In a significant step towards easing the congestion woes of Bangkok’s bustling streets, the cabinet has given the green light to the eagerly anticipated 35-kilometer M9 motorway project. Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced this development, revealing an ambitious plan to connect the vibrant Bang Khunthian district with Nonthaburi’s busy Bang Bua Thong district. This substantial project carries a hefty price tag of 47.5 billion baht under a public-private partnership (PPP), paving the way for smoother traffic on the western flank of the well-traveled Kanchanaphisek Road.
The unique investment strategy chosen for this monumental task is the PPP Net Cost model, where private partners, selected through a competitive bidding process, shoulder the lion’s share of construction costs. Their payoff? The exclusive rights to collect toll fees over the next three decades once the motorway swings open its gates approximately four years from now.
According to Minister Suriya, bids are likely to roll in by late next year, with the ink set to dry on the contracts by the latter half of 2026. Fast forward to 2029, and the M9 motorway promises to stand ready to usher in a new era of connectivity. The Thai government is set to be a co-investor in this infrastructural marvel, splitting the bill for both land expropriation, amounting to around 4.25 billion baht, and the construction cost of 47.5 billion baht.
The M9 isn’t just a road; it’s the spine of progress, featuring six expansive lanes, eight strategic entrances, and a matching number of exits, complemented by five cleverly designed intersections. But wait, there’s more—automated toll collection systems will ensure that your journey through this concrete wonderland is as seamless as possible.
Toll tales bring good news, too, with an initial fee of a mere 10 baht for four-wheeled vehicles, plus a minor 1.5 baht per kilometer, making it an accessible route for many. Trucks with six wheels will see a starting toll of 15 baht with an additional 2.40 baht per kilometer, while those behemoths boasting more than six wheels are tagged with a base rate of 25 baht, accruing 3.45 baht per click thereafter. To keep à la mode with changing times, toll rates are scheduled for review and possible modification every five years.
The ramifications of the M9 motorway reach far and wide beyond just the tarmac and concrete. It promises a robust boost to the local economy by slashing travel times and fostering an environment conducive to the manufacturing and logistics sectors. The project isn’t just constructing a road; it’s paving pathways to expansion, crafting countless job opportunities, and revving the engines of economic growth in this vibrant corner of Thailand.
As the M9 motorway embarks on this audacious journey from blueprint to reality, it stands as a testament to Thailand’s vision of a more interconnected and efficient future. This project is set to transform how people and businesses navigate the western corridors of Bangkok, knitting communities closer and driving the pulse of progress forward, one kilometer at a time.
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