Thailand has awarded a THB13.1bn ($400m) contract to Sino-Thai Engineering and Construction for the second phase of capital city Bangkok's 23km Purple Line.
The 11km elevated rail section will extend from Phra Nang Klao to Khlong Bang Pai and is expected to begin in February and finish within 48 months.
The THB50bn ($1.52bn) Purple Line is expected to open in 2014 and will link Tao Pan near Bang Sue with Bang Yai in the capital's northwest suburbs.
The THB14.3bn ($435.8m) work for the first 12km section between Tao Pun and Phra Nang Klao was awarded last year to the CKTC joint venture of Ch Karnchang and Tokyo Construction.
A THB22bn ($670.45m) Japanese loan agreed in 2008 is funding the line's civil works.
Bids for the rolling stock are expected to be invited shortly, which will be funded by the private sector through a 25-year PPP concession agreement.
