Purple Line (Bangkok)
Rapid transit line in Bangkok, Thailand From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The MRT Purple line (Thai: รถไฟฟ้ามหานคร สายสีม่วง) or MRT Chalong Ratchadham line (Thai: รถไฟฟ้ามหานคร สายฉลองรัชธรรม) is Bangkok's fifth rapid transit line, following the Sukhumvit Line, Silom Line, Blue Line, and Airport Rail Link. The line is 23 km (14 mi) long,[2] serving the north-western area of Bangkok running from Tao Poon to Khlong Bang Phai in Nonthaburi Province.
| MRT Purple Line | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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_Purple_logo.svg){kind=logo} | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
.jpg) J-TREC sustina trainset | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Overview | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other name(s) | MRT Chalong Ratchadham Line | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Native name | สายสีม่วง สายฉลองรัชธรรม | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Owner | Mass Rapid Transit Authority | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Locale | Nonthaburi Province and Bangkok | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Termini |
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| Stations | Total : 33 stations 16 (operational) 17 (under construction) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Color on map | Purple | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Service | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Type | Rapid transit | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| System | MRT | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operator(s) | Bangkok Expressway and Metro | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Depot(s) | Khlong Bang Phai Kru Nai (under construction) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rolling stock | J-TREC Sustina S24-EMU : 21 three-car trainsets | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Daily ridership | 66,935 (๋2024) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| History | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Commenced | 10 November 2009 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Opened | 6 August 2016 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Technical | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Line length | Total :43.70 km (27.15 mi) 20.92 km (13.00 mi) (operational) 22.78 km (14.15 mi) (under construction) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Number of tracks | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Character | Elevated: 30.63 km (19.03 mi) Underground : 13.07 km (8.12 mi) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Electrification | 750 V DC third rail | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Operating speed | 80 km/h (50 mph) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Signalling | Bombardier CITYFLO 650 moving block CBTC ATC under ATO GoA 2 (STO), with subsystems of ATP, ATS and CBI[1] | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The Northern section of the line opened on 6 August 2016, with travel between Khlong Bang Phai and Tao Poon.[3][2] It is the second line of MRT system and is operated by BEM under a concession contract. Daily ridership is 70,000.[4][5]
A 23.63 km (14.68 mi), 17 station Southern extension of the line between Tao Poon and Kru Nai consisting of a 14.3 km (8.89 mi) underground section and a 9.3 km (5.78 mi) elevated section [6] commenced construction in August 2022. As of April 2025, construction has progressed to 53.4% completion with an expected opening date of 2028.[7]
Route alignment
 |
The Purple line starts from Khlong Bang Phai station in Bang Bua Thong District. The line travels south along Kanchanaphisek Road before turning eastward near Central WestGate, onto Rattanathibet Road. It continues along Rattanathibet Road, passing through a large residential area in Bang Yai District and crosses the Chao Phraya River on a bridge parallel to the Phra Nang Klao Bridge and runs towards Nonthaburi Civic Center station. The line then turns southward onto Tiwanon Road, passing the Ministry of Public Health and turns southeast onto Krung Thep-Nonthaburi Road, entering Yaek Tiwanon station. The line then enters Bangkok city limits at Bang Sue district and passes Bang Son station before terminating at the upper platforms of Tao Poon station, with a total length of 23 kilometres (14.29 mi), serving 16 stations.
History
Officially named the Chalong Ratchadham Line (Thai: สายฉลองรัชธรรม) – "To Celebrate the Great King's Reign with Righteousness"[8] – but informally known as the "Purple Line", the rapid transit line provides a north–western corridor in Bangkok's Mass Rapid Transit Master Plan. The line also incorporated an extension of the Blue Line from nearby Bang Sue station to Tao Poon Station.
