Phuket turns expressway into toll-free road - construction starts in 2026!

Phuket turns expressway into toll-free road - construction starts in 2026!

In a remarkable turnaround for Phuket's infrastructure, Transport Minister Phiphat Ratchakitprakarn has ordered a major overhaul of the Kathu-Patong Expressway project, originally planned as a toll road. In the future, this expressway will be designed as a toll-free road, which will significantly reduce the financial burden on residents of the popular tourist destination island. Loud Bangkok Post The project will now be transferred from the Expressway Authority of Thailand (Exat) to the Road Construction Department, which will be responsible for its rapid implementation.

A central aspect of this realignment concerns the safety measures: the 1.85 kilometer long tunnel no longer has separate lanes for motorcycles, but rather they share the road with cars. The width of the tunnel will also be reduced from 17 to 10 meters to minimize costs and structural risks. These adjustments are in line with the current needs of road users in Phuket and also contribute to the safety of road users.

New investment model for the expressway

The Thai Cabinet has also approved a new investment model for the Kathu-Patong Expressway project. The project was originally intended for private investment, but no bidders were found in the first round of tenders. High financial risks and inadequate returns led to this lack of interest. That's why we're now switching to a direct state construction approach, like The Phuket Express reported. As a result, the project is now being realized with a budget of 21 billion baht (approximately $570 million).

Construction of the project is targeted to begin in April next year, with an official opening in April 2030. The first phase of the Kathu-Patong Expressway spans 3.98 kilometers and will significantly improve connectivity between popular tourist regions in Phuket. Further expansion phases will also be undertaken in the future, although the authorities hope to implement these under the original public-private partnership framework.

Infrastructure and tourism in focus

Phuket aims to be upgraded as a premium travel destination through such significant infrastructure projects. Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra recently unveiled a comprehensive plan to transform the island in a strategic meeting at Phuket International Airport. This plan not only includes infrastructure, such as planning for an AI-controlled traffic light system, but also comprehensive improvements in water management and waste disposal. Loud Thai Times Almost 13 million visitors come to the island every year, an increase of 14.14% compared to the previous year.

The plans include further intensifying Phuket as a tourism hub, ensuring that both the local economy and tourist safety are top priorities. In order to increase spending per tourist and allow local businesses to benefit, measures are also being taken to enforce existing laws. All of this underlines the government's desire to significantly improve the tourism infrastructure and the general quality of life on the island.