Blue Line (Bangkok)

MRT Blue Line
EMU-BLE approaching Tha Phra station upper-level platform.
Overview
Other name(s)	MRT Chaloem Ratchamongkhon Line
Native name	สายสีน้ำเงิน สายเฉลิมรัชมงคล
Owner	Mass Rapid Transit Authority
Locale	Bangkok
Termini	BL01  Tha Phra  BL38  Lak Song (via  BL19  Thailand Cultural Centre)
Stations	Total : 42 stations 38 (operational) 4 (future)
Color on map	Blue
Service
Type	Rapid transit
System	MRT
Operator(s)	Bangkok Expressway and Metro
Depot(s)	Phra Ram 9 Depot Phetkasem Depot
Rolling stock	Siemens Modular Metro EMU-IBL: 19 three-car trains Siemens EMU-BLE: 35 three-car trains Extra Rolling Stock Order 21 three-car trains
Daily ridership	523,504 (30 August 2024)
History
Commenced	2 December 1996 (1996-12-02)
Opened	3 July 2004 (2004-07-03)
Last extension	23 December 2019 (2019-12-23)
Technical
Line length	Total: 55.63 km (34.57 mi) 46.91 km (29.15 mi) (operational) 8.72 km (5.42 mi) (future)
Character	Elevated: 29.5 km (18.3 mi) Underground: 26.13 km (16.24 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	Siemens Trainguard LZB700M fixed block ATC under ATO GoA 2 (STO)
Route map Tha Phra  MRT  Charan 13 Fai Chai Bang Khun Non  MRT  Bang Yi Khan Sirindhorn Bang Phlat Bang O Chao Phraya River Bang Pho Tao Poon  MRT  Bang Sue Bang Sue Central  SRT   SRT   ARL  Kamphaeng Phet Chatuchak Park  BTS  Sukhumvit Line Phahon Yothin Lat Phrao  MRT  Ratchadaphisek Sutthisan Huai Khwang Thailand Cultural Centre  MRT  Rama 9 Depot Phra Ram 9 Airport Rail Link Light Red Line Phetchaburi  SRT   ARL  Sukhumvit  BTS  Sukhumvit Line Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre Khlong Toei Lumphini Si Lom  BTS  Silom Line Sam Yan Hua Lamphong  SRT  Dark Red Line Wat Mangkon Sam Yot  MRT  Sanam Chai Chao Phraya River Itsaraphap Tha Phra  MRT  Bang Phai Silom Line Bang Wa  BTS  Phetkasem 48 Phetkasem Depot Phasi Charoen Bang Khae Lak Song Phutthamonthon Sai 2 Thawi Watthana Phutthamonthon Sai 3 Phutthamonthon Sai 4

The MRT Blue Line (Thai: รถไฟฟ้ามหานคร สายสีน้ำเงิน) or MRT Chaloem Ratchamongkon Line (Thai: รถไฟฟ้ามหานคร สายเฉลิมรัชมงคล) is Bangkok's third rapid transit line, following the Sukhumvit line and Silom line of the BTS Skytrain. It is the first line of the MRT system and is operated by Bangkok Expressway and Metro (BEM). The original 20 km (12.43 mi) MRT Blue Line from Hua Lamphong to Bang Sue opened on 3 July 2004. A 1.2 km (0.75 mi) extension to Tao Poon opened on 11 August 2017. The 15.9 km (9.88 mi) western extension to Lak Song opened for full service on 29 September 2019 and the 11 km (6.84 mi) extension from Tao Poon to Tha Phra to form the quasi loop, opened for full service on 30 March 2020.

The line has a total length of 48 km (29.83 mi), being a quasi circle route of the Bangkok rapid transit network. The MRT Blue line connects major business, residential and cultural areas of Bangkok. In late 2019, the average daily ridership was 400,000. In mid 2021, during a COVID-19 3rd wave in Bangkok ridership plummeted to between 76,000 - 116,000 per weekday.

Route alignment

The MRT Blue Line starts at the upper platform of Tha Phra station. It runs on an elevated viaduct northward along Charan Sanit Wong Road to Bang O station. Then turning eastwards crossing the Chao Phraya River, entering Bang Pho station and Tao Poon station in Bang Sue District. The line then descends to an underground section. It follows the Kamphaeng Phet, Phahon Yothin and Lat Phrao Roads, then turns south following Ratchadaphisek Road to Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre station. It then turns west following Rama IV Road. It passes Hua Lamphong station in Pathum Wan District, through Chinatown, then under the Chao Phraya River before ascending onto an elevated viaduct to the lower platform of Tha Phra station. The line continues west along Phet Kasem Road to Lak Song station in Bang Khae, situated near Kanchanaphisek Road or Western Outer Ring road. It forms a quasi circle loop around Bangkok.

