Subway leisure scheme on track

A feasibility study into a subterranean transport and leisure hub in the Chatuchak area is nearing completion, as transport officials mull options for moving visitors within the complex.

The hub would consist of three underground floors and would link the Bang Sue, Kamphaeng Phet and Chatuchak Park subway stations, Transport and Traffic System Development Bureau chief Wichit Nimitwanit said.

The three floors would house a shopping mall at the top, entertainment venues in the middle and a car park at the bottom.

No timeframe has been set for its construction. The complex would be run by the State Railway of Thailand.

Mr Wichit said the hub would create the impression that travellers did not have far to walk between the three stations, which are 500m to 1km apart.

The complex which would cover an area of 127.5 rai.

He said the concept is modelled along the lines of underground complexes in Japan and Peru. The feasibility study is expected to finish next month.

The project will then go through the public hearing process before being forwarded to the Transport Ministry for consideration, Mr Wichit said.

His bureau is also planning to study the feasibility of ground transportation within the hub, such as express buses or an elevated monorail to serve between 5,000 and 10,000 passengers an hour.

Transport expert Wannasak Saikaeo supports the monorail proposal, although it would cost more than other choices.

‘‘It could transport more people and would cause no traffic jams or air pollution,’’ he said.

Meanwhile, road development specialist Chamrat Phithaksadongkan said expressways would be needed near the hub because the six surrounding roads — Vibhavadi Rangsit, Phahon Yothin, Thoet Damri, Ratchadaphisek, Siam Cement and Kamphaeng Phet — would become more congested after the hub opens.