Thailand gears up for 4 expressway projects worth 120 billion baht
The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) is set to launch four expressway projects amounting to approximately 120 billion baht (US$3.3 billion). The projects, once approved and operational, are anticipated to stimulate economic growth and create job opportunities across the nation.
Surachet Laophulsuk, the head of EXAT, revealed that the four proposals are ready for submission to the Cabinet for approval. Following the Cabinet’s consent, the projects will be open to bids for construction. Laophulsuk emphasized that the projects are well-researched and represent significant investments. They are anticipated to contribute positively to the nation’s economy while fostering job creation.
Breaking down the projects, the first one involves the extension of the Chalongrach expressway from Chatuchot to Lam Luk Ka. This 16.2-kilometre extension comes with a budget allocation of 19 billion baht (US$525 million). The second project is a 17-kilometre double-deck expressway running from Ngam Wong Wan to Phaya Thai to Rama IX, which is earmarked at approximately 34 billion baht (US$940 million), reported Bangkok Post.
The third expressway forms a part of the northern expressway. This project will link Prasert-Manukitch Road to the Bangkok Eastern Outer Ring Road over an 11.3-kilometre stretch. It carries a budget of 16.96 billion baht (US$469 million).
The final project encompasses the first phase of a Phuket expressway, stretching 3.98 kilometres from Kathu to Patong with a cost of 14.67 billion baht (US$405), and its second phase extending 30.62 kilometres from Muang Mai to Koh Kaew to Kathu, which will require investment of 42.63 billion baht (US$1.17 billion).
Laophulsuk indicated that the first project to be opened up for bids will be the Chalongrach expressway extension from Chatuchot to Lam Luk Ka. EXAT is in the final stages of drafting its Terms of Reference (TOR) for contractors. The construction of this project is projected to commence by the end of the year and is expected to be completed by 2027.
In terms of funding, EXAT has already discussed the 19-billion-baht budget for this project with the Finance Ministry. According to Laophulsuk, there are no foreseeable hurdles as the agency has consistently yielded positive outcomes.