History

Fare gates in a Blue Line station

The platform of Phetchaburi MRT station

The exit level of Kamphaeng Phet MRT station

Vending machines at Wat Mangkon MRT station.

Officially named Chaloem Ratchamongkhon (Thai สายเฉลิมรัชมงคล) – "Celebration of Royal Auspice" – or informally but commonly called as the "MRT Blue Line", this was the first metro line under the newly formed government agency, the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA). Most civil infrastructure was provided by this government agency and handed over to a private sector on a 25-year concessionaire agreement. The winning bidder was Bangkok Expressway and Metro (BEM). Under this agreement, BEM provides maintenance and engineering equipment, including electrical trains, signalling systems, SCADA, communication, platform screen doors and fully operate the system from Hua Lamphong to Bang Sue. BEM has subcontracted maintenance of the system for 10 years to Siemens and seven-year maintenance contracts to two local maintenance services.

In 1996, the Overseas Economic Cooperation Fund (OECF), later known as the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), granted the loans for the project with an official development assistance (ODA) scheme. Construction of the line began on 19 November of that year, when Crown Prince His Royal Highness Crown Prince Maha Vajiralongkorn (later King Vajiralongkorn) came to lay the foundation stone for the construction of the MRT project, which is Thailand's first subway project, with the aim of relieving Bangkok's traffic problems. The first contract was awarded to a joint venture between CH. Karnchang Public Company Limited, Bilfinger-Berger, Kumagai Gumi, and Tokyu Construction Co. for the southern section, while one of the remaining contractors, the northern section, was awarded to ION Joint Venture, which comprises Italian Thai Development, Obayashi Corporation, and Nishimatsu Construction, and the depot was awarded to Siam Nippon Metro Consortium, composed of Hazama Corporation, Maeda Corporation, Mitsui & Co., Kajima, T.S.B. Trading, and Siam Syntech Construction Public Co., Ltd. Tunneling works began on 5 February 1999.

The project suffered multiple delays not only because of the 1997 economic crisis, but also due to challenging civil engineering works of constructing massive underground structures deep in the water-logged soil upon which the city is built. The MRT Blue Line opened for a limited public trial period of several weeks starting on 13 April 2004. On 3 July 2004, the line was officially opened at 19:19 local time by HM King Bhumibol and Queen Sirikit who were accompanied by other members of the royal family. Within 30 minutes of its opening, sightseers filled the system to its maximum capacity, but after the initial rush ridership settled down to around 180,000 riders daily — considerably lower than projections of over 400,000, despite fares being slashed in half from 12 to 38 baht to 10-15 baht per trip. It was scheduled to be opened in 2003, in time for the same year's APEC summit, and later pushed back again to April and then August of the following year. However, no problems were encountered during the test run; the official opening was brought forward.

Extension to Tao Poon

As part of the rapid transit master plan the original MRT Blue Line section was planned to be extended from Hua Lamphong to Lak Song, and from Bang Sue to Tha Phra, forming a circle open-loop route. The contract for the first part of extension to Tao Poon was signed on 26 August 2009 as part of MRT Purple Line contract as it provided interchange to the MRT Purple Line. The 1.2 km (0.75 mi) Bang Sue to Tao Poon extension opened on 11 August 2017. This added the first elevated station, Tao Poon, to the Blue line.

Extensions to Lak Song and Tha Phra

The major extension of the MRT Blue Line was the 27 km (16.8 mi) extension west to Lak Song and from Tao Poon to Tha Phra with 19 stations consisting of four underground and 15 elevated stations. Contracts for civil work were divided into five contracts. Successful bids were announced in late 2010. On 17 February 2011, the five contracts were signed.

Contract	Notes	Length
1	Hua Lamphong to Sanam Chai (2 stations underground, Bt11.65 billion, contractor ITD)	2.8 km (1.7 mi)
2	Sanam Chai to Tha Phra (2 stations underground, Bt10.82B, contractor CK)	2.6 km (1.6 mi)
3	Tao Poon to Tha Phra (8 stations elevated, Bt11.40B, contractor SH-Unique Joint venture)	11 km (6.8 mi)
4	Tha Phra to Lak Song (7 stations elevated, plus a park-and-ride venue and maintenance yard, Bt13.43B, contractor STEC)	10.5 km (6.5 mi)
5	Rolling stock and systems, Bt5.17 billion, contractor CK.

