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PM Srettha urges acceleration of Phuket transport projects

PM Srettha urges acceleration of Phuket transport projects

PHUKET: Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin has ordered all relevant authorities to expedite the implementation of projects aimed at alleviating traffic issues in Phuket. The directive came during his visit to the island province today (Apr 19).

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By The Phuket News

Friday 19 April 2024 05:45 PM


 

Upon arriving in Phuket, PM Srettha and his entourage were greeted by Phuket Governor Sophon Suvannarat along with other key local officials and heads of government offices.

The delegation from Bangkok then attended a meeting at Phuket International Airport, where the Prime Minister was briefed on major initiatives to reduce traffic congestion and enhance safe travel routes for tourists.

PM Srettha proceeded to inspect the sites where these key projects are being implemented. The Phuket branch of the Public Relations Department (PR Phuket) provided a series of reports on the progress.

In Muang Mai, PM Srettha reviewed the current state of the project to upgrade and expand Route 4027 (Pa Khlok road), which runs through Pa Khlok Sub-Districs. The road is being upgraded to a four-lane highway that will connect to through an elevated section to a multi-level interchange with Route 402 (Thepkrasattri Rd) and Route 4026 (the main airport road). The cost is estimated at B1.3 billion, the deadline is set as year 2027.

In the Tha Chat Chai area of Mai Khao, PM Srettha was presented with plans for the construction of the "new Sarasin Bridge project," a crucial link ahead of the the construction of the second Andaman airport in Phang Nga province. No additional information has been revealed beside that the project is going ahead.

In Tha Ruea, PM Srettha was briefed on the planned interchange between Route 4027 (Pa Khlok road) and Route 402 (Thepkrasattri Rd). The report by PR Phuket noted that traffic congestion at the Heroines Monument is a significant issue affecting tourism in Phuket.

To address this, plans include constructing an underpass at the Heroines Monument and further developments in the surrounding area. The cost of this project, announced today (Apr 19), is B2.38 billion, with a completion deadline set for 2026.

"On Apr 19, 2024, Mr Srettha Thavisin, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, ordered all agencies to accelerate projects aimed at resolving traffic problems in Phuket Province. After being briefed on the progress of each project, PM Srettha ordered that efforts be particularly focused on the Tha Ruea Intersection area, a major concern affecting Phuket’s image as a tourist destination," stated the report by PR Phuket.

"The Prime Minister also instructed that preparations be made to elevate Phuket to an international tourist city and to serve as a model island for Koh Samui and other tourist destinations across the country," the report added.