstom

Technical Specifications

The Pink Line’s infrastructure is engineered for high-capacity, automated operation. The line is supported by an elevated structure of pre-cast concrete and steel guideway girders on a combination of single columns and portal frames. Power is supplied via a 750V DC system to the 1,435mm standard gauge track.

Rolling stock consists of Alstom Innovia 300 monorail trains manufactured by the CRRC Puzhen Alstom Transportation Systems joint venture. These trains operate autonomously using Alstom’s Cityflo 650 communications-based train control (CBTC) signaling system, achieving a Grade of Automation 4 (GOA4), the highest level of driverless operation. The system is designed to handle a daily passenger capacity of up to 470,000, connecting 30 elevated stations equipped with modern accessibility features.

Key Takeaways

Successful PPP Implementation: The project serves as a key case study for the PPP net cost concession model in Southeast Asia, balancing public funding for civil works with private sector investment in construction, operations, and maintenance over a 33-year period.
Strategic Network Integration: By providing interchanges with the MRT Purple, SRT Dark Red, BTS Green, and future MRT Orange lines, the Pink Line significantly strengthens Bangkok’s orbital transport network, reducing cross-city travel times and road congestion.
Deployment of Advanced Automation: The use of GOA4 driverless technology enhances operational efficiency, reduces headways between trains, and improves safety, positioning the Pink Line as a modern benchmark for urban transit systems in the region.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When did the MRTA Pink Line open?

The MRTA Pink Line began phased public operations in November 2023, with full commercial service commencing in early 2024. It is now a fully operational part of Bangkok’s mass transit network.

Who is building and operating the MRTA Pink Line?

The MRTA Pink Line was developed under a public-private partnership. The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) owns the project, while the BSR Joint Venture—a consortium of BTS Group Holdings, Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction, and RATCH Group—was awarded the concession to finance, build, and operate the line for 30 years.