BANGKOK, Thailand – The Ministry of Transport is reviewing concerns over the proposed Ngam Wong Wan–Rama IX Double-Deck Expressway following calls to reconsider the project. Deputy Transport Minister Siripong Angkasakulkiat met on November 9 with representatives of the Thailand Consumers Council and the Expressway Authority of Thailand’s labor union to discuss the proposed construction, traffic congestion, and transportation costs.
The Thailand Consumers Council raised concerns about safety, investment value, possible concession extensions, and the financial burden on expressway users. The agency urged the ministry to reconsider the project and examine two alternative routes, the Chalong Rath–Khae Rai Expressway and the Chalong Rath–Eastern Bangkok Outer Ring Road Expressway. The council also called for measures to protect and compensate communities that construction could affect.
Siripong explained that the Public-Private Partnership Policy Committee is still considering the Double-Deck project, while negotiations with the existing private operator continue over financial returns to the government. He expressed confidence that the current administration could conclude the discussions. However, the ministry has not reached a final agreement and will continue evaluating the project’s costs, benefits, and potential impact on the public.
The meeting also addressed public transportation affordability, including the proposed integrated electric rail fare system ranging from 17 to 45 baht and plans to replace conventional non-air-conditioned buses with air-conditioned electric buses while keeping fares affordable. (NNT)
