In a bid to revolutionize Chiang Mai’s transport systems and bolster the local economy, Deputy Transport Minister Surapong Piyachote descended upon the province recently. Joined by Chiang Mai Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn and representatives from various sectors, Surapong led a comprehensive discussion on strategic improvements aimed at enhancing transportation efficiency while respecting the cultural fabric of the community.
The focal point of the plan revolves around the development of new roadways, specifically the initiation of the first and third capital city ring roads. Currently undergoing the crucial stage of estimating land expropriation costs, these roads are envisioned to interconnect major highways, paving the way for more fluid traffic circulation within the city.
Integral to this ambitious transportation upgrade is the unveiling of the Chiang Mai Public Transit Master Plan. This comprehensive initiative outlines a visionary rail and bus network designed to elevate the province’s connectivity. The proposed railway system comprises three main lines – a 12.5-km red line, a 10.5-km blue line, and a 12-km green line, encompassing a total of 35 stations. Complementing this rail infrastructure, a robust feeder bus network is set to cover an extensive 174 km across fourteen designated routes.
Crucially, the master plan includes two groundbreaking rail projects. The first is a light rail transit train connecting Nakhon Ping Hospital to Mae Hia Saman Samakkee intersection, while the second is a high-speed train line establishing a vital link between Chiang Mai and Bangkok. The latter project marks a collaborative effort between Thailand and Japan, showcasing the international dimension of this ambitious transport overhaul.
Surapong’s strategic directive involves urging the Highway Department to secure funding and devise a comprehensive three-year action plan. This initiative aims to alleviate the prevailing traffic congestion in Chiang Mai, laying the groundwork for a transformative upgrade to the region’s transport infrastructure. As discussions progress, the involvement of key officials and stakeholders in attendance, including Governor Nirat Pongsitthaworn, underlines the collaborative efforts invested in shaping Chiang Mai’s transportation future. The proposed changes signal a potential economic upswing and increased tourism prospects for the picturesque province in the north of Thailand.
