The Elevated Train in Commemoration of HM the King's 6th Cycle Birthday 2nd line, also known as Silom Line, is one of the rapid transit lines of the BTS Skytrain System in Bangkok, Thailand.[4]The line runs eastward from National Stadium Station in Pathum Wan District over Rama I Road and interchanges with the Sukhumvit Line at Siam station, then turns southward, following Ratchadamri, Si Lom, Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra and Sathon Roads to Taksin Bridge where it crosses the Chao Phraya River to the Thonburi side of Bangkok and Wong Wian Yai. It continues west along the Ratchapruek Road before it terminates at Bang Wa Station in Phasi Charoen District.[5][6]

BTS Silom Line
สายสีลม
Overview
OwnerBangkok Metropolitan Administration
LocaleBangkok
Termini
Stations14 (operational)
14 (planned)
Color on map    Dark Green
Service
TypeRapid transit
SystemBTS Skytrain
Operator(s)Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited
Depot(s)Mo Chit Depot (shared with  BTS )
Khu Khot Depot (shared with  BTS )
Bang Wa Depot
Rolling stockSiemens Modular Metro
EMU-A1: 35 four-car trains
Siemens Bozankaya
EMU-A2: 22 four-car trains
CNR Changchun Railway Vehicles
EMU-B1: 12 four-car trains
CNR Changchun Railway Vehicles
EMU-B2: 5 four-car trains
CRRC Changchun Railway Vehicles
EMU-B3: 24 four-car trains
Daily ridership926,294 ( BTS  and  BTS )
30 August 2024[1]
History
Opened5 December 1999; 25 years ago (1999-12-05)
Last extension8 February 2021; 3 years ago (2021-02-08)
Technical
Line length13.09 km (8.13 mi)
CharacterFully elevated
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+12 in) standard gauge
Electrification750 V DC third rail
Operating speed80 km/h (50 mph)
SignallingFormer: Siemens Trainguard LZB700M fixed block ATC under ATO GoA 2 (STO)
Current: Bombardier CITYFLO 450 moving block CBTC ATC under ATO GoA 2 (STO), with subsystems of ATP, ATS and CBI[2][3]
Route map

National Stadium
 BTS  (Up arrow Khu Khot – Kheha Down arrow)
Siam
Ratchadamri
 MRT : Si Lom (Left arrow Lak Song – Tha Phra (via Bang Sue) Right arrow)
Sala Daeng
Chong Nonsi
Saint Louis
Surasak
Si Rat Expressway
Saphan Taksin
Chao Phraya River
Krung Thonburi  BTS 
 SRT  (planned): (Hua Lamphong Up arrow)
 MRT  (planned): (Left arrow Khlong Bang Phai – Rat Burana Right arrow)
Wongwian Yai
Pho Nimit
Talat Phlu
SRT Maeklong Railway ( SRT  planned): (Maha Chai Down arrow)
Wutthakat
Bang Wa
 MRT : (Left arrow Lak Song – Tha Phra (via Bang Sue) Right arrow)
Light Depot

The line was first opened on 5 December 1999, along with the Sukhumvit. Both lines are operated by the Bangkok Mass Transit System Public Company Limited under a 30-year concession from the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. When it opened, the line ran from National Stadium to Saphan Taksin stations covering a total distance of 6.5 km (4.0 mi) with 7 stations. Sukhumvit Line is one of the main arteries of the Bangkok Mass Rapid Transit System with 900,000 daily passengers per day (combined with the Sukhumvit Line).

History

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Original plan

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The original route of the Silom line ran from BTS W2 station over Rama I Road, then turned right towards Ratchadamri and Si Lom roads. Instead of turning left at the Silom-Naradhiwas junction, the line went straight. After exiting BTS S4 station, the line turned left at the Surasak junction, then right at the Sathorn-Surasak junction, continuing for 500 meters and terminating at BTS S5 station. The depot for both lines was initially located at Lumphini Park. However, due to public backlash, it was relocated to the former site of the Northern Bus Terminal (also known as Mo Chit Bus Terminal) near Mo Chit station on the Sukhumvit Line. Several changes were made during the construction as follows:[7]

  • W2 station was removed from the plan
  • CEN station was moved from the west side of Chaloem Phao junction to the west side.
  • S2 station was changed from an island platform to side platforms
  • S3 station has been moved from the west side of the Silom-Naradhiwas junction on Si Lom road to the middle of Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Road, in front of Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra Soi 3.
  • S4 station has been moved from between Si Lom Soi 19 and Pramuan junction on Si Lom Road to the east side of the Embassy of Myanmar on Sathorn Road.
  • S4 station will be built at a later date
  • One station has been added 200 meters west of the Sathorn-Surasak junction and has taken over the S5 station code.
  • The original S5 station's code has been changed to S6.
  • S6 station will be a temporary station, which will be demolished once the extension to the Thonburi side of Bangkok is complete.

