Thailand’s ambitious underground expressway project, the N1 phase, promises to revolutionize the city’s traffic landscape. Stretching over 6.7 kilometers from Srinakarin Road to Prasert Manukit, this underground marvel features dual-decked tunnels accommodating four lanes each, aimed at significantly reducing commute times and easing congestion between the eastern and western fringes of the capital.
Despite its potential benefits, the project has encountered significant opposition from local communities concerned about environmental repercussions and the forced relocation of land. The Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited (BEM) acknowledge these concerns but assert that extensive environmental impact assessments and economic feasibility studies support the project’s continuation.
In an interview with “Transportation Innovation News,” Surachet Laothamatas, CEO of Bangkok Expressway and Metro Public Company Limited, highlighted ongoing efforts to address community feedback. He emphasized the importance of balancing urban development needs with environmental and social considerations.
Scheduled for comprehensive review, the project faces a critical juncture as government ministries and stakeholders convene to evaluate its future. The upcoming public consultation on July 13 at the Grand Ballroom of the Marriott Marquis Queen’s Park Bangkok aims to gather public opinion and refine the project’s implementation strategy.
As Thailand navigates its urban growth challenges, the N1 underground expressway stands as a pivotal initiative to enhance Bangkok’s infrastructure and provide commuters with more efficient travel options.