In the 1990s, the plan for the Purple Line was to run from Bang Phut to Bang Sue for 12 kilometres (7.5 mi), with an extension to Thewet for 6.7 kilometers (4.2 mi).[9]
This line was created from the adjustment of the 1994 mass transit rail system master plan, which connected the original extension of the Blue Line from Tao Poon to Bang Yai, while the original Purple Line would have run from the National Library to Tao Poon and the original Orange Line from Samsen (National Library) to Rat Burana, becoming a new line designated as the Purple Line, included in the master plan of the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) for the first time in 2004. Five years later, the line's construction began.
Northern section
Summarize
Perspective
Construction was divided into six contracts, three of them for civil works. The contracts were signed from late 2009 to early 2010 and completion was originally scheduled for the end of 2014.[10][11][12][13] The third contract included construction of four park and ride buildings at the Khlong Bang Phai, Sam Yaek Bang Yai, Bang Rak Noi Tha It, and Yaek Nonthaburi 1 stations. On 31 March 2017, the fifth contract was effectively terminated and became part of a new Blue Line concession agreement.[14][15]
The 2011 Thailand floods delayed the construction of the line for nearly one year. In June 2013, five people were injured when six beams fell onto vehicles below Tao Poon station.[16] In July 2014, the civil work was 94 percent complete;[17][18] in October 2014, civil work was stated to be 99% complete.[19]
The line opened on 6 August 2016, when His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej graciously appointed Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn to represent him in presiding over the opening ceremony and officially pressing the button to open the electric train system.[3][20] However, the MRT Blue Line extension to Tao poon was delayed, so when it opened the Purple Line couldn't interchange with the Blue line as planned. This resulted in low line usage. Even with a reduced fare, the line only attracted about 22,000 passengers daily compared to a goal of 100,000. A shuttle bus service was in operation between Tao Poon MRT station and Bang Sue MRT station to connect with the Blue Line.[21] When the Blue line extension finally opened a year later, on 11 August 2017,[22][23] ridership significantly increased. In 2019, daily ridership was 70,000.[4][5]
Construction contracts
| Contract | Notes | Contractor(s) | Length (km) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Phra Nang Klao Bridge to Tao Poon | CKTC Joint Venture[10] | 13 |
| 2 | Khlong Bang Phai to Phra Nang Klao Bridge | Sino-Thai Engineering & Construction[11] | 10.75 |
| 3 | Khlong Bang Phai Depot and Park & Ride buildings | PAR Joint Venture[12] | |
| 4 | Purple Line Rolling stocks and O&M | Bangkok Expressway and Metro[24][25][26][27][28] | |
| 5 | Bang Sue to Tao Poon section and O&M (MRT Blue Line) | ||
| 6 | Track and Electrical | Italian-Thai Development[29][30] |
Southern section
Summarize
Perspective
As the northern section of the Purple line was built first, the second phase of the Purple Line south from Tao Poon via Rattanakosin - Bangkok's old town to Rat Burana would fully complete the line. The length of the southern extension is 23.63 km (14.68 mi) (14.29 km (8.88 mi) underground, 9.34 km (5.80 mi) elevated with 17 stations - ten underground and seven elevated).[6] The initial cost of the southern extension is 82 billion baht and with a planned opening by the end of 2027.[31]