Construction commenced in mid-2011 for a scheduled 2016 opening but this was subsequently delayed to 2019–2020. In August, 2017, BEM awarded the automatic fare collection ticket for the extension to Thales which to install its TransCity system. The contract also includes ongoing training and future support. In September 2017, BEM announced that Siemens and ST Electronics Thailand were awarded the contract (Contract 5) to supply, install and maintain the E&S systems, install station platform screen doors and fit out the depot. Siemens also won the contract to supply 35 sets of rolling stock.

In 2017, the cabinet approved the amendment of the Blue line concession with BEM, and the new agreement was signed on 31 March 2017. Under the new agreement, BEM will operate the new extensions from Hua Lamphong to Lak Song and Bang Sue to Tha Phra. The concession period was extended from 2029 to 2050.

• 
  Wat Mangkon station under construction. The station opened on 29 July 2019.
• 
  Bang Wa station under construction. The station opened on 29 July 2019.
• 
  Under construction viaduct outside of Lak Song station in 2013.
• 
  Construction of Fai Chai station and Fai Chai junction underpass in 2016.

The extension was opened in stages. The Hua Lamphong - Lak Song extension was opened for trial service on 29 July with full commercial services commencing 29 September 2019.

The Tao Poon - Tha Phra extension opened for limited trial services from 29 November 2019 with full commercial services commencing on 30 March 2020.

Phutthamonthon Sai 4 Extension (future)

Since 2011, there were requests from residents to extend the line farther from Lak Song west to the Phutthamonthon area. The MRTA indicated a willingness to undertake this extension. In July 2014, the MRTA submitted a request for 84 million baht to complete a route survey for a 7.8 km (4.8 mi), 4 station extension from Lak Song to Phutthamonthon Sai 4. In late March 2017, the Transport Ministry stated that this 7.8 km (4.8 mi) extension would be submitted to Cabinet for approval in April 2017 with construction expected to commence in the 4th quarter of 2017. However, the tender was subsequently delayed until late 2019 due to other projects. In late 2019, the project was put on hold due to government budget constraints. In August 2021, the MRTA confirmed that the extension was not a priority especially given delays with the tenders for the MRT Orange and MRT Purple line extensions.

Code	Station Name
	English	Thai
BL39	Phutthamonthon Sai 2	พุทธมณฑลสาย 2
BL40	Thawi Watthana	ทวีวัฒนา
BL41	Phutthamonthon Sai 3	พุทธมณฑลสาย 3
BL42	Phutthamonthon Sai 4	พุทธมณฑลสาย 4

Opening Timeline

Date	Project	Notes
13 April 2004	Mass Rapid Transit Initial Phase	Limited trial service from Bang Sue to Hua Lamphong was commenced
3 July 2004		Full commercial service was commenced from Bang Sue to Hua Lamphong.
17 January 2005		The entire metro line was closed due to a train collision at Thailand Cultural Centre.
1 February 2005		MRT Blue Line reopened.
14 May 2010		The entire metro line was closed from 17.00 onwards due to 2010 Thai military crackdown.
25 May 2010		MRT Blue Line reopened with limited hours from 6:00 to 22:00 due to the curfew.
29 May 2010		Resumed normal service.
22 May 2014		MRT Blue 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.
28 May 2014		Service hours were extended to 06.00-23.00
1 June 2014		Phahon Yothin station closed from 10.00 onwards.
8 June 2014		Chatuchak Park station closed from 15.00 onwards.
14 June 2014		Resumed normal service.
6 August 2016	MRT Blue Line Extension Projects (northern section)	Free shuttle bus services between Tao Poon and Bang Sue & free shuttle train services between Bang Son and Bang Sue Junction were deployed due to the delayed opening of the MRT Blue Line's Tao Poon station, which created a missing link between the line and the newly opened MRT Purple Line.
11 August 2017		Service extended to Tao Poon.
29 July 2019	MRT Blue Line Extension Projects (southern section)	Free trial shuttle service from Hua Lumphong to Tha Phra commenced. Service on the extension was only available from 10.00 to 16.00. Passengers were required to change trains at Hua Lumphong for service on an extended route.
24 August 2019		Shuttle service extended to Bang Wa.
21 September 2019		Shuttle service extended to Lak Song. Service hours on the shuttle service were extended to the line's normal service hours of 06.00-24.00.
29 September 2019		Full commercial service was commenced from Tao Poon to Lak Song.
4 December 2019	MRT Blue Line Extension Projects (northern section)	Free trial shuttle service from Tao Poon to Sirindhorn commenced. Service on the extension was only available from 10.00 to 16.00. Passengers were required to change trains at Tao Poon for service on an extended route.
23 December 2019		Shuttle service was extended to Tha Phra.
1 March 2020		Through-service from Tha Phra to Lak Song via Bang Sue
30 March 2020		Full commercial service commenced from Tha Phra to Lak Song via Bang Sue.
17 October 2020		The entire metro line was temporarily closed from 12.30 due to the 2020–2021 Thai protests.
18 October 2020		Hua Lamphong, Lumphini, Sukhumvit, Phahon Yothin, and Chatuchak Park stations were temporarily closed due to the protests from 14.30

