BANGKOK, Thailand – The Ministry of Transport has announced plans to open the entire 196-kilometer Bang Pa-in–Nakhon Ratchasima Motorway (M6) for toll-free travel, 24 hours a day, beginning December 25. The trial opening is expected to ease holiday congestion on major highways connecting Bangkok with northeastern Thailand, with toll collection scheduled to begin in April 2027.
Deputy Prime Minister and Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn reviewed progress on three major road projects during a meeting on November 4. The Department of Highways reported that civil construction on M6 is 99.81% complete, while operational systems are 96.42% finished. The new route is expected to relieve traffic pressure on Phahonyothin and Mittraphap roads during the busy New Year travel period.
Meanwhile, the 24.7-kilometer Rama II–Ban Phaeo Motorway (M82) is already open for toll-free travel around the clock. However, congestion remains a concern at the Ban Phaeo exit, where three elevated lanes narrow to one. Phiphat has instructed the Department of Highways to accelerate plans to expand the exit to two lanes to improve traffic flow.
The ministry is also preparing to open sections of the Rama III–Dao Khanong–Outer Ring Road Expressway in December, with construction 97.28% complete. An outbound connection from Thotsamarachan Bridge through M82 to Ban Phaeo is targeted for mid-2027. (NNT)