The Thai Cabinet was expected to approve the tender in mid 2017 with a tender then to be issued in the second half of 2017.[32] On 25 July 2017, Cabinet approval was given,[33][34] but the tender was then delayed until 2018.[35][36] By December 2018, a tender had still not been issued and was further delayed.[37] In August 2019, subject to final land acquisition, a March 2020 tender was planned.[38] In mid 2020, the Ministry of Transport still aimed for a tendering process within 2020 despite COVID-19 related delays.[39] The MRTA then expected to issue a tender in February 2021.[40] and if construction had begun in 2021, the extension was projected to enter service sometime in 2027.[41] However, the tender was delayed yet again and subsequently cancelled in August 2021 until it was finally issued in November 2021.[42]
Construction contracts were signed on 11 March 2022 with a 2005 construction period for an ambitious planned 2027 opening date.[43]
Construction progress
Contactors were issued with a Notice to Proceed on 25 April 2022 giving them access to sites along the route with actual construction planned to begin from August 2022.[44] Construction began in early August for two contract sections, 3 & 4.[45] Some 410 lots and 500 buildings will need to be appropriated to build the extension and as of May 2022 many of them were still to be surveyed.[31]
Construction progress was at 3.45% complete at the end of September 2022.[46] By the end of November 2022, construction progress was at 4.30%. [47] At the end of February 2023, construction had progressed to 7.73%.[48]
By the end of May 2023, construction had progressed to 11.50%. [49]
As of December 2024, construction has progressed to 46.3% completion.[50]
As of April 2025, construction has progressed to 53.4% completion with an expected opening date of 2028.[51]
Construction contracts
| Contract | Notes | Contractor(s) | Length (km) |
Progress (March 2025) |
Cost[52] |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Tao Poon to National Library | CKST Joint Venture | 4.8 | 69.94% | ฿19,430 million |
| 2 | National Library to Phan Fah | 3.44 | 59.60% | ฿15,878 million | |
| 3 | Phan Fah to Memorial Bridge | ITD-NWR Joint Venture | 3.1 | 48.24% | ฿15,109 million |
| 4 | Memorial Bridge to Dao Khanong | Unique Construction and Engineering | 4.1 | 53.06% | ฿14,982 million |
| 5 | Dao Khanong to Kru Nai & Depot | Italian-Thai Development | 9 | 30.24% | ฿19,904 million |
| 6 | Track and Electrical | 39.59% | ฿3,589 million | ||
| 7 | Rolling stock | TBA | TBA | ||
| Total Progress | 53.48%[53] | ฿82,083 million | |||
Stations
Summarize
Perspective
| Code | Station Name | Image | Opened | Platform Type | Position | Park & Ride |
Transfer | Notes | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| English | Thai | ||||||||
| Khlong Bang Phai - Tao Poon: 20.92 km (operational) | |||||||||
| PP01 | Khlong Bang Phai | คลองบางไผ่ |  |
6 August 2016 | Island | Elevated | √ | Exit to: • Khlong Bang Phai Depot • DHL Supply Chain & Distribution | |
| PP02 | Talad Bang Yai | ตลาดบางใหญ่ |  |
Island | - | Exit to: • Big C Extra Bangyai • The Square Bang Yai • Kasemrad International Hospital Ratthanatibeth • Home Pro Rattanathibet • Big C Supercenter Rattanathibet 1 • Decathlon Bangyai • Index Living Mall Bang Yai • Central Westgate • IKEA Bangyai • Bang Yai Market | |||
| PP03 | Sam Yaek Bang Yai | สามแยกบางใหญ่ |  |
Island | √ | ||||
| PP04 | Bang Phlu | บางพลู | .jpg) |
Island | - | Exit to Megahome Rattanathibet | |||
| PP05 | Bang Rak Yai | บางรักใหญ่ |  |
Island | - | Exit to Wat Bang Rak Yai | |||
| PP06 | Bang Rak Noi Tha It | บางรักน้อย-ท่าอิฐ |  |
Island | √ | Proposed connecting station to BTS (future) | |||
| PP07 | Sai Ma | ไทรม้า |  |
Island | - | ||||
| PP08 | Phra Nang Klao Bridge | สะพานพระนั่งเกล้า |  |
