Sukhumvit Line

BTS Sukhumvit Line
สายสุขุมวิท
Overview
OwnerBangkok Metropolitan Administration
LocaleBangkok, Samut Prakan, and Pathum Thani
Termini
StationsTotal : 57 stations
47 (operational)
9 (planned)
1 (provisional)
Color on map    Light Green
Service
TypeRapid transit
SystemBTS Skytrain
Operator(s)Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited
Depot(s)Mo Chit Depot (shared with  BTS )
Khu Khot Depot (shared with  BTS )
Kheha Depot
Rolling stockSiemens Modular Metro
EMU-A1: 35 four-car trains
Siemens Bozankaya
EMU-A2: 22 four-car trains
CNR Changchun Railway Vehicles
EMU-B1: 12 four-car trains
CNR Changchun Railway Vehicles
EMU-B2: 5 four-car trains
CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles
EMU-B3: 24 four-car trains
Daily ridership926,294 ( BTS  and  BTS )
30 August 2024[1]
History
Opened5 December 1999; 25 years ago (1999-12-05)
Last extension16 December 2020; 4 years ago (2020-12-16)
Technical
Line lengthTotal :69.07 km (42.92 mi)
51.17 km (31.80 mi) (operational)
17.9 km (11.1 mi) (planned)
CharacterFully elevated
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in) standard gauge
Electrification750 V DC third rail
Operating speed80 km/h (50 mph)
SignallingFormer: Siemens Trainguard LZB700M fixed block ATC under ATO GoA 2 (STO)
Current: Bombardier CITYFLO 450 moving block CBTC ATC under ATO GoA 2 (STO), with subsystems of ATP, ATS and CBI[2][3]
Route map

Planned extension to Outer Ring Road-Lam Luk Ka
Khu Khot
Khu Khot depot
Yaek Kor Por Aor
Royal Thai Air Force Museum
Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital
Saphan Mai
Sai Yud
Phahon Yothin 59
Wat Phra Sri Mahathat
 MRT 
11th Infantry Regiment
Bang Bua
Royal Forest Department
Kasetsart University
Sena Nikhom
Ratchayothin
Phahon Yothin 24
Ha Yaek Lat Phrao
 MRT 
Blue Line to Lak Song
Mo Chit depot
Mo Chit
 MRT 
Saphan Khwai
Sena Ruam
(future)
Ari
Sanam Pao
Si Rat Expressway
Victory Monument
Phaya Thai
 ARL 
Airport Rail Link to Suvarnabhumi
SRT Eastern Line
to Bangkok │ to Chachoengsao
Ratchathewi
Silom Line to National Stadium
Siam
 BTS 
Silom Line to Bang Wa
Chit Lom
Phloen Chit
Chaloem Maha Nakhon Expressway
Nana
Asok
Blue Line to Tha Phra (via Bang Sue)
Phrom Phong
Thong Lo
Ekkamai
Phra Khanong
Chalong Rat Expressway
On Nut
Bang Chak
Punnawithi
Udom Suk
Chaloem Maha Nakhon Expressway
Third stage Expressway System
Bang Na
Bearing
Samrong
 MRT 
Pu Chao
Kanchanapisek Expressway
Chang Erawan
Royal Thai Naval Academy
Pak Nam
Srinagarindra
Phraek Sa
Sai Luat
Kheha
Samut Prakan depot
Planned extension to Bang Pu

The Elevated Train in Commemoration of HM the King's 6th Cycle Birthday 1st line, also known as Sukhumvit Line, is one of the rapid transit lines of the BTS Skytrain System in Bangkok, Thailand.[4] The line runs from Siam Station, where it interchanges with the Silom Line, and continues both northwards along Phaya Thai and Phahon Yothin Roads to Khu Khot in Lam Luk Ka District, Pathum Thani, and eastwards along Rama I, Phloen Chit and Sukhumvit Roads, through Bang Na District to Kheha Station in Samut Prakan.

