The Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP) is set to present proposals aimed at enhancing both existing and new canal routes to facilitate passenger boat transportation. The objective behind this initiative is to alleviate the traffic congestion in the city.
Punya Chupanit, the director of OTP, disclosed on Tuesday that a comprehensive feasibility study had been undertaken on the development of maritime travel in Bangkok and the neighboring provinces, spanning from the present year to 2032. The plan aims to extend the waterway routes from the current 131.2 kilometers to a more extensive 196.6 kilometers.
This proposal will be forwarded to the Transport Ministry for evaluation and is projected to necessitate a budget of approximately 9.32 billion baht, according to Mr. Punya.
Within this allocation, around 1.32 billion baht will be allocated for the enhancement of piers and facilities along the existing 65.4-kilometer waterway routes, which include the Chao Phraya River, Phadung Krung Kasem, and Prawet Buri Rom canals.
The remaining budget will be dedicated to establishing four new canal routes within the timeframe of 2023 to 2027.
The initial project involves the creation of the Sai Mai-Phra Khanong route along the Lat Phrao Canal. Encompassing a length of 25.7 kilometers, this route will feature 23 piers and demand a budget of 1.44 billion baht.
The Saen Saep Canal route, requiring approximately 3.24 billion baht, will consist of three segments. The first, spanning 12 kilometers from Wat Si Bunrueang to Suwinthawong Road, will comprise 16 piers and is anticipated to conclude in three years. The second stretch, spanning 17.3 kilometers from Phan Pha Lilat Bridge to Wat Si Bunrueang, will incorporate 28 piers. Lastly, a 1.5-kilometer section from Phan Pha Lilat Bridge to Phra Sumen Fort will comprise three piers. The completion of this expansion of passenger boat services along the Saen Saep Canal is anticipated by 2027.
Expanding the Mahasawat-Bangkok Noi canals will constitute the third route, encompassing 17.1 kilometers and incorporating 18 piers. Linking Pratu Nam Chimphli to Sirirat Hospital, this project is expected to require a budget of 397.53 million baht and will be completed in a span of two years.
The final route will span 28 kilometers along Mahasawat Canal, including 13 piers connecting Pratu Nam Mahasawat to Wat Chaiyaphrueksamal. This undertaking is projected to necessitate a budget of 219.93 million baht and is planned for completion by 2025.
Looking forward, the OTP’s long-term plan spanning 2028 to 2032 involves three projects aimed at extending boat services to the residents of Pathum Thani province, situated north of Bangkok. The first route will center around the Prem Prachakon Canal, incorporating piers for passenger boat services connecting Wat Rangsit in Pathum Thani to the Bang Sue area in Bangkok.
The second route involves an extension along the Chao Phraya River from Pak Kret pier in Nonthaburi to the Muang district in Pathum Thani. The third suggested route involves the extension of the Prawet Buri Rom Canal segment, stretching from Iam Sombat Market to Wat Sangkaracha.
Mr. Punya expressed confidence that this plan would gain approval and be presented to the new cabinet for further endorsement this year. He highlighted that this substantial investment is poised to alleviate traffic congestion in both the capital city and the adjoining provinces.