PUBLISHED: 19 Aug 2024 at 10: 02
The Department of Highways is advising the government against expanding the concession’s use of the Don Muang Tollway because it believes lowering burden expenses would be a better way to lower the capital city’s cost of living.
Suriya Jungrungreangkit, the Do H’s caretaker transport minister, requested that the concession be extended to operate Don Muang Tollway, which is currently owned by Don Muang Tollway Plc, even though the concession wo n’t expire until 2034.
Mr. Suriya claimed doing so would help the government lower rising living costs, but the phone sparked a reaction, with watchers accusing the caretaker Transport Minister of acting in the public’s best interests rather than the concessionaire. The DoH was also given a warning by the National Anti-Corruption Commission ( NACC ) about the potential for corruption if it were to decide to extend the concession right away.
The DoH called on Mr. Suriya to wait until the agreement is in its final stages.
Most motorists prefer to travel along Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, which runs under Don Muang Tollway, unless there is heavy traffic along the road, according to DoH director-general Sarawut Songsiwilai, who added that lowering the tollway’s fees wo n’t have a big impact on Bangkok residents ‘ expenses.