The line was first opened on 5 December 1999, along with the Silom Line. Both lines are operated by the Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited under a 30-year concession from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. When it opened, the line ran from Mo Chit to On Nut covering a total distance of 16.7 km (10.4 mi) with 17 stations. As of October 2024, Sukhumvit Line is one of the main arteries of the Bangkok Mass Rapid Transit System with 900,000 daily passengers per day (combined with the Silom Line). The line rapidly expanded from 2011 until 2021, tripling its distance through three extension projects and reaching a total length of 51.17 km (31.80 mi) with 47 stations.

History

[edit]

Original plan

[edit]

The Sukhumvit Line's initial proposal was for 12.8 km (8.0 mi) route running from N4 station to E9 station with the depot located at Lumphini Park near the Silom Line. However, this location for the depot faced backlash from the public opinion, which argued that it violated King Rama VI's intention in donating his land to establish Lumphini Park for the public. Additionally, there were protests demanding that the construction of both Skytrain lines be built underground instead of being fully elevated. Therefore, several alternative locations for the depot were considered, such as a vacant land plot in Soi Rangnam owned by the Crowned Property Bureau or the Phra Khanong pumping station in Sukhumvit 50. Ultimately, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration decided to relocate the depot to the former site of the Northern Bus Terminal (commonly known as the Mo Chit Bus Terminal). With the decision made, the Sukhumvit Line route was extended from N4 station to N8 station. Several changes were made during the construction, as follows:[5]

  • N3, N4, E8, and E9 stations were changed from an island platform to side platforms.
  • The fully operational year was pushed from the end of 1996 to the end of 1999.
  • Station designs were drastically changed from the EIA reports.
  • CEN station was moved from the east side of Chaloem Phao junction to the west side.
  • E1 station was moved from the east side of the Chit Lom junction to the west side, in front of Mater Dei School, with the two entrances in front of the school being canceled due to protests from school staffs and students concerned about privacy, landscape, and air pollution issues.
  • E2 station was originally located between Sukhumvit 2 and Soi Nana but was later moved to the west side of the Chaloem Maha Nakhon Expressway.
  • E4 station was moved from the east side of the Asok junction to the west side.

Extensions

[edit]

Bearing Extension

[edit]

Construction started in August 2006 on a four-billion baht, 5.25 km (3.26 mi) extension from On Nut to Bearing which included 5 new stations[6] The extension was funded by the BMA.[7] The original scheduled opening date was mid-2009. However, a delay in tendering the contract for the electrical and signaling works resulted in a two-year delay.

The extension did not open until over two years later, on 12 August 2011. The delay in opening prompted the BMA to offer free travel on this extension until the end of 2011 as compensation.

Samut Prakan Extension

[edit]

Construction started in April 2012 on a 12.6 km (7.8 mi), nine station extension from Bearing station to Kheha station. The extension was funded by the MRTA as it is outside BMA city limits, Bangkok Province. Construction was contracted to take 1,350 days and the extension was originally scheduled to open by early 2017. In April 2013, the MRTA awarded Ch Karnchang the contract for track laying and electrical systems.[8]

In June 2014, civil works were stated to be 28.3 percent complete. In August 2016, the BMA agreed to take over the operation of the extension from MRTA. Delays over the agreement of how much the BMA should pay MRTA caused a delay in the commencement of test runs on the extension. Track works were 98% completed by November 2016. The total cost of the extension was estimated at 21.4 billion baht.[9] In January 2017, it was announced that the opening of the extension could be further delayed to 2018-2019 due to budgetary concerns and ongoing disputes between the MRTA and BMA.[10]

The first 1.2 km (0.75 mi) section of the extension to Samrong station opened on 3 April 2017.[11] The full extension to Kheha opened on 6 December 2018.[12]

Khu Khot Extension

[edit]

An 11.4 km, 11 station northern extension from Mo Chit station to Saphan Mai in Don Mueang District had been planned since the Sukhumvit Line opened. Originally, this extension was scheduled to be completed by 2008. However, due to a combination of changes in government, a prolonged environmental study, and problems with locating a suitable train depot the extension was continually delayed. A further 16.5 km (10.3 mi), nine station extension from Saphan Mai to Khu Khot was also planned once the extension to Saphan Mai had been completed.

