Large-scale Allocation of Funds, Totaling $B56bn, Earmarked for Various Transport Infrastructure Projects
Injecting 56 Billion Baht into Transport Infrastructure
Here's the lowdown on the Ministry of Transport's latest move – pumping a whopping 56 billion baht into infrastructure development to enhance safety and nationwide connectivity. This baby's expected to create job opportunities, boost tourism, and fuel economic growth.
According to the word on the street, this venture stemmed from a cabinet resolution on May 20, green-lighting a grand economic stimulus package valued at around 157 billion baht. The goal? To circulate capital, generate employment, expand career opportunities, and support the resurgence of the tourism biz.
Six key agencies under the ministry have tossed their project proposals totaling 56.66 billion baht into the ring. The Department of Highways (DoH) leads the pack with approximately 4,000 projects worth a cool 37.63 billion baht, followed closely by the Department of Rural Roads (DRR) with about 3,700 projects amounting to 17 billion baht.
Other agencies jumping into the fray include the Department of Airports (DoA), State Railway of Thailand (SRT), The Transport Co Ltd, and the Bangkok Mass Transit Authority (BMTA).
These proposals are currently under review by the National Economic and Social Development Council (NESDC) and the Budget Bureau, with a likelihood of approval within the next fortnight. If given the green light, bidding and contract-signing phases are set to kick off between July and August.
So, what's on the agenda? Mostly small to medium-scale projects, ranging from 5 to 20 million baht – whoosh, done in a year! Many plans are geared towards improving transportation safety, alleviating congestion in overcrowded areas, and reinforcing connectivity, especially in under-resourced regions.
Additionally, the projects will significantly enhance access to secondary cities and key tourist destinations, triggering a wave of economic activity.
One project set to roll out under this infrastructure development drive is an urgent safety upgrade to the road linking Kabin Buri and Wang Nam Khieo, a notorious hotspot for accidents. transformed public transport.
This revamp involves installing more lighting for improved visibility, adding road markings and smart signage systems to warn drivers, and bolstering guardrails along the road. This demonstrates the ministry's commitment to lifting the bar on transport safety within the sector. Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit expressed confidence that this budget would effectively stimulate the economy.
Spicing up the details:
Sources say this 56 billion baht plan might also include an electric bus project involving 1,520 buses, costing 15.36 billion baht. Plus, there's a high-speed rail initiative involving the Bangkok–Nong Khai route, with civil engineering work well underway but other aspects progressing at a snail's pace. The Muak Lek-Lam Takhong tunnel, another high-speed rail project, is expected to cost 4.28 billion baht and span 12.3 kilometers.
These projects and initiatives underscore the Ministry of Transport's dedication to modernizing Thailand's transportation infrastructure and improving connectivity throughout the nation.
The 56 billion baht investment in transportation infrastructure could potentially include an electric bus project worth 15.36 billion baht, signifying a considerable focus on the finance sector and sustainable transportation. In alignment with the government's ambitious economic stimulus package worth 157 billion baht, this transportation project is anticipated to stimulate the economy, contribute to industry growth, and support the finance sector by generating employment and boosting tourism.
