'Highway Department' does not extend concessions 'Tan Mueang Tollway' announces toll hike on 22 December 2024

Mr. Saraud Chongsivlai, Director General of the Department of Highways (DPWH). Disclosure of progress on negotiations to minimize impacts to people on the Uttarabhimuk Elevated Road Project. Or be prepared to hike the Don Mueang Tollway toll Don Mueang Tollway Public Company Limited or DMT Notification of preparation for change of toll charges with effect from December 22, 2024 as per Concessionaire Concession Agreement for the said project. As a result the maximum number reaches 170 baud.

However Mr. Surya Zhuangruwangit is the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport The Highways Department is exploring ways to reduce toll charges in this scheme, the Highways Department has set up a task force on 3 July 2024 to study the guidelines. and possibly by comparing the value statistics in each dimension. In both the cases, the toll fee will not be increased. In case of escalation as per the original contract and predict the number of cars coming to use the project services

found to be the correct approach Concession agreement should not be further negotiated. Because the numbers have been examined and found to be worthless in every case. Therefore, the Concession Agreement should be carried out as before. Wait for the project to come back under government management in the next 10 years or until the concession agreement expires in 2034. If this is the case, the government department can examine the new fee structure.

Mr. Sarawad said that the objective of the Ministry is to consider appropriate approach and is useful to the people. What are the guidelines for not increasing the toll fees? Or reduce toll charges, but when the highways department comes to inspect each approach. It was discovered that it was not worth it. One of the people's preferences is to use the service during rush hours when there is traffic congestion due to the Don Mueang Tollway elevated road. Also there is Vibhavati Rangsit road which is the main road providing service.

However, when there is no negotiation to offer concessions to the private sector. Toll charges will be increased as per agreement. before the concession agreement expires in 2034 Thereafter, all properties immediately vested in the Highways Department. Because under this agreement there will be no requirement to negotiate with the contracting private sector to first propose an extension of the LTC contract. So, there is a course of action: either open a new bid or the government department withdraws the project to manage itself

However, as per the Public-Private Joint Investment Act 2019, it is mentioned that the project host agency should read the project implementation guidelines before the 5-year contract is concluded. Therefore, by 2029-2030, the Royal Thai Government should begin the process of studying the management guidelines for the Tan Mueang Tollway Project. And the new toll pricing structure is modified because the height of the structure needs to be considered in terms of how old it is. After deducting the maintenance expenses to determine the appropriate payment rates the budget required for maintenance per annum

“If the government department takes over the project after the expiry of the concession agreement, the costs can be calculated and cheaper rates can be set after deducting the cost of maintaining the tall structure. Toll charges can be charged at low rates. You may find it costs 20 baht or the service may be free. If the cost of road maintenance is not too high.

Correspondents said that Tan Muang Tollway Public Company Limited will provide the Uttaraphimuk Elevated Road or Tollway Expressway. Announced on 20 June 2024Adjust the tariff rates as per Concession Agreement which will be effective from December 22, 2024. Highway Concession Agreement dated 12 September 2007 no. 3/2007 as per the Memorandum of Agreement amending the Concession will modify the tariff rates fixed by the contracting parties at 00:01, for a period of next 5 years. From 22 December 2024 to 21 December 2029

As a result, the Din Daeng – Don Mueang section's increased toll rate will change by 10 baht (an average of 2 baht per year), and the Don Mueang – Memorial section will change by 5 baht (an average of 1). Baht per year) which is from the current rate.As a result, the toll charges will begin to be divided into 4-wheeled vehicles, category 1, 40 baht and a maximum of 130 baht, while vehicles with more than 4 wheels, category 2, 50 baht and a maximum of 170 baht.

Checking….Sureee Silawong