Phuket’s expressway project moves forward: EXAT
Phuket’s ambitious infrastructure plans took a significant step forward after Governor Sophon Suwannarat held a crucial meeting with representatives from the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) at the Phuket Provincial Hall.
The discussions centred on the progress of the highly anticipated Phuket Expressway Project, commonly referred to by locals as the Patong Tunnel and Mueang Mai-Koh Kaew-Kathu Expressway projects.
In attendance yesterday, December 16 were key figures such as Pichet Kongsri, Chairman of EXAT’s Legal Subcommittee, and Kulkanya Tumsen, EXAT Deputy Governor of Law. This project is designed to tackle Phuket’s notorious traffic congestion and enhance its appeal as a tourist destination.
The Phuket Expressway Project is being executed in two phases. Phase one, known as the Kathu-Patong Section, spans 3.9 kilometres and requires an investment of 16.76 billion baht.
This includes 5.79 billion baht for land acquisition and 10.96 billion baht for construction. Land acquisition has commenced, and the investment model is slated for Cabinet approval by the end of the year.
Phase two, the Mueang Mai-Koh Kaew-Kathu Section, extends over 30.62 kilometres of elevated expressway, with an estimated budget of 45.87 billion baht.
Environmental assessment
The costs are divided into 22.35 billion baht for land acquisition and 23.52 billion baht for construction. An Environmental Impact Assessment is underway and will soon be submitted to the National Environment Board.
Once completed, the expressway promises to slash travel time and distance between Phuket Airport and Patong Beach, said Sophon.
“The route will shorten the journey from 35 kilometres to 28 kilometres and cut travel time from 90 minutes to just 20 minutes.”
The project aims to alleviate severe traffic congestion, enhance the quality of life for residents, and strengthen Phuket’s tourism infrastructure.
Governor Sophon praised EXAT for prioritising the project, highlighting its critical role in addressing Phuket’s traffic issues and supporting provincial development.
Pichet reiterated EXAT’s dedication to improving Phuket’s infrastructure, underscoring the project’s long-term benefits for the island’s sustainability and global image as a leading tourist hub.
Investment plan
The project, initially proposed decades ago, faced challenges when the private sector showed no interest in a public-private partnership during the bidding process in April. Consequently, EXAT proposed to the Ministry of Transport to revise the investment plan, assuming full responsibility for funding and construction.
Instead of overhauling the project into two entirely new plans and budgets and repeating the bidding process, EXAT communicated to the Ministry of Transport in August that any alterations to the tunnel design necessitated a comprehensive reassessment of the project’s Environmental Impact Assessment.
Such a move could delay the project by at least one year. To avoid these delays, EXAT opted to self-finance the project, with an estimated budget of 16 billion baht.
The Ministry of Transport had suggested modifications to reduce construction costs and improve safety, but EXAT decided to proceed with its plan. This was noted in a brief online report by the Office of Natural Resources and Environmental Policy and Planning.
During its 52nd anniversary celebrations on November 27, EXAT highlighted the Phuket Expressway Project as a point of pride, emphasising its plans to expand expressway routes to various regions. Earlier, in October, Governor Sophon and Phuket Provincial Administration Organisation President Rewat Areerob welcomed an EXAT delegation led by Kulkanya to discuss further project plans. The EXAT team spent three days inspecting the construction sites.
Kulkanya explained that the project was advancing with the preliminary determination of property prices in Tambon Patong. Recent meetings addressed 110 plots, covering 160 buildings.
The committee included representatives from the Department of Land, the Department of Treasury, the Kathu District Office, and Patong Municipality, with the Director of the Land Ownership Division of EXAT attending.
These meetings finalised property prices for the plots in question. Property owners were required to sign agreements, and compensation, estimated at about 150 million baht, was to be distributed in instalments starting last month, with payments expected to conclude by the year’s end.
Another round of meetings to determine preliminary property prices in Kathu took place in late October, reported Phuket News.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news.
Why are infrastructure projects like the Phuket Expressway critical for tourism development?
They reduce congestion, improve travel efficiency, and enhance accessibility, making destinations more appealing to tourists.
How might EXAT’s decision to self-finance impact the project’s timeline and scope?
Self-financing could expedite completion but may limit scope adjustments without external input or funding.
What if environmental assessments delay infrastructure projects? How can this be mitigated?
Delays can hinder progress; proactive planning and early assessments can reduce risks and expedite approvals.
How does improving infrastructure influence the global image of a tourist hub like Phuket?
Enhanced infrastructure signals modernity and efficiency, attracting more visitors and boosting the region’s reputation.
What are the potential long-term benefits of expressways for locals in Phuket?
They offer reduced travel times, less congestion, improved quality of life, and potential economic growth through better connectivity.
