Decision on Don Muang Tollway should wait: govt

The Department of Highways is advising the government against expanding the concession’s use of the Don Muang Tollway because it believes lowering burdens costs 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 said the government does waited until the agreement is about to expire in response to Mr. Suriya’s request.

DoH director-general Sarawut Songsiwilai added that lowering the tollway’s fees wo n’t have much of an impact on Bangkok residents ‘ expenses because most drivers prefer to travel along Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, which runs under Don Muang Tollway, unless there is heavy traffic along the way.