Extensions

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Wongwian Yai Extension

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On 18 October 2005, with no approval from the central government forthcoming, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) decided to fund and complete the 2.2 kilometers (1.4 mi) Silom Line route extension to Krung Thon Buri and Wongwian Yai Stations. Construction began on 13 December 2005 with completion originally expected within two years for a late 2007 opening. However, problems with the tendering and installation of a new Bombardier open signalling system repeatedly pushed back the schedule. The extension finally opening on 15 May 2009. However, the single platform Saphan Taksin station which has only one track, has caused repeated delays during rush hour. In 2012, the BMA announced plans to demolish Saphan Taksin station in the future. There are now plans to construct new platforms and remove the bottleneck and keep the station which provides an important link between river boats. The plan includes redesigning the road bridges either side of the viaduct to fit the new station.

Bang Wa Extension

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The third extension to the network, a 5.3 km (3.3 mi), a four station extension from Wongwian Yai to Bang Wa in Phasi Charoen District began construction in the 2nd quarter of 2011, with a deadline of the end of 2012. Only the stations had to be constructed as the viaduct had been completed some years prior. However, construction was delayed for many months by the Bangkok floods of late 2011. It eventually opened in stages. Pho Nimit opened on 12 January 2013, Talat Phlu opened on 14 February 2013, with the last two stations opening on 5 December 2013.[8] The extension was initially operated by a separate six-car shuttle service due to the absence of a turnout between Wongwian Yai and Talat Phlu stations. The remaining two stations Wutthakat and Bang Wa were opened on 5 December 2013.

Saint Louis station

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Saint Louis station under construction in 2020.

In 2018, it was decided to finally build the missing Saint Louis station (originally named Sueksa Witthaya), the EIA was finalised in March 2019.[9] Construction of the station began in August 2019 and by the end of 2019 had reached 25% progress.[10] By August 2020, construction had reached 50% but was 30% behind schedule due to COVID related delays.[11] The station was opened on 8 February 2021.[12]

Taling Chan Extension (future)

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After the opening of Wutthakat and Bang Wa stations 5 December 2013, the BMA announced a new proposal to further extended the Silom Line by 7 km (4.3 mi) from Bang Wa station, by six stations to Taling Chan.[13] At Taling Chan it would connect with the SRT Light Red line.

A public hearing was held in 2015.[14] Three route options were considered, with construction intended to start in 2017.[15] Part of the basis for this further extension by the BMA is that it would provide proximate access to the Southern Bus Terminal. The BMA Transport and Traffic Office completed an economic evaluation of the extension in October 2018 which found a cost benefit ratio of 2.37.[16] The study recommended that an EIA be completed in 2019 but this was delayed.

Once the extension to Taling Chan is built the BMA has canvassed the possibility of a further future extension north to connect with the MRT Purple Line at Rattanathibet Road.

Code Name Planned Opening Platform Type Transfer
English Thai
↓ Continue from Bang Wa
  Bang Waek บางแวก TBA Side
  Bang Cheauk Nang บางเชือกหนัง Side
  Bang Phrom บางพรม Side
  Intharawat อินทราวาส Side
  Borommaratchachonnani บรมราชชนนี Side
  Taling Chan ตลิ่งชัน Side Connecting station to
 SRT 
 MRT  (future)
SRT Southern Line

Yot Se Extension

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Silom Line is planned to be extended by two stations west from National Stadium to link with the SRT Dark Red line at Yot Se station. However, no time frame for this extension has been announced and this section of the SRT Dark Red Line will not be built until after 2022.

Originally, the plan was to extend the Silom Line west from National Stadium into Chinatown, then north to Democracy Monument where it would then run west to Rattanakosin Island and Sanam Luang, tunnel under the river to the Thonburi side before terminating at Phran Nok. However, this plan was shelved back in 2009 and much of this route has been replaced by alignment changes to the MRT Orange line which is under construction.

