Bangkok transportation project wins Japanese support

Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) has signed an Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) loan agreement for ¥62,442mn (approximately US$613, 900) to support  the expansion of Bangkok's metro system to relieve traffic congestion in the capital city.

The loan is the first of its kind to be granted to a new project in Thailand in the last six years. The funds are being granted to the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) finance its Bangkok Mass Transit System project (Purple Line). Designed to meet the growing demand for passenger transport, the project will involve the construction of a new train line which will connect Bang Sue in Bang Sue in Bangkok and Bang Yai in the neighbouring Nonthaburi Province. Most of the line was originally planned to be constructed as an elevated structure in the suburban area, will the centrally located sections will be built underground.

Loan proceeds will be used for civil works on the elevated tracks, stations, and train depot, as well as consulting services.