Island | - | Connecting station, without paid-area integration to Phra Nang Klao pier for • Mine Smart Ferry • CHAOPHRAYA EXPRESS |
Exit to: • Wat Noi Nok • Wat Chaeng Sirisamphan • Tonsak Market • Rajamangala University of Technology Suvarnabhumi - Nonthaburi Campus - North Area | ||
| PP09 | Yaek Nonthaburi 1 | แยกนนทบุรี 1 |  |
Island | √ | Exit to: • Central Rattanathibet • Owl Market | |||
| PP10 | Bang Krasor | บางกระสอ |  |
Island | - | Exit to: • Big C Supercenter Rattanathibet 2 • Grand Richmond Stylish Convention Hotel Formerly Si Phon Sawan | |||
| PP11 | Nonthaburi Civic Center | ศูนย์ราชการนนทบุรี |  |
Island | - | Connecting station, without paid-area integration, to • MRT , via a 350-metre elevated pedestrian walkway. • MRT (future) |
Exit to: • National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission • Nonthaburi Civic Center • Esplanade Cineplex Ngamwongwan – Khae Rai • Siam Business Administration Nonthaburi Technological College • Makut Rommayasaran Park | ||
| PP12 | Ministry of Public Health | กระทรวงสาธารณสุข |  |
Island | - | Exit to: • Ministry of Public Health • Srithanya Hospital • Regional Revenue Office 4 | |||
| PP13 | Yaek Tiwanon | แยกติวานนท์ |  |
Island | - | ||||
| PP14 | Wong Sawang | วงศ์สว่าง |  |
Island | - | Exit to Big C Market Place Wong Sawang | |||
| PP15 | Bang Son | บางซ่อน |  |
Island | - | Connecting station, without paid-area integration, to • SRT • SRT Southern Line |
Exit to Bang Son Market | ||
| PP16 | Tao Poon | เตาปูน | .jpg) |
Island | - | Interchange station to MRT | Exit to: • Tao Poon Market • Lotus's Prachachuen | ||
| Tao Poon - Kru Nai: 22.78 km (under construction) | |||||||||
| PP17 | Parliament House | รัฐสภา | - | 2029 (expected) |
Island | Underground | - | Exit to: • Thai Parliament • Defence Industrial Department • 4th Armoured Regiment, 1st Division King's Royal Guard • Air Defence Division • Wat Mai Thongsen • Wat Kaew Fah Chulamanee | |
| PP18 | Sri Yan | ศรีย่าน | - | Stacked | - | Exit to: • Supreme Complex • Makro Samsen • Royal Irrigation Department • Medium Irrigation Water Resources Development Division • Wimol Sriyan Commercial College | |||
| PP19 | Vajira Hospital | วชิรพยาบาล | - | Stacked | - | Exit to: • Vajira Hospital • Sukhothai Palace • Market Place Dusit • Suan Dusit University • Saint Gabriel's College | |||
| PP20 | National Library | หอสมุดแห่งชาติ | - | Side | - | Exit to: • Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University • National Library of Thailand • Rajamangala University of Technology Phra Nakhon | |||
| PP21 | Bang Khun Phrom | บางขุนพรหม | - | Stacked | - | Exit to: • Bank of Thailand • Bank of Thailand Museum • Bang Khun Phrom Palace • Wat Sam Phraya | |||
| PP22 | Democracy Monument | อนุสาวรีย์ประชาธิปไตย | - | Stacked | - | Interchange station to MRT (under construction) | Exit to: • Mahakan fort • Rattanakosin Exhibition Hall • Queen Sirikit Gallery • Royal Pavilion Mahajetsadabadin • Wat Saket Formerly Phan Fa | ||
| PP23 | Sam Yot | สามยอด | .jpg) |
Island | - | Interchange station to MRT | Exit to: • Giant Swing (including Wat Suthat and Wat Dev Mandir) • Khlong Ong Ang • Mega Plaza Saphan Lek • Phahurat • Rommaninat Park • The Old Siam Plaza | ||
| PP24 | Memorial Bridge | สะพานพุทธฯ | - | Island | - | Proposed connecting station to Prachathipok station for MRL | Exit to: • Suksanari School • Wat Prayurawongsawat Worawihan • Wat Phitchaya Yatikaram Worawihan • Wat Anongkharam Worawihan • Nan Ah Hospital • Big C Supercenter Itsaraphap | ||
| PP25 | Wongwian Yai | วงเวียนใหญ่ | - | Island | - | Connecting station, without paid-area integration to • BTS via 270-metre underground walkway • SRT via 120-metre covered walkway (future) |
Exit to: • Wongwian Yai Market • Wongwian Yai | ||
