Friday, July 19, 2024 Bangkok Expressway and Metro Plc (BEM) is in the advanced stages of selecting suppliers for 51 new electric trains, which are expected to enhance public transportation on both the Orange and Blue Lines of the city’s metro system. The acquisition process is anticipated to conclude within the year, with delivery projected by 2027. The choice of suppliers for these electric trains is tipped to be between Siemens and Japan Transport Engineering Company (J-TREC), companies with which BEM has previously collaborated.
The decision on the supplier is crucial as it will determine the compatibility of new trains with existing systems and the necessity for additional parts. This selection is not just a procurement decision but a strategic one that affects operational continuity and efficiency. Of the total 51 trains, 30 are designated for the newly contracted western section of the Orange Line, with the remaining 21 trains set to bolster the fleet on the Blue Line.
This distribution aligns with BEM’s strategy to accommodate growing passenger numbers and to ensure efficient service across its network. BEM has recently inked a contract with the Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) to construct the western section of the Orange Line, following approval from the Cabinet. This new section, measuring 13.
4 kilometers and encompassing 11 underground stations, will extend from the Thai Cultural Centre to Bang Khunnon. Construction is poised to commence immediately, bolst.