The schedule and duration for test runs on the Purple Line from Bangkok to Nonthaburi will be shortened so that the new electric railway can start public service next March, Transport Minister Prajin Juntong said on Monday.
The government asked Japan to deliver trains for the link so that test runs could start this December instead of mid-2016. The test period would also be shortened from six to four months so that the Purple Line would start operation by late March next year, ACM Prajin said.
The 60-billion-baht Purple Line is an extension route of the existing Bangkok subway, the Blue Line, which runs 21km from Hua Lamphong to Bang Sue.
The new elevated Purple Line will extend the service a further 23km with 16 stations between Bang Sue district in Bangkok and Bang Yai district of Nonthaburi in the northwest of the capital.