| PP26 | Somdech Phra Pinklao Hospital | โรงพยาบาลสมเด็จพระปิ่นเกล้า | - | Island | - | Exit to: • Somdech Phra Pinklao Hospital • Samre Market Formerly Samre | |||
| PP27 | Dao Khanong | ดาวคะนอง | - | Side | Elevated | - | Exit to: • Big C Supercenter Dao Khanong • Wat Mongkhon Wararam | ||
| PP28 | Bang Pakaeo | บางปะแก้ว | - | Side | - | ||||
| PP29 | Bang Pakok | บางปะกอก | - | Side | √ | Exit to: • Wat Bang Pakok • Bang Pakok Wittayakom School • Bangpakok 1 Hospital • Bang Pakok Fresh Market • Lotus's Bangpakok | |||
| PP30 | Yaek Pracha Uthit | แยกประชาอุทิศ | - | Side | - | Exit to: • Bangkok Employment Office Area 2 • Han Clan Foundation of Thailand • Wat Sarod School • Wat Sarod Formerly Rama 9 Bridge | |||
| PP31 | Rat Burana | ราษฎร์บูรณะ | - | Side | √ | ||||
| PP32 | Phra Pradaeng | พระประแดง | - | Side | - | Exit to: • Phra Pradaeng Arcade Market • HomePro Suk Sawat • Big C Supercenter Suksawat • Thaiwatsadu Suk Sawat | |||
| PP33 | Khru Nai | ครุใน | - | Side | - | Exit to Wat Kru Nai | |||
Infrastructure
Summarize
Perspective
Depot
The Khlong Bang Phai Depot serves as the main maintenance facility for the entire MRT Purple Line. It is located on Kanchanaphisek Road, near Khlong Bang Phai Station. Additionally, the Kru Nai stabling yard is currently under construction as part of the Purple Line Southern Section project. It is located near the southern section of Kanchanaphisek Road in Phra Pradaeng District, Samut Prakan Province.
Park & Ride
There are currently four Park & Ride facilities along the MRT Purple Line, located at Khlong Bang Phai, Sam Yaek Bang Yai, Bang Rak Noi Tha It, and Yaek Nonthaburi 1 stations. Two additional facilities are under construction at Bang Pakok and Rat Burana stations as part of the Purple Line Southern Section project.
Station
The MRT Purple Line comprises 33 stations, with 16 currently in operation since 2016—all of which are elevated. The remaining 17 stations are under construction and expected to be completed by 2029, consisting of 10 underground and 7 elevated stations.
Station structures on the MRT Purple Line North Section range from 300 to 400 meters in length and approximately 18 meters in width. In the Southern Section, underground stations typically measure 250 meters in length and 20 meters in width, while elevated stations are 153 meters long and 25 meters wide. All stations are designed to accommodate a maximum of six cars per train. Elevated stations are equipped with half-height platform screen doors, while underground stations will be fitted with full-height platform screen doors. In addition, the entrances to the stations are designed to be about one meter above ground level, taking into account the highest recorded flood levels in Bangkok to prepare for potential future flooding events.
Rolling stock
In November 2013, BEM contracted with Marubeni Corp, Toshiba Corp, and East Japan Railway Company to install E&S systems, supply 21 three-car trains (total of 63 cars) rolling stock, and provide maintenance for 10 years as part of a contract worth 12.6 billion baht.[54] East Japan Railway train manufacturing subsidiary J-TREC built them in Yokohama with the first sets delivered in early 2016.[55] The trains are owned by the MRTA which paid for the rolling stock at BEMs request.[38] The southern extension will acquire 17 additional trains, along with the current ones, to create a total of 38 trains.
In total, line is service by 21 three-car trains.[8] Trains are powered by 750 V DC via third rail system, are air-conditioned and capable of traveling at up to 80 km/h (50 mph).
MRT Purple Line train entering a station.
Purple Line train spotted near Central Westgate.
Interior of a train.
Interior of a train.