After multiple delays, in mid-2013 a decision was made to tender extensions (1) and (2) at the same time, by the end of 2013. However, the dissolution of parliament in November 2013 delayed this yet again. A tender was finally released in January 2014[13] with an April deadline before being delayed until late May 2014 due to concerns from bidders.[14] A military coup in late-May 2014 suspended the bidding process whilst the military administration reviewed all major projects. In late June, the military administration affirmed that the tender would proceed before the end of 2014. In August 2014, the MRTA announced that the new tender deadline was 30 September 2014.[15] Five bidders qualified and the successful bids were announced in December 2014.[16] The tender specified a construction period of 1,350 days.

On 3 April 2015, MRTA signed four contracts for this extension:[17]

Contract Notes Contractors Length Costs
1 Mo Chit to Saphan Mai Italian-Thai Development 2.8 km (1.7 mi) ฿15,269 million
2 Saphan Mai to Khu Khot UN-SH-CH joint-venture 2.6 km (1.6 mi) ฿6,657 million
3 Khu Khot Depot and Park & Ride buildings at Yaek Kor Por Aor and Khu Khot stations STEC-AS joint-venture 11 km (6.8 mi) ฿4,019 million
4 Track laying and system design STEC-AS joint-venture 10.5 km (6.5 mi) ฿2,841 million
Construction of the viaduct before entering Ha Yaek Lat Phrao station in 2018.

The MRTA, contactors and Thai Traffic Police met on 2 September 2015 and confirmed construction would begin on 8 September 2015. A flyover at Kasetsart was demolished, which commenced on 12 September 2015.[18]

At 31 December 2017, the progress of civil works construction was at 53.31% according to the MRTA.[19] As of April 2018, the MRTA stated that civil works progress had advanced to 63.27%.[20] As of 30 September 2018, overall construction had progressed to 78.79%.[21] By the end of March 2019, civil construction had nearly been completed having progressed to 99.42%.[20]

Testing of the final 9.8 km, seven-station-section from Wat Phra Sri Mahathat (N17) to Khu Khot (N24) began on 5 October.[22] The final section was officially opened on 16 December 2020 by the Prime Minister.[23]

Tamru Extension (future)

[edit]

There is a plan to extend Sukhumvit Line from Kheha to Tamru for 10.1 km (6.3 mi), including 5 additional stations: Sawangkhaniwat, Mueang Boran, Si Chan Pradit, Bang Pu, and Tamru. This extension has been suspended indefinitely until clarity is reached regarding passenger guarantees.

Code Station Name Planned Opening Platform Type
English Thai
↓ Continue from Kheha
Sawangkhaniwat สวางคนิวาส TBA Side
Mueang Boran เมืองโบราณ Side
Si Chan Pradit ศรีจันทร์ประดิษฐ์ Side
Bang Pu บางปู Side
Tamru ตำหรุ Side

Lam Luk Ka Extension (future)

[edit]

There is a plan to extend Sukhumvit Line from Khu Khot Station eastwards for 7.8 km (4.8 mi), including four additional stations: Khlong Sam, Khlong Si, Khlong Ha, and Eastern Ring Road-Lam Luk Ka. This extension has been suspended indefinitely until clarity is reached regarding passenger guarantees.

Code Station Name Planned Opening Platform Type
English Thai
↓ Continue from Khu Khot
Khlong Sam คลองสาม TBA Side
Khlong Si คลองสี่ Side
Khlong Ha คลองห้า Side
Eastern Ring Road-Lam Luk Ka วงแหวนตะวันออกลำลูกกา Side

