THAILAND: Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand has awarded metro concessionaire Bangkok Metro Public Company Ltd an 80·3bn baht 30-year contract to supply rolling stock and electrical and mechanical equipment for Bangkok's Purple Line, and then operate and maintain the route.
Civil works are now underway on the 16 km Purple Line, which will run from Bang Yai to Rat Burana and Bang Sue with 16 stations. Opening is scheduled for 2016.
BMCL's contract is divided into a three-year construction phase and a 27-year operating phase. MRTA will make monthly payments to BMCL for the first 10 years, and pay a service fee for the remainder of the concession period.
BMCL shareholder CH Karnchang will be responsible for arranging finance, and will procure 21 trainsets and E&M systems from 'experienced and qualified' contractors.
