The Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) has started looking for a private sector partner to develop its $6 billion extension to the Orange Line of the Bangkok Metro. A 40-kilometer line is planned to be constructed, divided into a western section and an eastern section. The MRTA's tender is for the western element, which will extend from Bang Khun Non, a subway station on the Blue Line in central Bangkok, to the eastern suburbs of Suwinthawong.

The project will involve 27 kilometers of tunnels and 8.9 kilometers of elevated track. The entire line will have 28 stations, 21 of which will be underground. According to the tender documents, the public sector will be responsible for land acquisition and private sector partners will fund, design and build the line in exchange for $2.8 billion in subsidies and a 30-year concession to operate the line.

Currently, the Bangkok Metro consists of two lines, with three more lines being planned. The eastern section of the Orange Line is currently under construction and is expected to begin operations in 2024. The document requires that at least 35 percent of the bidder's shares be held by a Thai company. The deadline for submitting responses is July 27.Editor/XingWentao