"Chaiwat" is pushing forward 5 mega projects with an investment budget of 203 billion baht for the Cabinet's traveling meeting to consider next week. The board of the Expressway Authority has approved a 5 baht reduction in toll fees, effective November 1.

 

Mr. Chaiwat Thongkumkoon, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Transport, revealed after delivering management policies to agency heads under the Ministry of Transport that during the Cabinet's traveling meeting next week, which will take place in the northern provinces of Phayao and Chiang Rai, the Ministry of Transport will propose construction projects to the Cabinet. This will include 5 projects with a total investment budget of 203.3 billion baht.

 

These projects include 1) Phase 3 of Laem Chabang Port with a budget of 110 billion baht, 2) Aircraft Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) center at U-Tapao Airport with a budget of 10 billion baht, 3) Motorway project from Nakhon Pathom to Cha-am with a budget of 80 billion baht, 4) Border Transport Center in Nakhon Phanom with a budget of 1 billion baht, and 5) Cargo Transport Transformation Center in Chiang Khong, Chiang Rai with a budget of 2.3 billion baht.

 

Additionally, he has instructed the agencies under his ministry to prepare budgets and project plans according to the Ministry of Transport's 20-year strategy. Agencies must incorporate this strategy as a framework for their work to effectively explain to the government when requesting budget allocations. The Budget Bureau will consider plans that align with strategic goals, and the benefits must adhere to the strategy before approval. Therefore, he emphasized that all agencies should use the Ministry of Transport's 20-year strategy as a fundamental guideline in their operations.

 

Mr. Surong Bulakul, Chairman of the Board of the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT), stated after the board meeting that the board has approved a 5 baht reduction in toll fees for users of the Easy Pass at the Asoke toll plaza, specifically at Asoke 4 of the Si Rat Expressway (Second Stage Expressway). This will take effect from November 1 until December 28, for a duration of 2 months. The toll reduction will apply during peak hours in the morning from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM and in the evening from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. This initiative aims to alleviate traffic congestion at the toll plaza and encourage more road users to adopt the Easy Pass system.

 

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