Stations

Further information: List of rapid transit stations in Bangkok

Code	Station Name		Image	Opened	Platform Type	Position	Park & Ride	Transfer	Notes
	English	Thai
BL01  (Platform 3&4)	Tha Phra	ท่าพระ		23 December 2019 (2019-12-23)	Island	Elevated	-	Interchange station to •  MRT  (for Hua Lamphong and Lak Song) •  MRL  (future)	Exit to Tha Phra Temple
BL02	Charan 13	จรัญฯ 13			Side		-		Exit to: • HomePro Charansanitwong • Siam Technology College
BL03	Fai Chai	ไฟฉาย			Side		-
BL04	Bang Khun Non	บางขุนนนท์			Side		-	Connecting station to •  MRT  (future) •  SRT  (future) and Charansanitwong Halt for SRT Southern Line	Exit to: • Makro Charansanitwong • MWA Bangkok Noi • Suwannaram School • Suwannaram Temple • Si Sudaram Temple
BL05	Bang Yi Khan	บางยี่ขัน			Side		-		Exit to: • Indie Market Pin Klao • Pata Department Store
BL06	Sirindhorn	สิรินธร		4 December 2019 (2019-12-04)	Side		-
BL07	Bang Phlat	บางพลัด			Side		-		Exit to Bang Phlat District Office
BL08	Bang O	บางอ้อ			Side		-		Exit to Yanhee Hospital
BL09	Bang Pho	บางโพ			Side		-	Connecting station with Bang Pho Pier for: •  Mine Smart Ferry  •  CHAOPHRAYA EXPRESS	Exit to: • Quartermaster School • Gateway At Bangsue
BL10	Tao Poon	เตาปูน		11 August 2017 (2017-08-11)	Side		-	Interchange station to  MRT	Exit to: • Tao Poon Market • Lotus's Prachachuen
BL11	Bang Sue	บางซื่อ		3 July 2004 (2004-07-03)	Side	Underground	-	Connecting station with Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal for •  SRT  •  SRT  •  ARL  (future) • SRT Northern Line • SRT Northeastern Line • SRT Southern Line • HSR Northern Line (future) • HSR Northeastern Line (under construction) • HSR Eastern Line (future) • HSR Southern Line (future)	Exit to: • Siam Cement Group Office • Central Juvenile and Family Court • Bangkok Bus Terminal (Chatuchak)
BL12	Kamphaeng Phet	กำแพงเพชร			Island		-		Exit to: • Or Tor Kor Market • Red Building • Chatuchak Weekend Market • Mixt Chatuchak • J.J Mall
BL13	Chatuchak Park	สวนจตุจักร			Island		-	Connecting station to Mo Chit for  BTS	Exit to: • Chatuchak Weekend Market • Mixt Chatuchak • J.J Mall • Chatuchak Park • Children's Discovery Museum • Queen Sirikit Park • Rot Fai Park • Civil Aviation Training Centre • Department of Land Transport
BL14	Phahon Yothin	พหลโยธิน			Island		-	Connecting station to Ha Yaek Lat Phrao for  BTS	Exit to: • Central Ladphrao & Centara Grand at Central Ladphrao Hotel • Union Mall
BL15	Lat Phrao	ลาดพร้าว			Island		√	Connecting station to  MRT
BL16	Ratchadaphisek	รัชดาภิเษก			Island		√
BL17	Sutthisan	สุทธิสาร			Island				Exit to: • Sutthisan Police Station • Muang Thai Life Assurance Head Office
BL18	Huai Khwang	ห้วยขวาง			Island		√
BL19	Thailand Cultural Centre	ศูนย์วัฒนธรรมแห่งประเทศไทย			Island		√	Interchange station to  MRT  (under construction)	Exit to: • The Esplanade Ratchada • The One Ratchada Market • AIA Capital Centre • Stock Exchange of Thailand • Embassy of The People's Republic of China • Thailand Cultural Centre • China Cultural Centre • Ministry of Culture • Thai Life Insurance Head Office • Big C Place Ratchada • The Street Ratchada • CW Tower • RS Tower
BL20	Phra Ram 9	พระราม 9			Island		√		Exit to: • Central Rama 9 • G Tower • Fortune Town • Jodd Fairs Rama 9 • Uniliver House
BL21	Phetchaburi	เพชรบุรี			Island		√	Connecting station with  MRL  (future) and Makkasan for •  ARL  •  SRT  (future) • HSR Eastern Line (under construction) and Asok for SRT Eastern Line	Exit to: • Singha Complex • Don Bosco Technological College • Saint Dominic School • Srinakharinwirot University
