The bustling thoroughfare of Kaset-Nawamin Road was abuzz with activity as onlookers pondered the future of the long-awaited elevated N Expressway. Glimpses of the project’s ambitious foundations rose into sight but so too did the questions surrounding its financial viability. As the Expressway Authority of Thailand (Exat) stands at a fiscal crossroads, a controversial underground proposal hangs in the balance, igniting debates and inspiring whispers across the cityscape.
In the executive halls of Exat, an agile discourse unfolded where Governor Surachet Laophulsuk illuminated the agency’s strategic pause. The board’s verdict, following an extensive study, suggested shelving the underground route idea to replace a contentious slice of the N1 Expressway development. The equity internal rate of return (EIRR) painted a tempting portrait at 19.2%. However, the financial internal rate of return (FIRR) revealed the grim reality—a negative outlook, hinting at colossal fiscal demands.
Governor Surachet’s candid revelation about the 50 billion baht price tag—the metaphorical elephant in the room—underscored the predicament. Yes, building underground held the promise of preserving the serene environment, but at a cost so significant that some wondered if it distracted from Exat’s ultimate goal of smoother, faster travel through Bangkok. Because of this, the debate swirled around a potentially more feasible alternative: channeling the path upwards to an elevated expressway.
This turning point didn’t just rest with Exat. The relay baton has been passed to the Ministry of Transport and the ever-watchful cabinet. Meanwhile, Exat readies to seek approval for other tantalizing ventures—a fresh stretch of the N2 Expressway, extending 11.3km, alongside an intriguing 3.98km tunnel snaking through Phuket’s rugged terrains, all wrapped up in figures—16.96 billion baht and 16.19 billion baht respectively, to be precise.
The elaborate fabric of the N1 scheme unfolded before the tenacious eyes of critics and advocates alike. Totaling a staggering 49.22 billion baht, resources seemingly vanished into the cavernous abyss of construction costs (44.5 billion baht of it), with land expropriation claiming a 3.6 billion baht slice and supervision nibbling away another 1.06 billion baht. An evocative scene at the July public hearing saw fervent tongues wagging about the ostensible underground route—a costly gamble or brilliant salvation?
Despite the spirited attempts to quell discontent, the route chosen to appease both Kasetsart University and local communities became mired in skepticism. In the past, Exat demonstrated a methodical approach encompassing engineering intricacies, budgetary logistics, and environmental foresight, declaring the underground path as theoretically supreme.
The proposed 6.3-kilometer subterranean venture would stealthily traverse beneath Ngam Wong Wan Road, bypassing notable urban landmarks such as the Phongphet, Bang Khen, and Kaset intersections. Its ultimate aim was to harmonize with the N2 Expressway, potentially reducing the commotion between Bangkok’s eastern and western corridors by a sweet 30-minute potion.
As Exat deliberates and stakeholders weigh in, the Kaset-Nawamin vicinity turns into both a reflection and satire of larger infrastructure dialogues. Will Bangkok’s skyline see the shadow of this elevated dream, or will it entertain further with twists and fiscal turns? Whatever the fate, the citizens watch, with bated breath and perhaps a grin, as their city’s traffic tapestry is woven yet another fascinating tale.
I can’t believe they’re even considering an underground route! The cost alone is insane, and it could end up as another unfinished project.
But the underground route could be less intrusive for local communities. An elevated expressway would be an eyesore!
It’s not all about aesthetics! There’s a balance between cost efficiency and community impact.
Nothing like setting up for another Bangkok traffic miracle. I say bring on the elevated expressway!
I live near Kaset and the traffic is already unbearable. Could they not figure out a cheaper solution that actually works?
Infrastructure projects always have hidden costs. It’s not just about being cheap—it’s about long-term benefits.
The elevated expressway is seen as a long-term solution. Short-term fixes won’t solve the underlying problems.
It’s fascinating how infrastructure projects mirror political debates. Lots of talks but little action.
Exactly! It feels like they’re spending more time debating than actually building anything.
Politicians want to secure their votes rather than making effective decisions. It’s all about what’s popular at the moment.
Why isn’t there more emphasis on public transport? Seems there’s too much focus on cars alone.
Public transport should definitely be part of the conversation. But people love their cars!
If they improved public transport, it would relieve the pressure on roads altogether. Maybe that’s the real solution here.
What about the environmental impact? Underground might be better in that regard.
Environment always gets put aside when money’s involved. Same story every time.
I wonder if the focus on expressways reflects a short-sighted view of urban development.
Anybody think this project will even get finished before 2030? Seems like a bureaucratic mess.
Seems like most big projects never meet their deadlines. Who’s holding them accountable?
I’m amazed at how much these projects cost. Surely there’s a cheaper way to improve traffic flow.
Focusing all resources on one project is risky. What if other necessary infrastructure suffers because of it?
Expressways just encourage more cars. How about bike lanes or improved sidewalks?
My main concern is how disruptive construction will be for years, not just financially.
An elevated expressway might cast long shadows on the city, quite literally transforming our skyline.
That’s true, a bunch of cement pillars isn’t the prettiest view.
But what’s more important—beauty or efficiency?
All these comments and still no official decision. It’s like they’re stalling until they figure out what to do next.
It would be surprising if they came to a decision. Projects this big always take ages.
Does anyone even care about these public consultations? They seem more like a formality than a serious dialogue.