With the intent of significantly upgrading connectivity between the illustrious city of Bangkok and its outlying territories, the esteemed department is fully dedicated to implementing highway construction projects of monumental proportions. These projects are not only tailored to enhance the ease of movement, but are meticulously designed to alleviate the daunting specter of traffic congestion in the foreseeable future, consequently ensuring a noticeable reduction in travel time.
Deputy Director-general of the department, Piyapong Jiwattanakulpaisarn, divulged the intricacies of the following three highly ambitious projects:
- The prodigious M9 motorway project, commencing from Bang Khun Tian and terminating at Bang Bua Thong. This grand endeavour is projected to cost an astounding 56.03 billion baht.
- The highly anticipated M9 motorway project, stretching from the bustling region of Bang Bua Thong and culminating at Bang Pa-in, with an allocated budget of 15.2 billion baht.
- An innovative extension of the renowned Uttaraphimuk elevated tollway, affectionately known to locals as the Don Mueang tollway. Spanning from Rangsit to Bang Pa-in, the extension could reportedly cost around 31.3 billion baht.
According to Piyapong, the M9 motorway project connecting Bang Khun Thian and Bang Bua Thong has received the green light from the public-private partnership (PPP) board, and eagerly awaits the Cabinet’s nod of approval. Upon receiving said approval, invitations for investment from the private sector would be issued, with hopes for a strong response by mid-2023 or even as late as the end of 2024.
Asserting a timeline, he states, “Construction is set to break ground in 2025, with the ambitious aim of completion within a three-year cycle.” He further confirmed the aim to have the project operational by the end of 2029.
The department is simultaneously seeking Cabinet’s approval for a loan to facilitate the development of the M9 motorway project from Bang Bua Thong to Bang Pa-in. This will involve complex financing negotiations with the Public Debt Management Office. Provided all goes as per projection, the construction is destined to commence towards the tail-end of 2025 with a proposed completion time span of three years. With plans in place for the Motorway Fund to absorb system works and maintenance costs, the project is set to be up and running by the close of 2029.
Amid awaiting the Cabinet’s all-important approval, Piyapong elucidates that the department is moving forward with the construction of the three-laned 3901 and 3902 motorway projects along the western Bangkok ring road. There is an explicit requirement that the frontage road construction be completed before the rest of the project. This entire endeavour has been divided into four contractual entities.
In addition to this, the department also intends to embark on constructing a frontage road leading to the Chao Phraya Bridge, scheduled for commencement within the financial year of 2023. Upon completion, this frontage road may be opened in stages to accommodate motorist traffic.
Regarding the extension of the Uttaraphimuk tollway, Piyapong stated the project had the PPP board’s approval, with plans underway to present this proposal to the Transport Ministry and the Cabinet. The department is ready to carry out civil construction work, with private companies projected to manage the project through a 30-year concession agreement.
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