Opening timeline

[edit]
Date Project Notes
5 December 1999 Bangkok Transit System Full commercial service was commenced from Mo Chit to On Nut stations along with the Silom Line.
12 August 2011 Bearing Extension Service extended to Bearing station.
14 May 2010 Sukhumvit Line was closed from 17.00 onwards due to 2010 Thai military crackdown.
29 May 2010 Resumed normal service.
22 May 2014 Sukhumvit Line operated with limited hours from 6:00 to 21:00 due to the curfew, which was a result of the 2014 Thai coup d'état.[24]
28 May 2014 Service hours were extended to 06.00-23.00[25]
14 June 2014 Resumed normal service.
3 April 2017 Samut Prakan Extension Service extended to Samrong station.
6 December 2018 Shuttle service has been deployed from Samrong to Kheha stations.
11 May 2019 Full commercial service was commenced from Mo Chit to Kheha stations.[26]
9 August 2019 Khu Khot Extension Service extended to Ha Yaek Lat Phrao station.
4 December 2019 Service extended to Kasetsart University station.
5 June 2020 Service extended to Wat Phra Si Mahathat station.
17 October 2020 Sukhumvit Line was temporarily closed from 15.00 due to the 2020–2021 Thai protests.[27]
18 October 2020 Mo Chit, Ha Yaek Lat Phrao, Phahon Yothin 24, Asok, Udom Suk, and Bang Na stations were temporarily closed due to the protests from 14.30[28]
16 December 2020 Khu Khot Extension Service extended to Khu Khot station.

Stations

[edit]
Code Station Name Image Opened Platform

Type

Park & Ride Transfers Notes
English Thai
Khu Khot คูคต 16 December 2020; 4 years ago (2020-12-16) Side
Yaek Kor Por Aor แยก คปอ. Side
Royal Thai Air Force Museum พิพิธภัณฑ์กองทัพอากาศ Side -
Bhumibol Adulyadej Hospital โรงพยาบาลภูมิพลอดุลยเดช Side -
Saphan Mai สะพานใหม่ Side -
Sai Yud สายหยุด Side -
Phahon Yothin 59 พหลโยธิน 59 Side -
Wat Phra Sri Mahathat วัดพระศรีมหาธาตุ 5 June 2020; 4 years ago (2020-06-05) Island - Interchange station with  MRT 
11th Infantry Regiment กรมทหารราบที่ 11 Side -
Bang Bua บางบัว Side -
Royal Forest Department กรมป่าไม้ Side -
Kasetsart University มหาวิทยาลัยเกษตรศาสตร์ 4 December 2019; 5 years ago (2019-12-04) Side - Connecting station to  MRT  (future)
Sena Nikhom เสนานิคม Side -
Ratchayothin รัชโยธิน Side - Proposed connecting station to  MRT .

(Yellow Line (Bangkok) § Northern extension)

Phahon Yothin 24 พหลโยธิน 24 Side -
Ha Yaek Lat Phrao ห้าแยกลาดพร้าว 9 August 2019; 5 years ago (2019-08-09) Island - Connecting station to Phahon Yothin for  MRT  , via a 330-metre elevated pedestrian walkway.
Mo Chit หมอชิต 5 December 1999; 25 years ago (1999-12-05) Side Connecting station to Chatuchak Park for  MRT 
Saphan Khwai สะพานควาย Side -
Sena Ruam เสนาร่วม[29] TBA Side - Provisional station
Ari อารีย์ 5 December 1999; 25 years ago (1999-12-05) Side -
Sanam Pao สนามเป้า Side -
Victory Monument อนุสาวรีย์ชัยสมรภูมิ Side -
Phaya Thai พญาไท Side - Connecting station to;
 ARL 
 SRT  (future)
Ratchathewi ราชเทวี Side - Connecting station to  MRT  (under construction)
Siam สยาม Stacked Island - Cross-platform interchange with  BTS 
Chit Lom ชิดลม Side -
Phloen Chit เพลินจิต Side -
Nana นานา Side -
Asok อโศก Side - Connecting station to Sukhumvit for  MRT 
Phrom Phong พร้อมพงษ์ Side -
Thong Lo ทองหล่อ Side -
Ekkamai เอกมัย Side - Connecting station to  MRL  (north section; future)
Phra Khanong พระโขนง Side - Connecting station to  MRL  (south section; future)
On Nut อ่อนนุช Side -
Bang Chak บางจาก 12 August 2011; 13 years ago (2011-08-12) Side -
Punnawithi ปุณณวิถี Side -
Udom Suk อุดมสุข Side -
Bang Na บางนา Side - Connecting station to Bang Na-Suvarnabhumi LRT (future)
Bearing แบริ่ง Side -
Samrong สำโรง 3 April 2017; 7 years ago (2017-04-03) Island - Interchange station to  MRT  via transfer gates
Pu Chao ปู่เจ้า 6 December 2018; 6 years ago (2018-12-06) Side -
Chang Erawan ช้างเอราวัณ Side -
Royal Thai Naval Academy โรงเรียนนายเรือ Side -
Pak Nam ปากน้ำ Side -
Srinagarindra ศรีนครินทร์ Side -
Phraek Sa แพรกษา Side -
Sai Luat สายลวด Side -
Kheha เคหะฯ Side

