Rama II expressway construction issues prompt contractor downgrade considerations

[webfact]

 

The construction of the Rama II Road expressway, currently plagued by delays, substandard work and safety concerns, has prompted Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to consider downgrading contractors responsible for the project. The state budget office was instructed to investigate possible penalties for the contractors involved.

 

Patricia Mongkhonvanit, director-general of the Comptroller General’s Department, was called to meet with the prime minister on Monday to discuss the recurring issues. The department oversees the budgets of all state projects.

 

“The problems arising from the delays in the construction work on Rama II Road continue to have somewhat serious effects on people. They must be fixed,” PM Srettha stated following their meeting. He then left for Melbourne to attend the ASEAN-Australia summit.

Firms found to violate project deadlines or produce substandard work will be downgraded, he added. These punitive measures, he believes, will encourage contractors to be more attentive and responsible in their construction projects.

However, the Premier did not clarify whether the penalties would apply to both major contractors and subcontractors, or what the downgrading process entailed. Construction companies that win significant projects usually subcontract portions of the work to smaller firms.

 

Rama II Road is a primary connection between Bangkok and the southern region, including the popular resort town of Hua Hin. Traffic congestion on Rama II has been recognised by the current and previous governments as a detriment to tourism in the area. Local and international tourists opt for alternative destinations to avoid the traffic bottlenecks.

 

The expressway, designed to reduce travel time from Bangkok to Samut Sakhon, has in reality exacerbated congestion due to construction delays, frequent accidents, and road closures. The situation is particularly dire during weekends and long holidays.

 

Several construction mishaps have even led to fatalities. The most recent incident occurred on January 18, when a sling snapped, killing a worker and causing the crane’s lifting basket to plummet. In May, another worker was killed by a falling slab of concrete.

 

The construction of the new expressway is divided into ten separate contracts. It commenced in February 2012 and was initially set for completion in January next year. However, the main contractor has already been granted a six-month extension.

 

Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit assured on Monday that the expansion of Rama II Road would meet its new deadline, if not be completed ahead of schedule, with bi-monthly follow-ups, reported Bangkok Post.

 

by Mitch Connor

Photo courtesy of Bangkok Post

 

Source: The Thaiger 2024-03-05

 

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[Callmeishmael]

According to Thai social media, Rama II road has been an mess due to ongoing construction for the last 30 years!

 

[stoner]

30 minutes ago, webfact said:

The construction of the new expressway is divided into ten separate contracts. It commenced in February 2012 and was initially set for completion in January next year. However, the main contractor has already been granted a six-month extension.

 

hahaha 6 months.

[Hamus Yaigh]

I have been driving this route for the past 35 years and don't recall ever driving it when they were not constructing something new on it with shading looking contractors and traffic chaos. Its not rocket science to know where all the funds are being directed on this, and its not in the direction of motorists. A shame for the whole southern Thailand as its the only reasonable road way there from Bangkok, going via the northern Ratchaburi route is worse still.

[spidermike007]

This is one of the most ridiculous construction projects on earth. Though any sort of alternative transportation is desperately needed here, a project that takes 10-30 years (how long has it been under construction already? And they are only at km. 37, and completion is minimal to that point) on one of the most congested highways in the nation is sheer insanity, hubris, and poor planning. Heads should be rolling, and people should be locked up for this mess.  

[ikke1959]

• Contractors and subcontractors and subsubcontractors.... every one wants to make money.. a lot is wasted and with the result delays, low standard works and a lot of traffic congestion... yes indeed they can't fix in a few months anymore surely after many years they are building at the site. I think another 3 years are needed..Thai style to built with many people who want to fill pockets but don't want/can work 

[hotchilli]

5 hours ago, webfact said:

The construction of the Rama II Road expressway, currently plagued by delays, substandard work and safety concerns, has prompted Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to consider downgrading contractors responsible for the project. The state budget office was instructed to investigate possible penalties for the contractors involved

Ohhh dear.

[DaLa]

I understand the complaints and criticism, however in my view a 6 month delay on a project this size and complexity is surely reasonable. I drive the road frequently and there are delays on occasions; I'm retired here so a precious extra 30 minutes doesn't phase me.

 

Maybe it's because I come rom the UK. Only 20% of income paid by the motorist in taxes  is used for road infrastructure. The roads are ill maintained and the largest project in the last few years was to turn the emergency breakdown lane of the motorways into a 'part time' extra lane. This grand ides resulted in many deaths . At least Thailand is planning ahead with this scheme whereas the motorist in the Uk is constantly persecuted with surveillance at every road junction, excessive parking fees and extra taxes to enter certain areas of a city in the name of 'combatting climate change'. Oh I almost forgot, we get to benefit from this despite 70 baht/litre. 

[digger70]

10 hours ago, webfact said:

currently plagued by delays, substandard work and safety concerns

The Contractor the blame for this. 

He's in charge off the Sub contractors he Hired  to do the job.

He's responsible for the Whole project No Excuse.

It' all about money they all are trying to do the job as cheap as possible  they don't care about Safety or Substandard work or substandard materials that are used to make more money