Dynamic route map
Platform Level at Bang Phlu station
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Signaling system
Bombardier Cityflo 650 signaling system has been implemented for the MRT Purple Line project. This communication-based train control (CBTC) system supports automatic train operation (ATO), allowing for efficient and safe control of train movements. It enables real-time train monitoring, optimizing operations and minimizing delays while prioritizing passenger safety. Additionally, the system ensures a minimum headway of just 90 seconds.[56]
Operation
Summarize
Perspective
Service hour
The line operates with varying schedules across stations. The first train departs from Khlong Bang Phai station at 5:30 AM and from Tao Poon station at 6:00 AM. The frequency of train services depends on the time of day and passenger volume. The service hours are determined by the departure time of the last train heading to Khlong Bang Phai station. For example, when the last train departs from Tao Poon station at 11:24 PM, that marks the closing time for all stations, with the final closure occurring at Talad Bang Yai Station.
Headways
| MRT Purple Line headway[57] | |
|---|---|
| Time | Headway (Minutes:Seconds) |
| Monday - Friday | |
| 05.30 - 06.30 | 07:12 |
| 06:30 - 08:30 | 04:50 |
| 08:30 - 09:30 | 06:25 |
| 09:30 - 17:00 | 08:30 |
| 17:00 - 20:00 | 04:50 |
| 20:00 - 21:00 | 06:25 |
| 21:00 - 24:00 | 09:30 |
| Saturday to Sunday and Public Holiday | |
| 06:00 - 24:00 | 09:30 |
Ridership
When the Purple line first opened daily ridership was only 22,000 compared to projected numbers of 100,000.[58] After the opening of the Blue Line extension to Tao Poon 1 year later in August 2017, daily average ridership increased significantly from 33,000 to 50,000.[59]
In August 2018, the MRTA Deputy Governor stated that daily ridership had increased to 60,000 each weekday.[60] By late 2019, this had increased to 70,000.[4] In 2023 the purple line saw an average of 50385 passengers per day. [61]
On 16 October 2023, MRT Purple Line began using the new fare rates of 14 to 20 baht (down from 16 to 42 baht) after the '20 Baht Transit Max Fares Policy' was approved by the Thai government.[62]
From 25 January to 31 January 2025, Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra has implemented a policy of free public transportation in Bangkok for one week. This measure aims to address the worsening air pollution caused by surging dust levels across all districts of the capital.[63]
| MRT Purple Line Ridership[64] | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year | Quarter | Quarterly Ridership | Daily Ridership | Annual Ridership | Remarks |
| 2016 | Q1 | 3,074,389 | |||
| Q2 | |||||
| Q3 | 1,161,989 | 20,731 | PP01 Khlong Bang Phai - PP16 Tao Poon section opened on 6 August 2016. | ||
| Q4 | 1,912,400 | 20,796 | |||
| 2017 | Q1 | 1,969,874 | 21,888 | 11,626,990 | |
| Q2 | 2,196,900 | 24,142 | |||
| Q3 | 3,437,488 | 37,364 | BL10 Tao Poon - BL11 Bang Sue section on MRT Blue Line opened on 11 August 2017. | ||
| Q4 | 4,022,728 | 44,206 | |||
| 2018 | Q1 | 4,005,632 | 44,508 | 17,644,588 | |
| Q2 | 4,120,533 | 45,281 | |||
| Q3 | 4,791,613 | 52,083 | |||
| Q4 | 4,726,810 | 51,379 | |||
| 2019 | Q1 | 4,699,831 | 52,221 | 19,726,225 | |
| Q2 | 4,665,231 | 52,419 | |||
| Q3 | 5,298,016 | 57,588 | |||
| Q4 | 5,063,147 | 55,035 | |||
| 2020 | Q1 | 4,719,549 | 51,863 | 16,836,638 | 1st wave of COVID-19 outbreaks (January 2020 - May 2020) |
| Q2 | 2,208,015 | 24,264 | |||
| Q3 | 4,840,866 | 52,619 | |||
| Q4 | 5,068,208 | 55,089 | 2nd wave of COVID-19 outbreaks (December 2020 - February 2021) | ||