Rolling stock

[edit]
Rolling stocks of Sukhumvit Line
EMU-A1 approaching Victory Monument station
EMU-A2 heading towards Sanam Pao station
EMU-B1/B2 approaching Ha Yaek Lat Phrao station
EMU-B3 at Ekkamai station

Operation

[edit]

The Sukhumvit Line operates from 06:00 to 24:00 every day. During rush hour, there are two main service patterns:

  • Full Line operation from Khu Khot to Kheha
  • Short-run train from Mo Chit to Samrong

Apart from these two service patterns, some trains might terminate at Kasetsart University and Ha Yaek Lat Phrao or operate as through-running trains to/from Bang Wa station on the Silom Line.

Headways

[edit]
Sukhumvit Line headway[30]
Time Section Headway (Minutes:Seconds)
Monday - Friday
06:00 - 07:00 Full Line 05:00
07:00 - 09:00 Mo Chit - Samrong 02:40
Full Line 05:20
09:00 - 09:30 03:35
09:30 - 16:00 06:30
16:00 - 16:30 04:25
16:30 - 20:00 Mo Chit - Samrong 02:40
Full Line 05:20
20:00 - 21:00 04:25
21:00 - 22:00 06:00
22:00 - 24:00 08:00
Saturday to Sunday and Public Holiday
06:00 - 08:00 Full Line 07:00
08:00 - 11:00 05:55
11:00 - 21:00 Mo Chit - Samrong 04:30
Full Line 06:00
21:00 - 22:00 07:00
22:00 - 24:00 08:00