BL22	Sukhumvit	สุขุมวิท			Island		√	Connecting station to Asok for  BTS	Exit to: • Terminal 21 • Interchange 21 • Soi Cowboy • Exchange Tower
BL23	Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre	ศูนย์การประชุมแห่งชาติสิริกิติ์			Island		√		Exit to: • Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre • Benjakitti Park • ThaiBev Quarter • Khlong Toei Witthaya School • The Parq • FYI Centre • Khlong Toei Market
BL24	Khlong Toei	คลองเตย			Side		-		Exit to: • MEA Khlong Toei Head Office • MedPark Hospital • Tobacco Authority of Thailand • Benjakitti Park Hospital • Plai Nern Palace
BL25	Lumphini	ลุมพินี			Stacked		-	Connecting station with  MRL  (future)	Exit to: • One Bangkok • Lumphini Park Gate 2 • Q House Lumphini • Embassy of Germany • Embassy of Japan • Embassy of Australia • Goethe-Institut Thailand
BL26	Si Lom	สีลม			Stacked		-	Connecting station to Sala Daeng for  BTS  via a 180-metre elevated pedestrian walkway.	Exit to: • Lumphini Park Gate 4 • Dusit Central Park • Silom Edge • Chulalongkorn Hospital • Silom Complex • Thaniya Shopping Centre • Patpong Night Market This station has the longest escalator in Southeast Asia Region at 43-metre.
BL27	Sam Yan	สามย่าน			Stacked		√		Exit to: • Chamchuri Square • Samyan Mitrtown • Hua Lamphong Temple • Chulalongkorn University
BL28	Hua Lamphong	หัวลำโพง			Island		-	Connecting station with Bangkok for •  SRT  (future) • SRT Northern Line • SRT Northeastern Line • SRT Eastern Line • SRT Southern Line	Exit to: • Khlong Phadung Krung Kasem • Traimit Withayaram Temple • The Chinatown Gate • Yaowarat Road
BL29	Wat Mangkon	วัดมังกร		29 July 2019 (2019-07-29)	Stacked		-		Exit to: • Mangkon Kamalawat Temple • Chinatown • Suea Pa Plaza • Kanma Tuyaram Temple
BL30	Sam Yot	สามยอด			Stacked		-	Interchange station with  MRT  (under construction)	Exit to: • Khlong Ong Ang • Mega Plaza Saphan Lek • Phahurat • Rommaninat Park • The Old Siam Plaza
BL31	Sanam Chai	สนามไชย			Island		-	Connecting station with Rajinee Pier for •  Mine Smart Ferry  •  CHAOPHRAYA EXPRESS	Exit to: • Museum Siam • Wat Rajabopit School • Rajinee School • Pak Khlong Talat • Wat Pho • The Grand Palace • Wat Phra Kaew • Tha Tian Market
BL32	Itsaraphap	อิสรภาพ			Island		-		Exit to: • Wat Ratchasihatharam School • Ratchasihatharam Temple • Mai Phiren Temple
BL01  (Platform 1&2)	Tha Phra	ท่าพระ			Side	Elevated	-	Interchange station to •  MRT  (for Tao Poon and Chatuchak Park) •  MRL  (future)	Exit to Tha Phra Temple
BL33	Bang Phai	บางไผ่		24 August 2019 (2019-08-24)	Side		-		Exit to: • Wat Nuannoradit School • Nuannoradit Temple • Phaya Thai 3 Hospital
BL34	Bang Wa	บางหว้า			Side		-	Connecting station to  BTS  and Bang Wa Pier for Khlong Phasi Charoen Boat Service via a 200-metre elevated pedestrian walkway.	Exit to Siam University
BL35	Phetkasem 48	เพชรเกษม 48		21 September 2019 (2019-09-21)	Side		-
BL36	Phasi Charoen	ภาษีเจริญ			Side		-		Exit to Seacon Bangkhae
BL37	Bang Khae	บางแค			Side		-		Exit to: • Bang Khae Market • Wonder Department Store • Wat Nimmanoradee School • Nimmanoradee Temple • Lotus's Bang Khae • Ban Bang Khae Social Welfare Development
BL38	Lak Song	หลักสอง			Side		√		Exit to The Mall Lifestore Bangkhae

Rolling stock

The MRT Blue line is served by 54 three-car trains of which, 19 are first generation Siemens Modular Metro sets and 35 sets are second generation. The 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).

