Thai PM launches new motorway project

SARABURI, THAILAND, August 3 (TNA) - Thai Prime Minsiter General Prayut Chan-ocha has launched the construction of a new motorway, connecting Bang Pa-in area in Ayutthaya Province in the central region with Nakhon Ratchasima Province in the Thai Northeast, through Saraburi Province. Accompanied by Interior Minister General Anupong Paochinda, the prime minister presided over a ceremony to kick off the construction of the Bang-Pain-Nakhon Ratchasima motorway in Saraburi's Nongkhae area on Wednesday. Transport Minister Arkom Termpitayapaisit reported to the prime minister that the new special highway, once opened for public services over the next couple of years, will facilitate inter-provincial traffic in the northeastern region and serve increasing travels. The 197-kilometer route, connecting the Outer Ring Road in Bangkok with the Thai Northeast, will start in Ayutthaya's Bang Pa-in area and end at a bypass road in Nakhon Ratchasima’s Muang District with nine entrance and exit toll plazas. Traffic facilities along the route will include five rest areas and three highway information and service areas. The Thai Cabinet approved the development of the 197-kilometer Bang Pa-in–Nakhon Ratchasima Motorway No 6 last year with a state financial support of 84.6 billion baht and its construction set to be completed by 2019. (TNA)