Bangkok, Thailand – In a move aimed at easing commuter burdens, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has extended the management contract of the Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM) for an additional 22 years and 5 months. This extension, effective until the end of the year 2601, also includes a revised revenue-sharing model for toll collection, now evenly split at 50% each between BMA and BEM, an increase from the previous 60:40 split.
The decision, disclosed by Deputy Prime Minister Surayud Chulanont and the Ministry of Transport, follows preliminary reports from the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT). Negotiations are ongoing between EXAT and BEM, the operator overseeing the second-stage expressway project from Ratchadaphisek to Rama 9, involving adjustments to toll rates on both Stage 1 and Stage 2 of the Ratchadaphisek-Rama 9 line, ensuring they do not exceed 50 Baht per journey. This initiative aims to alleviate travel costs for the public.
According to Surayud, the contract extension with BEM includes provisions for investment obligations in constructing the Double Deck project on the Ratchadaphisek-Rama 9 route. He emphasized that the renegotiation of the concession agreement was driven by the need to benefit the public rather than favor private interests. Detailed financial calculations, including Internal Rate of Return (IRR) assessments, were conducted to ensure fairness and transparency.
Moreover, the government expects the contract amendment process to be finalized within 1-2 months, with a proposal to be submitted to the Ministry of Transport for further review and subsequently to the Cabinet. The revised toll rates, capped at 50 Baht per trip, are projected to be implemented by August 2567, with adjustments every decade based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Addressing traffic congestion along the Ratchadaphisek-Rama 9 corridor, the implementation of the Double Deck project aims to provide an efficient solution. The construction phase is estimated to span approximately 4 years. This extension, Surayud highlighted, aims to balance public benefit with responsible financial management, ensuring sustainable urban transport solutions for Bangkok residents.
For the Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and construction costs of approximately 340 billion Baht for the Double Deck project, detailed feasibility studies in engineering, economic, and environmental impacts have been completed and are pending approval.
Currently, toll fees along the Ratchadaphisek to Rama 9 route amount to approximately 90 Baht (65 Baht at Phra Khanong and 25 Baht at Asoke interchanges). With the policy revision, these fees are reduced to 50 Baht: 50 Baht, with tolls at Phra Khanong set at 50 Baht (a reduction of 15 Baht) and the removal of tolls at Asoke (previously 25 Baht). Similarly, the Rama 9 to Ratchadaphisek route, originally costing 90 Baht (25 Baht at Srinakarin, 50 Baht at Asoke, and 15 Baht at Phra Khanong), is reduced to 50 Baht. Toll fees at Srinakarin remain unchanged at 25 Baht, while those at Asoke are reduced from 50 Baht to 25 Baht, and the toll at Phra Khanong, previously 15 Baht, is discontinued, resulting in a total reduction of 80 Baht.
This initiative marks a significant step toward enhancing public transportation efficiency and reducing commuter costs across Bangkok’s major thoroughfares.