Siemens Modular Metro EMU-IBL

Nineteen three-car Siemens Modular Metro were ordered for the initial part of the line. The trains entered service on 3 July 2004. In 2017, BEM starts removing some seats from the train to increase interior space to cope with rising number of passengers. In 2019, the BEM stated that it is interested in refurbishing the first generation trains. Including the CCTV cameras, and new dynamic route map replacing the traditional ones.

In 2000, Alstom won a contract to supply 21x3 car Metropolis train sets, and this design would have been similar to C751A used for Singapore's North East MRT line if it had been built. The trains were provided by a consortium called Nippon-Euro Subway Consortium, which also includes Mitsubishi Electric. Mitsubishi Corporation, another consortium member, had also planned to undertake it. However, the negotiations with the French firm have failed. The bidding for rolling stock was conducted again, and bidders include Bombardier Transportation (later acquired by Alstom in 2021) and Siemens, both from Canada and Germany. On 3 January 2002, Siemens won the contract for a cost of $385 million.

	← Tha Phra       Lak Song →
Car No.	1	2	3
Designation	M1	Tc1	M2
Length (mm)	21,800	21,500	21,800
Numbering	1001 1003 1005 : 1013 1015 1017 : 1025 1027 1029 : 1037	3001 3002 3003 : 3007 3008 3009 : 3013 3014 3015 : 3019	1002 1004 1006 : 1014 1028* 1018 : 1026 1016* 1030 : 1038

* Car 1016 and 1028 were swapped after the train collision in 2005.

• 
  The first generation train, Siemens Modular Metro EMU-IBL (Initial Blue Line stock)
• 
  EMU-IBL approaching Bang Phai station with Tha Phra station in the background.
• 
  Another picture of EMU-IBL approaching Bang Phai station.
• 
  EMU-IBL approaching Tao Poon station with the unfinished Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal in the background in 2018.
• 
  The interior of EMU-IBL before the refurbishment.

Siemens EMU-BLE

In 2017, BEM ordered 35 three-car as part of the line extension program. Under the contract, Siemens were to supply 35 trains and provide maintenance for ten years with a price tag of 20 billion baht. The fleet was built at the Siemens plant in Vienna and tested in Germany. The first train arrived in 2019 with all trains delivered by early 2020.

	← Tha Phra       Lak Song →
Car No.	1	2	3
Designation	M1	Tc1	M2
Length (mm)	21,800	21,500	21,800
Numbering	1039 1041 1043 : 1107	3020 3021 3022 : 3054	1040 1042 1044 : 1108

• 
  The second generation train,Siemens EMU-BLE (Blue Line Extension stock)
• 
  EMU-BLE departing Fai Chai station.
• 
  EMU-BLE approaching Bang Phai station with Tha Phra station in the background.
• 
  Interior of the EMU-BLE
• 
  Dynamic Route Map on the EMU-BLE.

Extra rolling stock order

On 18 July 2024, Mr. Phongsarit Tantisuvanitchkul, executive chairman of BEM revealed that the company will order an additional 21 train sets, each comprising three cars, for the MRT Blue line to meliorate congestion during peak hour. The manufacturer for this new rolling stock has not yet been disclosed.

Operation

The MRT Blue Line operates from 05:30 to 24:00 on weekdays and from 06:00 to 24:00 on weekends and public holidays. During the weekday morning rush hour, there are two service patterns:

• Full Line operation from Tha Phra to Lak Song.
• Short-run train from Bang Pho to Lak Song.

Headways

MRT Blue Line headway
Time	Section	Headway (Minutes:Seconds)
Monday - Friday
05.30 - 07.00	Full Line	05:00
07:00 - 09:00	BL01  Tha Phra -  BL09  Bang Pho	06:58
	BL09  Bang Pho -  BL38  Lak Song	03:29
09:00 - 16:30	Full Line	06:40
16:30 - 17:00		05:00
17:00 - 20:00		03:30
20:00 - 21:00		05:20
21:00 - 24:00		07:15
Saturday
06:00 - 15:30	Full Line	07:15
15:30 - 19:00		05:55
19:00 - 24:00		07:15
Sunday and Public Holiday
06:00 - 24:00	Full Line	07:15

Ridership

At opening in 2004, initial ridership was 180,000 per day — considerably lower than the projections of over 400,000. By 2016, the average daily ridership was 273,637. By September 2017, BEM stated that average daily ridership had increased to 360,000 after the opening of the extension to Tao Poon.

