PUBLISHED: 13 Jun 2024 at 05: 32
The Supreme Administrative Court overturned a complaint made by the Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc ( BTS ) against the MRTA and its bidding committee regarding the revision of the terms of reference ( TOR ) for the western extension of the Orange Line.
The Central Administrative Court upheld the MRTA’s ruling on Wednesday, which was based on the BTSC’s complaint that the MRTA and its council, which were tasked with choosing a private companion to co-invest in the construction of the Orange Line’s eastern extension from Bang Khun Non, had wrongfully altered the ToR in 2022 in order to aid a particular bidder win.
The accused adhered to the law without having any entrenched interests when investing in public-private partnerships, according to the court, and all Router changes were justified.
The ToR update sought to identify those capable of carrying out the job effectively.
As required by the 2019 Public- Personal Partnership Investment Act, a 60-day people hearing was held on the shifts in 2022.
The proposal news did not impact the BTSC’s right or jobs, said the cause. This situation brings to an end a string of legal fights that have spanned over four years over the Orange Line job.
Following the court’s ruling, the MRTA can now sign a contract with the bid winner, Bangkok Expressway and Metro ( BEM), this year.
Within 30 days of the president’s assent, the MRTA will document a mutual investment agreement for the northern area, according to Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, who will then present it to the government.
By May 2028, the MRTA did start operating the Orange Line’s northeast section, which connects Min Buri and the Thailand Cultural Center.
Phakphong Sirikantharamas, a former MRTA chancellor, claimed that the eastern section’s legal work was finished a year ago. A quick agreement on the eastern extension will enable the private company to serve the southeast segment, which will be advantageous for those living in eastern Bangkok.
The Orange Line Project, a 35.9- kilometre underwater and elevated transport program, connects Bang Khun Non with Min Buri. Now, only structure on the southeast part is perfect, but it is not yet functional.