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Published: 07 October 2021 Client name: Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited Service provided: Independent Verification and Validation

In March 2017, Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM) appointed Ricardo to provide Independent Verification and Validation (IVV) services on the building work already underway to extend the city's Blue Line route.

The operator's overarching concern was for the 28km extension to form a seamless continuation of the original Blue Line, with no degradation of performance or safety levels across the wider network.

Ricardo's responsibility was to assess the activities of BEM and its sub-system contractors, and provide independent certification that the newly extended line was ready for passenger service, having provided expert reviews of:

Safety and risk management
RAM management and demonstration
EMC management
Fire engineering management
Human factors and ergonomics
Software assurance
Interface management and system integration
Testing and commissioning activities
Operational readiness, including training, emergency drills etc.

Click to download the full Bangkok Case Study (PDF)

I would like to thank your team for their prompt and professional support in completing this work with excellence. We are delighted that Ricardo has set such a high standard for future projects. Dr. Sombat Kitjalaksana, Managing Director, BEM

I would like to thank your team for their prompt and professional support in completing this work with excellence. We are delighted that Ricardo has set such a high standard for future projects.

Preventing delay

One of the biggest challenges was to provide solutions to issues that spanned multiple systems, contractors or disciplines. To support collaboration, the Ricardo team organised 'Solution Resolution Teams' featuring representatives from BEM, suppliers, contractors and consultants, to discuss emerging issues and agree actions.

Priority Phase One

With services required to start within four months of our team joining the project, resources were immediately made available for retrospective assessments of a build that was already in the advanced stages of installation. In just 12 weeks, the team fulfilled all necessary site observations, audits and assessment reports to issue a Certificate on time.

Integration

A priority for the Ricardo IVV team was to ensure a seamless integration of the new track sections without any impacts on the safety and performance of the entire route. For example, the original 2004 rolling stock would be required to operate on both the original route and on the new infrastructure.

Project Gallery

Siemens Inspiro for Blue Line
Blue Line Inspiro vehicle undergoes watertight test in Bangkok
Tao Poon stairs

Siemens Inspiro for Blue Line

Blue Line Inspiro vehicle undergoes watertight test in Bangkok

Tao Poon stairs

The Ricardo IVV team completed their assessments on schedule to ensure the client was able to commence operations as planned.

Phase One, the single-stop Bang Sue - Tao Poon section, opened for full commercial service in August 2017.

In September 2019, Phase Two, the Hua Lamphong - Lak Song section started full service, followed by the Tao Poon - Tha Phra section in March 2020.

The Blue Line is now a fully operational 'Loop' service, with 38 stations along its 48km route and a daily ridership of around 400,000.

To read the full Case Study from this project, click here.

Independent Verification and Validation

When constructing a new railway, it’s best practice to identify high-risk areas at the earliest opportunity. IVV achieves this by systematically confirming whether your railway complies with the requirements for safety, functionality, RAM and quality.

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Bangkok Metro Blue Line

Blue Line: Full Case Study

Key Challenges