After the opening of the extension to Lak Song on 29 September 2019, average daily ridership increased to 400,000. The MRT Blue line was expected to grow to a daily ridership of 800,000 once the Lak Song and Tha Phra extensions opened. However, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic by late 2020 had resulted in a dramatic reduction of ridership down to an average of 360,000 per weekday reverting to September 2017 levels. By August 2021, during a COVID-19 3rd wave in Bangkok ridership plummeted to only 76,000 per weekday. In 2023 an average of 376,000 passengers rode the blue line.

MRT Blue Line Ridership
Year	Quarter	Quarterly Ridership	Daily Ridership	Annual Ridership	Remarks
2004	Q1			26,695,557
	Q2
	Q3	14,771,017	165,967		BL10  Bang Sue -  BL28  Hua Lamphong section opened on 3 July 2004.
	Q4	11,924,540	129,615
2005	Q1	11,839,737	155,787	57,204,154	Train collision at  BL19  Thailand Cultural Centre station caused the entire line to be closed from 17 January 2004 until 31 January 2004.
	Q2	15,032,372	165,191
	Q3	15,270,957	165,989
	Q4	15,061,088	163,708
2006	Q1	14,196,691	157,742	57,826,397
	Q2	13,806,282	151,718
	Q3	14,630,414	159,027
	Q4	15,193,010	165,142
2007	Q1	14,472,879	160,810	59,922,345
	Q2	14,634,584	160,820
	Q3	15,385,544	167,235
	Q4	15,429,338	167,711
2008	Q1	15,571,126	171,112	62,108,418
	Q2	14,697,561	161,512
	Q3	15,720,108	170,871
	Q4	16,119,623	175,214
2009	Q1	15,824,077	175,824	63,749,784
	Q2	15,133,589	164,496
	Q3	16,086,300	174,852
	Q4	16,705,818	181,585
2010	Q1	16,657,590	185,085	64,927,467
	Q2	14,088,416	169,740		MRT  Blue Line was closed from 14 May 2010 until 25 May 2010 due to the 2010 Thai military crackdown.
	Q3	17,149,043	186,403		ARL  Airport Rail Link opened on 23 August 2010, and  BL21  Phetchaburi station became a connecting station.
	Q4	17,032,418	185,135
2011	Q1	17,256,842	191,743	69,040,480
	Q2	16,412,289	180,355
	Q3	18,861,231	205,014
	Q4	16,510,118	179,458		MRT  Blue Line daily ridership decreased due to 2011 Thailand floods.
2012	Q1	20,051,013	220,341	80,602,327
	Q2	18,988,016	208,660
	Q3	20,876,732	226,921
	Q4	20,686,566	224,854
2013	Q1	20,995,960	233,289	86,435,968
	Q2	20,728,994	227,792
	Q3	22,268,239	242,047
	Q4	22,442,775	243,944
2014	Q1	24,949,649	277,219	92,437,991
	Q2	21,654,739	237,965
	Q3	22,705,980	246,805
	Q4	23,127,623	251,388
2015	Q1	23,482,811	260,921	95,018,696
	Q2	22,592,917	248,274
	Q3	24,585,847	267,238
	Q4	24,357,121	264,752
2016	Q1	24,752,983	272,011	100,369,988
	Q2	23,429,701	257,470
	Q3	26,036,662	283,008		Free shuttle bus services between  BL10  Tao Poon and  BL11  Bang Sue were deployed to fill in the missing link between the line and the newly opened  MRT  Purple Line.
	Q4	26,150,642	284,247
2017	Q1	26,487,114	294,302	107,537,778
	Q2	25,560,321	280,883
	Q3	28,064,600	305,050		BL10  Tao Poon -  BL11  Bang Sue section opened on 11 August 2017,  BL10  Tao Poon became an interchange station
	Q4	27,425,743	298,106
2018	Q1	28,104,618	312,274	113,711,335
	Q2	26,974,909	296,428
	Q3	29,356,120	319,089
	Q4	29,275,688	318,214
2019	Q1	29,075,352	323,060	123,621,585
	Q2	27,011,565	296,831
	Q3	32,505,523	353,321		BL28  Hua Lamphong -  BL38  Lak Song section opened,  BL34  Bang Wa became an interchange station. Mo Chit - Ha Yaek Lat Phrao section opened,  BL14  Phahon Yothin became a connecting station.
	Q4	35,029,145	380,752		BL01  Tha Phra -  BL10  Tao Poon section opened,  BL01  Tha Phra became a self-interchange station.
2020	Q1	30,392,770	333,987	95,601,532	1st wave of COVID-19 outbreaks (January 2020 - May 2020)
	Q2	12,120,957	133,198
	Q3	26,095,682	283,649
	Q4	26,992,123	293,393		2nd wave of COVID-19 outbreaks (December 2020 - February 2021)
2021	Q1	19,232,363	213,693	53,529,435
	Q2	10,834,779	119,064		3rd wave of COVID-19 outbreaks (April 2021 - June 2021)
	Q3	7,331,345	79,689		4th wave of COVID-19 outbreaks (July 2021 - early 2022)  SRT  Dark Red Line and  SRT  Light Red Line opened on 21 August 2021,  BL11  Bang Sue became a connecting station.
	Q4	16,130,948	175,337
2022	Q1	16,902,272	187,804	99,001,410
	Q2	20,996,415	230,730
	Q3	28,764,950	312,663
	Q4	32,337,773	351,498
2023	Q1	34,513,622	383,485	144,105,284	SRT long-distance train services moved to Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal on 19 January 2023.
	Q2	32,262,358	354,532
	Q3	38,739,263	421,079		MRT  Yellow Line opened on 3 July 2023,  BL15  Lat Phrao became a connecting station.
	Q4	38,590,041	419,457
2024	Q1	39,428,634	433,282	115,960,914
	Q2	36,037,227	396,014
	Q3	40,495,053	440,164		As of September 2024
	Q4

