The Bangkok Purple Line project has made significant progress, with tunnel drilling now reaching over 2 kilometers and close to breaking through Sriyan Station. Recently, the third drilling head was installed, poised to advance towards the next major stops: National Library and Democracy Monument Stations.
The tunnel work is part of the Purple Line (South) extension from Tao Poon to Rat Burana along the Kanchanaphisek Ring Road, managed by the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA). The CKST-PL joint venture, led by Ch. Karnchang Public Company Limited and Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction Company, is responsible for Contracts 1 and 2, which span a combined 7.2 km across six stations. The first drill head, which commenced drilling southward from the Royal Thai Army Ordnance Department in April 2024, has already reached Bang Krabue Intersection, covering about 1.1 km of the anticipated 5.89 km route. The remaining distance is expected to be completed by January 2026.
The second drill head, which began operations in June 2024 northbound from the same location, has now completed 990 meters out of 3.49 km. Completion of this segment is targeted for June 2025. The newly installed third drill head will initiate work from National Library Station towards Democracy Monument by November, covering 2.4 km with a projected completion by October 2025.
This section of the Purple Line, measuring a total of 23.63 km with 14.29 km of underground routes, is currently about 40% complete and on schedule for its expected opening in late 2071. The project encompasses six major contracts and employs seven drilling heads, with work divided across four primary contracts dedicated to the tunnel infrastructure.
Representatives of the MRTA have confirmed that construction is progressing smoothly, with all three drilling heads functioning as planned. Local officials and the public eagerly anticipate this expanded infrastructure, which will significantly improve transportation connectivity across Bangkok and nearby areas.