| 2021 | Q1 | 3,475,384 | 38,615 | 9,841,934 | |
| Q2 | 1,993,392 | 21,668 | 3rd wave of COVID-19 outbreaks (April 2021 - June 2021) | ||
| Q3 | 1,417,404 | 15,407 | 4th wave of COVID-19 outbreaks (July 2021 - early 2022) | ||
| Q4 | 2,955,754 | 32,128 | |||
| 2022 | Q1 | 2,946,430 | 32,739 | 16,450,757 | |
| Q2 | 3,569,128 | 39,222 | |||
| Q3 | 4,691,107 | 50,991 | |||
| Q4 | 5,244,092 | 57,001 | |||
| 2023 | Q1 | 5,122,816 | 56,921 | 21,508,224 | |
| Q2 | 4,897,809 | 53,823 | |||
| Q3 | 5,623,257 | 61,123 | |||
| Q4 | 5,864,342 | 63,742 | Began using 14-20 Baht fare rates from 16 October 2023.[62] | ||
| 2024 | Q1 | 6,005,239 | 65,992 | 24,675,599 | |
| Q2 | 5,718,198 | 62,837 | |||
| Q3 | 6,628,438 | 72,049 | |||
| Q4 | 6,323,724 | 68,737 | |||
| 2025 | Q1 | 6,295,927 | 69,622 | 6,295,927 | Free public transportation policy was implemented between 25 to 31 January 2025.[63] Train services were temporarily suspended due to 2025 Myanmar Earthquake on 28 March 2025.[65] |
Fares
MRT Purple Line fare is calculated based on the travel distance between the origin and destination stations. Previously, fares ranged from 14 to 42 baht, with a maximum of 70 baht when transferring to the MRT Blue Line. Following the introduction of the 20-baht fare policy in October 2023, fares were reduced to a range of 14 to 20 baht, with a new maximum of 51 baht when transferring to the Blue Line. Discounted fares are available for children under 14 and senior citizens, starting at 7 baht and capping at 36 baht with a Blue Line transfer. Student fares now start at 13 baht and go up to 48 baht when including a transfer to the Blue Line.
Starting from 30 November 2023, passengers using a Credit/Debit card, Visa, or Mastercard will receive a 20 baht discount when transferring to the Light Red Line, capping the maximum fare between the two lines at 20 baht.[66] In 2024, passengers will also receive a 15 baht discount when transferring from the Purple Line to the Pink Line, and a 14 baht discount when transferring in the opposite direction. Senior citizens are eligible for an 8 baht discount when transferring from the Purple Line to the Pink Line, and a 7 baht discount when transferring from the Pink Line to the Purple Line. Students will receive a 15 baht discount when transferring from the Purple Line to the Pink Line, and a 13 baht discount when transferring from the Pink Line to the Purple Line.[67]
Incidents
2025 Myanmar Earthquake
On March 28, a 7.7-magnitude earthquake in Myanmar struck Bangkok, leading to the temporary suspension of all train services to ensure readiness for resumption and to prepare for potential aftershocks. The line resumed normal service on the next day.[68]
Route map
Network map
Gallery
Construction site of Khlong Bang Phai depot during 2011 Thailand floods.
Talad Bang Yai station platform
MRT Purple Line under construction in 2013.
View of Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal from the Purple Line platform at Tao Poon station
Aerial view of MRT Purple Line near Phra Nangklao Bridge.
Purple Line train approaching Wong Sawang station.
Khlong Bang Phai depot.
Purple Line train at Tao Poon station.
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See also
- Mass Rapid Transit Master Plan in Bangkok Metropolitan Region
- Bangkok Metro
- MRT Blue Line
- MRT Brown Line
- MRT Grey Line
- MRT Light Blue Line
- MRT Orange Line
- MRT Pink Line
- MRT Yellow Line
- BTS Skytrain
- Sukhumvit Line
- Silom Line
- Airport Rail Link (Bangkok)
- SRT Dark Red Line
- SRT Light Red Line
- Bangkok BRT
- BMA Gold Line
- BMA Bang Na-Airport Line
References
External links
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