In the dazzling locales of Phuket, Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima, and Phitsanulok provinces, a ground-breaking shift is underway. Governing authority of the Metropolitan Rapid Transit Authority, Pakapong Sirikantaramas, recently voiced plans to put some exciting infrastructure projects on a temporary hold. The primary motive behind this strategic pause is to ensure the proper completion of road development in the respective areas before launching into further ventures.
First on the list—the intriguing Phuket electric tram project which has been deferred for two years by MRTA. This time concession is purposed to pave the way for road construction completion in the Southern island province. The promise of an electric train drawing a line from the bustling province’s airport to Chalong Intersection in Muang district is an exciting prospect—one that cannot be rushed beyond its due process.
Undergoing several extensive road construction works, including the expansion of Highway 402, Phuket wouldn’t benefit from a rush into railway construction. As Sirikantaramas has insightfully noted, laying down train tracks during current development stages would only serve to exasperate the area’s traffic. Thus, the decision to wait patiently for the existing construction to conclude is a strategic one.
With a 35.2 billion baht budget set aside, the Phuket route has been designed to span an impressive 42km running through 21 stations. Once initiated and completed, the tram service, with its innovative low-floor trams and overhead power supply facilities, would not only enhance public transport and encourage tourism in the province, but also significantly cut traffic emissions, thanks to the environmentally friendly brass tacks of its blueprint.
Nonetheless, the Phuket electric tram project is not alone in its limbo. Other provincial ventures currently hanging in this orchestrated suspension are:
- The Chiang Mai electric tram project, a visionary electric tram railways linking Nakornping Hospital and Mae Hia Intersection in the Muang district. Spanning 15.8 km across 16 stations, the project commands a robust budget of 29.52 billion baht.
- The Nakhon Ratchasima electric tram project, a planned tram system linking the Safe One Market and Ban Nanareesawat Centre in Muang district, sprawling over 11.1 km, spanning 21 stations with a budget of 7.13 billion baht.
- Lastly, the Phitsanulok electric tram project takes the stage—the intended tram connection between Phitsanulok University and Central department store in Muang district, with a length of 12.6 km across 15 stations, carrying a working budget of 1.57 billion baht.
Whilst these projects float in the sea of anticipation, the feasibility studies continue to roll. As for the actual construction period—it is set to be announced only when we’re ready to jaywalk into the future of transportation—calculated, careful, and absolutely prepared.
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