Picture courtesy of Money and Banking

 

by Bright Choomanee

The Cabinet has given the green light for a significant new infrastructure project: a 35-kilometre M9 motorway aiming to connect Bangkok’s Bang Khunthian district with Bang Bua Thong district in Nonthaburi.

 

Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit announced this development, highlighting its potential to alleviate traffic congestion on Kanchanaphisek Road’s western side and enhance connectivity with Bangkok’s network of outer ring roads.

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This ambitious undertaking involves a substantial 47.5 billion baht (US$1.4 billion)investment through a public-private partnership (PPP) model. The chosen investment format, known as PPP Net Cost, allows the selected private partner—determined through a bidding process—to invest primarily in the motorway’s construction.

 

In return, the partner will have the right to collect toll fees for three decades following the motorway’s opening, projected to occur in about four years.

The bidding process is expected to commence late next year, with the contract anticipated to be signed in the latter half of 2026. The motorway is slated for completion and opening in 2029.

 

The government plans to share the financial burden of both land expropriation, estimated at 4.25 billion baht (US$124 million), and the construction costs with the private partner.

 

Approximately 33 rai of land will need to be expropriated for this project. The government has committed to contributing its share of the investment through annual instalments over at least 15 years from the M9 motorway’s opening.

 

Designed with six lanes, the M9 will feature eight entrances, six exits, and five separated intersections. An automatic toll collection system will be in place to streamline operations and enhance user experience.

 

For four-wheeled vehicles, the initial toll will be set at 10 baht (US$0.3), with an additional charge of 1.5 baht (US$0.04) per kilometre. Six-wheeled trucks will incur a starting fee of 15 baht (US$0.4) and 2.40 baht (US$0.07) per kilometre thereafter.

Vehicles larger than six-wheeled trucks will face a starting fee of 25 baht (US$0.7) and 3.45 baht (US$0.1) per kilometre. These toll rates are subject to review and potential adjustment every five years, reported Bangkok Post.

 

The motorway project is expected to yield significant economic benefits by reducing transport and logistical costs, shortening travel times, and fostering economic growth. It will support the expansion of the manufacturing sector and generate employment opportunities, contributing positively to the region’s economy.

 

Source: The Thaiger 

-- 2024-12-06

 

 

Written like it's an all new motorway. Guess it's an extension/branch? of the existing M9 ringroad.

If construction is as slow as the notorious M6 then I will not live long enough to experience.

5 hours ago, webfact said:

PPP Net Cost, allows the selected private partner—determined through a bidding process—to invest primarily in the motorway’s construction.

 

In return, the partner will have the right to collect toll fees for three decades

 

I hope the contract is written very carefully. Every time they've done this in the past, the operator eventually ends up elevating the toll to such a high level that the government starts whining about how unfair it is, and trying to get it lowered. 

 

5 hours ago, webfact said:

The bidding process is expected to commence late next year, with the contract anticipated to be signed in the latter half of 2026. The motorway is slated for completion and opening in 2029.

 

There is zero chance that the project will be completed and open for traffic just three years after the contract is signed...that just never happens.

It is always nice to see a photo of a new road but is it always too much trouble to show a situation sketch of the surroundings?
That's more helpful than a picture of the road.