BANGKOK Metropolitan Rapid Transit Authority has invited bids for supply of electrical and mechanical equipment for its initial 22 km heavy metro route from the city centre near Hua Lampong to Bang Sue via Asok, Huai Khwang and Lat Phrao. The aim is to award the contract on the basis of an equip, operate and maintain (EOM) concession, of sufficient length for the supplier to recover its investment. Draft documentation was released on December 4, with bids due back by the end of the month.
MRTA has already awarded a contract for construction of the 11 km southern section between Hua Lampong and the depot at Rama IX Road to a consortium led by Germany’s Bilfinger & Berger (RG 12.96 p777). Detailed design and project management for this section is being undertaken by Maunsell Consultants of Great Britain. The twin running tunnels will be bored through soft alluvial soil using earth pressure balance TBMs, with the nine stations built by top-down construction within diaphragm walls. o