Code Name Planned Opening Platform Type Transfer
English Thai
↓ Continue from National Stadium
  Yot Se ยศเส TBA Side Connecting station to  SRT 

Opening timeline

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Date Project Notes
5 December 1999 Bangkok Transit System Full commercial service was commenced from National Stadium to Saphan Taksin stations along with the Sukhumvit Line.
15 May 2009 Wongwian Yai Extension Service extended to Wongwian Yai station.
14 May 2010 Silom Line was closed from 17.00 onwards due to 2010 Thai military crackdown.
29 May 2010 Resumed normal service.
12 January 2013 Bang Wa Extension Shuttle service has been deployed between Wongwian Yai and Pho Nimit stations. with 3+3 car trains.
14 February 2013 Shuttle service extended to Talat Phlu station.
5 December 2013 Full commercial service was commenced from National Stadium to Bang Wa stations.
22 May 2014 Silom Line operated with limited hours from 6:00 to 21:00 due to the curfew, which was a result of the 2014 Thai coup d'état.[17]
28 May 2014 Service hours were extended to 06.00-23.00[18]
14 June 2014 Resumed normal service.
17 October 2020 Silom Line was temporarily closed from 15.00 due to the 2020–2021 Thai protests.[19]
18 October 2020 Chong Nonsi, Surasak, Krung Thon Buri, and Wongwian Yai stations were temporarily closed due to the protests from 14.30[20]
8 February 2021 BTS S4 station Saint Louis station was opened between Chong Nonsi and Surasak stations.

Stations

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Code Station Name Image Opened Platform

Type

Transfers Notes
English Thai
  National Stadium สนามกีฬาแห่งชาติ   5 December 1999; 25 years ago (1999-12-05) Side
  Siam สยาม   Stacked Island Cross-platform interchange with  BTS 
  Ratchadamri ราชดำริ   Side
  Sala Daeng ศาลาแดง   Side Connecting station to Si Lom for  MRT 
  Chong Nonsi ช่องนนทรี   Side Connecting station to Sathorn for   Bangkok BRT via Chong Nonsi Skywalk
  Saint Louis เซนต์หลุยส์   8 February 2021; 3 years ago (2021-02-08) Side Infill station
  Surasak สุรศักดิ์   5 December 1999; 25 years ago (1999-12-05) Side
  Saphan Taksin สะพานตากสิน   Side

(single)

Connecting station to Sathorn Pier for;

 Mine Smart Ferry 
 CHAOPHRAYA EXPRESS 

The station will be closed for upgrading into a dual-platform configuration
  Krung Thon Buri กรุงธนบุรี   15 May 2009; 15 years ago (2009-05-15) Side Connecting station to  BTS 
  Wongwian Yai วงเวียนใหญ่   Side Connecting station to;

 MRT , via 270-metre underground walkway (under construction)
 SRT  (future)

  Pho Nimit โพธิ์นิมิตร   12 January 2013; 11 years ago (2013-01-12) Side
  Talat Phlu ตลาดพลู   14 February 2013; 11 years ago (2013-02-14) Side Connecting station to;

• Ratchaphruek station for   Bangkok BRT
 MRL  (south section; future)

  Wutthakat วุฒากาศ   5 December 2013; 11 years ago (2013-12-05) Side Connecting station to;

Mae Klong Railway (Wongwian Yai - Mahachai)
 SRT  (future)

  Bang Wa บางหว้า   Side Connecting station to;

 MRT 
Khlong Phasi Charoen Boat Service

Rolling stock

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Rolling stocks of Silom Line
EMU-A1 approaching Sala Daeng station
EMU-A2 approaching Chong Nonsi station
EMU-B1/B2 turn around outside of Bang Wa station
EMU-B3 approaching Bang Wa station

Operation

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Saphan Taksin station is the only single-platform station in Bangkok Mass Rapid Transit system, causing a bottleneck on the Silom Line. This prevents increasing the train frequency to more than every 3 minutes and 45 seconds.

The Silom Line operates from 06:00 to 24:00 every day with some through-running trains to/from Mo Chit station on the Sukhumvit Line.

Headways

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Silom Line headway[21]
Time Headway (Minutes:Seconds)
Monday - Friday
06:00 - 07:00 06:00
07:00 - 09:00 03:45
09:00 - 17:00 06:00
17:00 - 20:00 03:45
20:00 - 22:00 06:00
22:00 - 24:00 08:00
Saturday to Sunday and Public Holiday
06:00 - 09:00 07:00
09:00 - 21:00 05:40
21:00 - 22:00 07:00
22:00 - 24:00 08:00

Route map

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Panorama View of Royal Bangkok Sports Club from Ratchadamri station.

