File photo

 

Phuket's anticipated tram project, planned to connect Phuket International Airport and the Ha Yeak Chalong intersection, is making steady progress with the feasibility study due to be concluded within the next six months.

 

According to Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit, the Mass Rapid Transit Authority (MRTA) is currently conducting the study, set to present the final report in June 2026.

 

Upon the study's completion, the findings will be forwarded to various authorities, including the Transport Ministry, State Enterprise Policy Office, Public-Private Partnership Committee, and the Cabinet, for review from July 2026 until February 2027.

 

The bidding phase follows, projected to run from March 2027 to August 2028. According to Jungrungreangkit, construction will start in September 2028 and is expected to conclude by December 2031.

 

To ensure minimal traffic disruption during the construction period, authorities plan to widen Highway Road No 402 and 4027 alongside developing underpasses at five junctions along Highway 402 on the outskirts of Phuket City.

 

The underpass tunnels will be located near key areas including Muang Thalang School and the Srisunthon municipality office among others, aiming to alleviate congestion and improve traffic flow during the tram system's construction. 

 

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin recently visited Phuket to monitor local police's measures against the so-called foreign mafia. Further, the Prime Minister's visit was primarily focused on the progress of various construction projects aimed at easing traffic congestion in Phuket, mentioned spokesperson Chai Watcharong.

 

-- 2024-04-29

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Phuket Tram Project Progresses Towards Completion

 

Think that might be true after they at least start the project. So not any time soon.

Tou could have written the same artical 8 years ago.

Yes, I can confirm the extraordinary progress as the tram is already circulating in the Patong Tunnel.

45 minutes ago, webfact said:

is making steady progress with the feasibility study due to be concluded within the next six months.

 

Hub of steady progress accomplishing nothing.

Phuket light-rail bids set for mid-2020

PHUKET: Bidding for construction of the light-rail system in Phuket is likely to take place in the middle of next year, according to the Mass Rapid Transit Authority of Thailand (MRTA).

transporttourismconstruction
By The Phuket News

Monday 2 December 2019, 09:37AM

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image: https://www.thephuketnews.com/photo/listing/2019/1575254277_1-org.jpg

Bids to start building Phase 1 of Phuket’s light-rail system are expected to open mid-2020, says MRTA Governor Pakapong Sirikantaramas. Image: OTP

4 hours ago, webfact said:

The bidding phase follows, projected to run from March 2027 to August 2028. According to Jungrungreangkit, construction will start in September 2028 and is expected to conclude by December 2031.

I won't hold out for that deadline.

The Phuket Light Rail Project Considered a 35 Billion Baht Waste

 

 

Despite huge expenditure and the potential for massive disruption over its 3-5 year construction period, the Thai cabinet continues to support the Phuket light rail project. The proposed tram route would start at Phuket International Airport and end near the Chalong Circle, bypassing key tourist destinations and primarily serving locals who could afford the daily fares. Thai Transport Minister, Suriya Juangroongruangkit, re-introduced the project with the promise of opening it to passengers by 2031.

 

However, there are doubts regarding the project's completion, given its failure to start in 2020 as projected by the MRTA. Interestingly, initial operational projections have since been adjusted from 2023 to 2031. The planned light rail route, which does not cater to Phuket's tourism industry, accounting for 95% of the island's business, has further raised eyebrows.

 

Running this project through already congested routes like Thepkasattri Road and then Chao Fah East Road, which barely have a centre-strip, is also a concern. While the fares estimated by the MRTA ranged between 100 – 137 baht, many locals may still opt for motorbikes due to both affordability and point-to-point delivery.

 

Additionally, a lack of convenience is another deterrent, as commuters would need additional transport to get to and from the station. Given the project’s focus on servicing locals in the main trunk from Thalang to Phuket Town, and then Chao Fah East to Chalong, tourist hotspots along the west coast are completely overlooked.

 

Moreover, the construction phase is expected to cause severe traffic disruptions, with lane closures along busy roads. Space constraints are another issue; accommodating tram tracks, 21 stations, and overhead walkways will be challenging.

 

Despite necessary transport reform in Phuket due to increasing road usage, this project fails to address current problems. The sizeable 35 billion baht investment seems misplaced and offers a solution neither tourists nor locals are expected to use. Hence, questions are being raised about the necessity of the project.

 

File photo for reference only. Courtesy of Google

 

-- 2024-04-30

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How much did they waste already on a feasibility study ?

They were studying this project when I lived in Phuket 10 or more years ago....

6 hours ago, brianthainess said:

How much did they waste already on a feasibility study ?

And who profited ? Design, planning, architectures, engineers....models...........committees  dreamers and chancers..

15 hours ago, brianthainess said:

How much did they waste already on a feasibility study ?

More than enough to have a decent local bus service

The next bin will be the land bridge. !!!!😵‍💫

2 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

The next bin will be the land bridge. !!!!😵‍💫

Sorry, I don't agree. Next has to be the SpaceEx rocket launch city.

3 minutes ago, chercheur888 said:

Sorry, I don't agree. Next has to be the SpaceEx rocket launch city.

Haha, there are a lot of breathtaking projects. You're 👍 🤗

On 4/29/2024 at 11:21 AM, webfact said:

Phuket's anticipated tram project, planned to connect Phuket International Airport and the Ha Yeak Chalong intersection, is making steady progress with the feasibility study due to be concluded within the next six months.

 

That's encouraging. 

 

My plan to marry a supermodel and take over the world is in the same phase of development. 

 

They're saying I can claim steady progress?

 

4 hours ago, newbee2022 said:

The next bin will be the land bridge. !!!!😵‍💫

A lot of bins will be needed, but those 'studies' sure fill the pockets of some.

Bridge to Samui, Bridge to Koh Chang (that would grid lock the Island the first weekend ) Pattaya Tram/sky train, airports, the list is endless but keeps the rich, rich. 

12 minutes ago, brianthainess said:

A lot of bins will be needed, but those 'studies' sure fill the pockets of some.

Bridge to Samui, Bridge to Koh Chang (that would grid lock the Island the first weekend ) Pattaya Tram/sky train, airports, the list is endless but keeps the rich, rich. 

Even there are no proceedings some will earn a lot of money for making plans and feasible studies. 

It's a pity that the Govt will not concentrate on solar power and producing hydrogen.

But obviously PTT (and others) owners are not interested but blasting fuels into the air (Diesel powered trains)

1 minute ago, newbee2022 said:

Even there are no proceedings some will earn a lot of money for making plans and feasible studies. 

It's a pity that the Govt will not concentrate on solar power and producing hydrogen.

But obviously PTT (and others) owners are not interested but blasting fuels into the air (Diesel powered trains)

That was my point. 

as phuket is making the billions, hope they pay it out of their secret coffers...

24 minutes ago, brianthainess said:

That was my point. 

Yes, I know. I want to back you😄