DESCRIPTION

The proposed Bangkok Mass Rapid Transit South Purple Line Project will improve urban transport system in Bangkok, Thailand for efficient and safe movements of people. It will contribute to the achievement of the government''s goal of supporting sustainable and inclusive growth. Aimed at addressing the inefficient and unsustainable urban transport, the proposed project will provide much needed additional MRT corridor and capacity in Bangkok to improve the urban transport system by promoting modal shift from private vehicles to public transport. The output of the project will be (i) Bangkok MRT South Purple Line constructed and operational, and (ii) capacity in implementing and managing urban rail MRT system strengthened.

PROJECT RATIONALE AND LINKAGE TO COUNTRY/REGIONAL STRATEGY

Bangkok is the capital of Thailand and the largest city in the country with a population of about 13 million that is expected to grow at about 1% per annum. This large urbanizing region represents over 20% of Thailand's population of 68 million. Accounting for over half of the nation's GDP, Bangkok is the key driver of the national economy and playing a pivotal role in stimulating economic growth and reducing poverty enabling Thailand to make remarkable progress in social and economic development and move from a low-income country to an upper-middle income economy. The fast-paced economic development in Bangkok has resulted in steep rise in person-trip travels, but the city''s existing mass rapid transit (MRT) system is inadequate in terms of capacity and services to cater for the ever-increasing travel demand. Coupled with the growing affluence in Bangkok, travelers opt to use private transport mode, as evident in the rise in vehicle ownership. The Government of Thailand is well aware of the impact of inefficient urban transport system on economic growth. Failure to invest in urban transport infrastructures to support a major modal shift away from private transport mode in cities will constrain economic growth and accelerate degradation of the urban environment. The government supports investments in efficient and sustainable urban transport to promote economic growth and protect the environment through a low carbon growth path that reduces greenhouse gas emissions.

The government aims to accelerate transport infrastructure investment as a key component in its strategy to improve the nation's competitiveness and increase economic growth. Strengthening connectivity through advancing infrastructure development and raising proportion of passengers carried by public transport system in urban areas to enhance access to social and economic opportunities in support of inclusive growth is one of the priority policy agendas specified in the new Twelfth National Economic and Social Development Plan, 2017 -2021. ADB''s Country Partnership Strategy for Thailand also emphasizes on urban transport infrastructure development to improve connectivity which contributes to inclusive growth. An urban rail MRT project closely aligns with strategic development direction. The project is in ADB Country Operations Business Plan for Thailand 2017-2019.

IMPACT

Access to social and economic opportunities enhanced (the Twelfth National Economic and Social Development Plan 2017 -2021)

ACCOUNTABILITY MECHANISM OF ADB

The Accountability Mechanism is an independent complaint mechanism and fact-finding body for people who believe they are likely to be, or have been, adversely affected by an Asian Development Bank-financed project. If you submit a complaint to the Accountability Mechanism, they may investigate to assess whether the Asian Development Bank is following its own policies and procedures for preventing harm to people or the environment. You can learn more about the Accountability Mechanism and how to file a complaint at: http://www.adb.org/site/accountability-mechanism/main