MRTA Accelerates Bangkok Orange Line Eastern Section for 2027 Trial Operations

Key summary

The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) Governor Kanchapoj Udomthamphakdee announced that the eastern section of the Orange Line, running from Thailand Cultural Centre to Min Buri, is scheduled to begin trial operations in December 2027, with paid services launching in January 2028. Construction acceleration includes a first train delivery in November 2026 and remaining trains by May 2027, followed by six months of system testing. The western section remains under construction for an expected 2030 opening. Updates were also provided on the southern Purple Line (Tao Poon to Rat Burana), targeted for full operations in 2030 after civil completion by end-2027, and MRTA's preparations to consolidate rail operations by taking over the Green, Gold, and Red lines from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration and State Railway of Thailand. Additionally, three new lines (Brown, Silver, and Grey) are under feasibility review with tentative openings in 2032 or 2033, while tunnel repairs near Vajira Hospital and Wongwian Yai are underway.