Bangkok's second major mass transit project is on schedule for it's first test run on April 13, 2004, in preparation of the official opening on Her Majesty the Queen of Thailand's Birthday on 12 August 2004.
The new Bangkok underground metro or subway rail system will run from Thailand's capitol main railway station, Hua Lamphong station, under two major traffic hubs, linking to the Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre and several shopping and business centers in the City.
Thailand's new subway route will be 20 kilometers long, serving 18 stations and three interchange connections with the Skytrain or BTS. More BTS interchange stations are planned after the proposed line extensions of Bangkok's Skytrain will be completed.
Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) Governor, Khun Juthamas Siriwan said, "The new subway or metro will supplement the existing Bangkok Skytrain mass transportation system that is nowadays already playing a major role in helping tourists, business people and convention delegates get easily around Bangkok. The capitol of Thailand, Bangkok, is known as an exciting, vibrant city and these new modern transit systems will make it even more interesting to visit. The underground subway system will make a important contribution to increase the visiting tourists length of stay and daily expenditure budget."
This new subway system is one of a number of planned infrastructure and transportation projects underway in Bangkok and nationwide in the Kingdom of Thailand. Other planned projects include an extension of all the highway networks in many provinces of Thailand, improved seaport facilities and the construction of the New Bangkok International Airport or Suvarnabhumi Airport.
The foundation stone of the subway was laid at Bangkok's Hua Lamphong train station in November 1996, and construction began in the year 1997. Bangkok's subway will be operated by private investors on a 25-year concession given by the Mass Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA).
Safety measurements have been a primary consideration in the construction of the underground subway in Bangkok. Most of the materials used for the construction of the metro stations are non-combustible and non-flammable, with the exception of some minor cases where such materials could not be used. However, all materiel used for building the Bangkok underground are non-toxic.
The highest international standards have also been used in building safety evacuation routes and accident prevention systems. The subway line is equipped with the latest fire alarms, fire fighting systems, ventilation fans, under platform extraction fans, emergency escapes, air purification systems and modern communication technology to allow the use of mobile phones in all underground subway stations.
Khun Juthamas further said, "The government and the TAT is confident that the Bangkok subway will make a valuable contribution towards improving the overall quality of experience for tourists visiting Bangkok and make Thailand the "Tourism Capital of Asia."