Incidents

Train collision

On 17 January 2005, just after 09:15, an empty train returning to the depot collided with a peak-hour train filled with passengers at the Thailand Cultural Centre station. Around 100-262 people, depending on the news source, were injured. Most of whom sustained only minor injuries, and the entire Metro network was shut down for two weeks. On 31 January 2005, then prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra rode the metro to increase public confidence in the system.

After initial investigations, it was found that the empty train had run into problems shortly before the accident, grinding to a halt on a curve leading to the depot. The driver applied its brake and was waiting to be towed to the depot close to Thailand Cultural Centre station. A rescue train was attempting to connect to the stalled train when the driver was told to release the brake while coupling had not yet been successful. It was then that the empty train began to roll backwards at a speed of ten meters per second, before smashing into the other train, which was carrying passengers. Therefore, it was believed that the incident was caused by negligence due to insufficient training of operation staff. This accident also resulted in two damaged trains with heavily damaged areas limited to the two leading cars. The colliding speed was suspected to be about 60 km/h due to the appearance of damaged areas. However, one train, which was rebuilt from the repair of the minor-damaged cars, was already fitted for operation at the end of 2006 and the remaining one was still under heavy repair until mid of 2007; it was released into service in October 2007. The cost resulting from the accident might be a much higher figure than BEM quoted, and it was expected to be at least 400 million baht, which was totally insured by a local insurance company.

The line resumed full operations on 1 February 2005. Passenger numbers soon rose back to pre-crash levels, partly due to a temporary promotional fare scheme which allowed passengers to travel any distance on the MRT for only ten baht.

Route map

Network map

Gallery

• 
  The ceiling at  BL29  Wat Mangkon station.
• 
  Exterior of  BL30  Sam Yot station.
• 
  The interior design of  BL30  Sam Yot station.
• 
  The transfer hall at  BL30  Sam Yot station is reserved for the  MRT  southern section (under construction)
• 
  The interior design at  BL31  Sanam Chai station
• 
  The design of  BL32  Itsaraphap station
• 
   BL01  Tha Phra station from ground level.
• 
  Phra Ram 9 Depot under construction in 2002.
• 
  Underground museum at  BL31  Sanam Chai station.

See also

• Mass Rapid Transit Master Plan in Bangkok Metropolitan Region
• MRT (Bangkok)
• MRT Brown Line
• MRT Grey Line
• MRT Light Blue Line
• MRT Orange Line
• MRT Pink Line
• MRT Purple Line
• MRT Yellow Line
• BTS Skytrain
• BTS Sukhumvit Line
• BTS Silom Line
• AERA1 City
• SRT Light Red Line
• SRT Dark Red Line
• Bangkok BRT
• BMA Gold Line

External links

• Official website
• "MRTA Blue Line extension website" (archived)
• Airport Rail Link, BTS, MRT & BRT network map