See also

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References

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  1. ^ ""กรมการขนส่งทางราง" เผยวันศุกร์สิ้นเดือนสิงหาคม 67 มีผู้ใช้บริการรถไฟฟ้าสายฉลองรัชธรรม (สีม่วง) และรถไฟฟ้าสายสีแดง สูงสุดตั้งแต่เปิดให้บริการมา หลังมีนโยบายอัตราค่าโดยสารรถไฟฟ้าสูงสุด 20 บาทตลอดสาย". กรมการขนส่งทางราง กระทรวงคมนาคม (in Thai). 31 August 2024. Retrieved 4 September 2024.
  2. ^ "Mass transit signalling". Bombardier Transportation. Archived from the original on 1 January 2022. Retrieved 16 June 2020.
  3. ^ "Bombardier Projects in Mass-transit signalling" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on 23 November 2021.
  4. ^ "รถไฟฟ้าบีทีเอส (BTS Skytrain)".
  5. ^ รถไฟฟ้าสายสีเขียว มีสถานีอะไรบ้าง วิ่งจากไหนถึงไหน ราคาเท่าไร
  6. ^ โครงการรถไฟฟ้า สายสีเขียวเข้ม (บีทีเอสสายสีลม)
  7. ^ "Smart EIA Plus : รายละเอียดรายงาน". eia.onep.go.th. Retrieved 26 September 2024.
  8. ^ "BTS Skytrain starts it's [sic] new station Pho Nimit today and comimg more near to metro park sathorn". metroparksathorn.com. 12 January 2013. Archived from the original on 1 January 2014. Retrieved 26 June 2014.
  9. ^ "ไฟเขียว BTS ขึ้นค่าตั๋วส่วนต่อขยาย 16 เมษาฯ เร่งเชื่อม'หมอชิต-เซ็นทรัลลาดพร้าว' สิงหาฯนี้". Prachachat. Bangkok. 4 March 2019.
  10. ^ "20 ปีบีทีเอสจาก 35 ขบวนจ่อ 98 ขบวน ปีที่ 21 ของรถไฟฟ้าสายแรกเมืองไทย". Thairath. Bangkok. 30 December 2019.
  11. ^ "บีทีเอส"สร้างครึ่งทางแล้วเปิดต้นปี 64". Dailynews. Bangkok. 25 August 2020.
  12. ^ "บีทีเอสเปลี่ยนชื่อสถานี ศึกษาวิทยา เป็น"เซนต์หลุยส์" ตามชื่อโรงพยาบาล-โรงเรียน ในพื้นที่ พร้อมเปิดสถานี ให้บริการประชาชน เดือนก.พ.นี้". Spring News.
  13. ^ "One month free on metro between Taksin and Bang Wa". Thai Rath. 4 December 2013. Retrieved 4 September 2014.
  14. ^ "BTS Silom Line extension to Taling Chan moves forward". Coconuts Bangkok. 5 March 2015. Retrieved 4 December 2016.
  15. ^ "Skytrain looks West". www.bangkokpost.com. Retrieved 4 December 2016.
  16. ^ "เกาะติดเมกะโปรเจ็กต์ : รถไฟฟ้าสายสีเขียว (บางหว้า-ตลิ่งชัน) ยกระดับคุณภาพชีวิตด้านการเดินทาง". Thansettakij.com. Bangkok. 25 October 2018.
  17. ^ "รถไฟฟ้า BTS-MRT ปิดให้บริการ 3 ทุ่มตั้งแต่คืนนี้ เปิด 6". ryt9.com (in Thai). Retrieved 12 September 2024.
  18. ^ "รถไฟฟ้า BTS-MRT ปรับเวลาเดินรถใหม่ 06.00-23.00 น. ตั้งแต่ 28". ryt9.com (in Thai). Retrieved 12 September 2024.
  19. ^ "ความเคลื่อนไหวก่อนชุมนุม 17 ตุลา". Thai PBS (in Thai). Retrieved 12 September 2024.
  20. ^ "รถไฟฟ้าMRT ปิด 5 สถานี ส่วน BTS ปิด10 สถานี จนกว่าสถานการณ์คลี่คลาย". www.thairath.co.th (in Thai). 18 October 2020. Retrieved 12 September 2024.
  21. ^ https://www.bts.co.th/service/timetable.html
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