Bangkok: The Ministry of Transport has directed the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) to fast-track the opening of new expressways to reduce traffic congestion, highlighting the importance of maintaining safety standards during construction.
According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Mr. Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, along with Mr. Chayatham Phromsorn, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, visited the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) to deliver policy guidelines. Key figures such as Mr. Apirat Chaiwongnoi, Chairman of the EXAT Board, and Mr. Surachet Laopulsuk, Governor of EXAT, were present to receive the directives. The Ministry is focused on developing the country's expressway network to improve quality of life, travel efficiency, and support economic growth.
Mr. Pipat underscored the need for EXAT to expedite "Quick-win" projects like the Rama 3 - Dao Khanong - Western Bangkok Outer Ring Road Expressway and the Chalong Ratch Expressway Extension, particularly the Chatu Chot - Lam Luk Ka Road section. He emphasized ensuring public safety throughout the implementation process, especially on Rama 2 Road. Additionally, the Ministry called for the advancement of projects aimed at alleviating traffic congestion in Bangkok, such as the Srinakarin-Suvarnabhumi Expressway and the Chalong Ratch-Eastern Bangkok Outer Ring Road Expressway.
Moreover, the Ministry stressed the importance of thoroughly considering future projects, notably the double-deck elevated expressway project between Ngamwongwan and Rama 9. The Ministry also urged the acceleration of projects to support regional economies, such as the Phuket Expressway Phase 2, and emphasized the need for joint investment proposals.
Mr. Surachet Laopulsuk, Governor of EXAT, affirmed the Authority's commitment to implementing the Ministry's policies efficiently. EXAT aims to meet project targets and timelines while enhancing safety standards in construction and traffic management. The Authority is leveraging digital technologies to improve service efficiency, such as the Easy Pass automated toll collection system, which currently accounts for approximately 57.61% of traffic volume. EXAT aims to increase this to 70% by 2028 to improve traffic flow and reduce congestion at toll booths.
Simultaneously, EXAT is committed to the Green Transport approach, aiming for a 30% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 and net-zero emissions by 2065. This includes adopting clean energy technologies, such as solar rooftops on management centers and toll plazas, LED lighting systems, and electric vehicles within the organization. The Authority is also focused on using environmentally friendly materials, like hydraulic cement for the Chalong Ratch Expressway extension, and expanding green spaces to support sustainable growth.