The State Railway of Thailand is inviting companies to put in bids for the commercial development of Bangkok’s new rail hub, the Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, as well as stations along the city’s Red Line.
SRT’s PR director, Ekarat Sri-arayanpong, said Bangkok hopes the station will be Southeast Asia’s grandest rail hub.
Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal, in particular, will feature shops, restaurants and accommodation for both commuters and tourists.
“This will be a substantial source of extra income for the SRT,” Mr Ekarat said.
The stations’ commercial development will be split into four contracts. The first contract covers 47,675 square metres (m²) of commercial space at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal.
The second contract will govern the use of 3,759 m² of commercial space spread across 12 stations along Bangkok’s Red Line service, namely Taling Chan, Bang Bamru, Bang Son, Chatuchak, Wat Samian Nari, Bang Khen, Thung Song Hong, Laksi, Kan Kheha, Don Mueang, Lak Hok (Rangsit University) and Rangsit stations.
The third contract will cover 2,303 m² of advertising space at Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal while the final contract concerns some 2,080 m² of advertising space at the 12 stations along the Red Line.
Interested parties can purchase bid envelopes from the SRT between March 14 and April 28. They must submit their bids on July 4-5, added Mr Ekarat.
The winners will be awarded a 20-year concession. SRT is expecting to earn about 360 million baht a year from the stations’ development, or about 7 billion baht over 20 years.