THE Department of Rail Transport the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA) have been instructed to urgently complete repairs of a fire-hit track between MRT Tao Poon and Bang Pho stations that led to the entire system being shut down so that hopefully trains could start running again tomorrow (Sep. 21), Amarin TV said.
Deputy Transport Minister Phattarapong Phattaraprasit inspected the section of the track where a short circuit in electrical cables along track alignment caused a fire at 12.32 p.m. but was quickly put out.
He also checked the power supply room at Tao Poon station where at 1.15 p.m. smoke was detected but while a fire did not erupt there were burn marks caused by electrical sparks. A comprehensive system inspection is currently underway to determine the exact cause and assess the readiness of the rail system.
Phattarapong said that the situation is now under control as Bangkok Expressway and Metro Plc (BEM) is preparing to repair the damaged components, with work scheduled to be expedited tonight to ensure the system can resume operations tomorrow morning.
However, the resumption of service is contingent upon system inspections and confirmation of readiness from relevant agencies. MRTA and BEM must be fully assured of the system’s safety for the public and all passengers before operations restart; while the goal is to restore the system as quickly as possible, safety remains the top priority.
Should repairs or inspections not be completed on schedule, or if safety cannot be confirmed, the Transport Ministry has prepared contingency plans. This involves coordinating with the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA) to provide temporary shuttle bus services for the affected areas, thereby facilitating travel and minimising the impact on the public.
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Top and Front Page: The fire at the MRT track and Deputy Transport Minister Phattarapong Phattaraprasit inspecting it. Photos – Amarin TV
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