Cabinet Approves Budget Increase for Rama 3 Expressway Project

The Thai Cabinet has officially approved a budget increase of 7.2 billion baht for the Rama 3-Dao Khanong-Western Bangkok Outer Ring Road expressway project, as reported by Khaosod Online. According to Deputy Government Spokesperson Ploy-Talay Laksameesangchan, the Ministry of Transport proposed the adjustment to accommodate increased interest expenses incurred during the construction period. The total investment framework for the project has been raised from the original 31.24 billion baht, established in June 2017, to a new total of 38.44 billion baht. Similarly, the construction budget has been adjusted from 30.43 billion baht to 37.63 billion baht. For residents and commuters in Bangkok, this development ensures that the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT) has the necessary financial liquidity to continue construction without interruption. While this adjustment addresses the financial requirements for the project's ongoing development, it remains to be confirmed how this increase in borrowing costs might impact long-term toll rates or the final completion timeline for the expressway. Travelers should continue to monitor local traffic reports for potential construction-related delays in the Rama 3 and Dao Khanong areas as work progresses under the revised budget.