The Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) is gearing up to unveil an ambitious plan involving the launch of four groundbreaking expressway projects, collectively valued at around 120 billion baht. These ventures, aimed at stimulating economic growth and fostering employment opportunities, are poised to take center stage in the nation’s infrastructure landscape. EXAT Governor Surachet Laophulsuk recently disclosed intentions to present these proposals to the cabinet imminently, signaling a significant milestone in Thailand’s infrastructure development.
The proposed projects, as highlighted by Surachet, are strategically aligned with the overarching goal of bolstering connectivity and propelling economic progress. Among the notable additions are a 16.2km extension to the Chalongrach expressway, stretching from Chatuchot to Lam Luk Ka, with an estimated budget of 19 billion baht. Additionally, a 17km double-deck expressway connecting Ngam Wong Wan with Phaya Thai and Rama IX, valued at approximately 34 billion baht, is set to redefine transportation infrastructure in the region. Moreover, an 11.3km extension of the northern expressway, linking Prasert-Manukitch road with the Bangkok Eastern Outer Ring Road, is earmarked at 16.96 billion baht. Completing the quartet is a transformative Phuket expressway initiative, featuring a phased development. The initial phase, spanning 3.98km from Kathu to Patong, is budgeted at 14.67 billion baht, while the subsequent phase covering 30.62km from Muang Mai to Koh Kaew to Kathu, is anticipated to cost 42.63 billion baht.
Surachet revealed that the bidding process for the Chatuchot-Lam Luk Ka extension on the Chalongrach expressway is poised to kickstart imminently. EXAT is diligently finalizing the terms of reference (TOR) for the bidding endeavor, with construction slated to commence later this year, culminating in 2027. Notably, discussions regarding the funding of the 19-billion-baht project with the Finance Ministry have reportedly progressed smoothly, underscoring EXAT’s commendable track record of sustained performance.
It’s worth noting that the announcement of these transformative projects comes at a pivotal juncture, as Thailand endeavors to fortify its infrastructure framework to support economic resurgence. With EXAT’s proactive stance and the government’s commitment to infrastructure enhancement, these initiatives are poised to usher in a new era of connectivity and economic prosperity for the nation.