Route map

[edit]
[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ ""กรมการขนส่งทางราง" เผยวันศุกร์สิ้นเดือนสิงหาคม 67 มีผู้ใช้บริการรถไฟฟ้าสายฉลองรัชธรรม (สีม่วง) และรถไฟฟ้าสายสีแดง สูงสุดตั้งแต่เปิดให้บริการมา หลังมีนโยบายอัตราค่าโดยสารรถไฟฟ้าสูงสุด 20 บาทตลอดสาย". กรมการขนส่งทางราง กระทรวงคมนาคม (in Thai). 2024-08-31. Retrieved 2024-09-04.
  2. ^ "Mass transit signalling". Bombardier Transportation. Archived from the original on 2022-01-01. Retrieved 2020-06-16.
  3. ^ "Bombardier Projects in Mass-transit signalling" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2021-11-23.
  4. ^ "รถไฟฟ้าบีทีเอส (BTS Skytrain)".
  5. ^ "Smart EIA Plus : รายละเอียดรายงาน". eia.onep.go.th. Retrieved 2024-09-26.
  6. ^ Groundbreaking starts on new BTS extension, Daily News, 15 August 2006
  7. ^ BTS extension budget cut, Bangkok Post, 15 December 2006
  8. ^ "Ch Karnchang gets Phase 2 of Bearing-Samut Prakan route" The Nation, 13 April 2013
  9. ^ "BMA to postpone test run of Bearing-Samrong skytrain". Bangkok Post. Retrieved 2016-11-22.
  10. ^ Sasiwan Mokkhasen (2017-01-31). "Green Line Going Nowhere for at Least Two Years". Khaosod English. Retrieved 2017-02-25.
  11. ^ Asaree Thaitrakulpanich (2017-02-24). "First Station of Stalled BTS Green Line to Open April 1". Khaosod English. Retrieved 2017-02-25.
  12. ^ "MRTA pushes to fast-track launch of South Green Line". Bangkok Post. 1 December 2017.
  13. ^ "Invitation to tender the MRT green line (north) project" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 2014-07-14.
  14. ^ "รฟม.ปรับทีโออาร์หมอชิต-คูคต กลางปี59 เปิดให้บริการสายสีม่วง". Prachachat News. 26 May 2014.
  15. ^ "ข่าวรอบวัน". ประชาชาติธุรกิจ.
  16. ^ "5กลุ่มบริษัทผ่านคุณสมบัติสร้างรถไฟสีเขียว คาดหาผู้รับเหมาได้ไม่เกินต้นปี58 : มติชนออนไลน์". Archived from the original on 2016-03-04. Retrieved 2014-10-08.
  17. ^ "รฟม.เซ็นสัญญารถไฟฟ้าสายสีเขียวเหนือ เริ่มสร้างมิ.ย 58 คาดเปิดใช้ต้นปี".
  18. ^ "ผู้จัดการออนไลน์ รวดเร็ว สด ทุกเหตุการณ์".
  19. ^ "ความก้าวหน้าการก่อสร้างรถไฟฟ้า ณ 31 ธันวาคม 2560" [Progress of electric train construction as of 31 December 2017] (in Thai). MRTA Press. 16 January 2018. Archived from the original on 2021-08-28.
  20. ^ a b "ความก้าวหน้าการก่อสร้างรถไฟฟ้า ณ 30 เมษายน 2561" [Progress of electric train construction as of 30 April 2018]. MRTA Press (in Thai). 30 April 2018. Archived from the original on 2019-12-08.
  21. ^ "การรถไฟฟ้าขนส่งมวลชนแห่งประเทศไทย on Facebook". Facebook. Archived from the original on 2022-04-30.MRTA Press[user-generated source]
  22. ^ "BTS tests Green Line trains at seven new stations before public opening at year-end". The Nation. 7 October 2020. Archived from the original on 19 August 2013. Retrieved 17 February 2022.
  23. ^ "นับถอยหลัง 4 ธ.ค. 63 รถไฟฟ้า BTS สายสีเขียว เปิดทุกสถานี เชื่อม 3 จังหวัด". TNN Thailand. 17 November 2020.
  24. ^ "รถไฟฟ้า BTS-MRT ปิดให้บริการ 3 ทุ่มตั้งแต่คืนนี้ เปิด 6". ryt9.com (in Thai). Retrieved 2024-09-12.
  25. ^ "รถไฟฟ้า BTS-MRT ปรับเวลาเดินรถใหม่ 06.00-23.00 น. ตั้งแต่ 28". ryt9.com (in Thai). Retrieved 2024-09-12.
  26. ^ "บีทีเอสปรับเดินรถสายสุขุมวิท วิ่งถึงสถานีเคหะฯ ไม่ต้องเปลี่ยนขบวน". THAIRATH Money. Retrieved 2024-09-27.
  27. ^ "ความเคลื่อนไหวก่อนชุมนุม 17 ตุลา". Thai PBS (in Thai). Retrieved 2024-09-12.
  28. ^ "รถไฟฟ้าMRT ปิด 5 สถานี ส่วน BTS ปิด10 สถานี จนกว่าสถานการณ์คลี่คลาย". www.thairath.co.th (in Thai). 2020-10-18. Retrieved 2024-09-12.
  29. ^ Charuvastra, Teeranai (2019-04-10). "Construction of Sathorn BTS 'Ghost Station' Underway". Khaosod English. Retrieved 2020-03-25.
  30. ^ "เวลาและความถี่การเดินรถ". www.bts.co.th. Retrieved 2024-11-16.