Bangkok, Transport Minister plans to discuss with the Comptroller General's Department. Downgrading contractors for delays on Rama 2 Road, aiming to unlock and extend time for contractors in order to complete the construction faster Mr. Suriya Juangroongruangkit Minister of Transport Revealed after calling to discuss construction contractors on Rama 2 Road with problems with construction delays Until it received the nickname "Jet Road", as reported on Rama 2 Road. There is traffic installed. Since assuming the position of Minister of Transport, he has ordered the Director-General of the Department of Highways to expedite the contractor to complete the construction on time. But it still hasn't progressed as it should. due to lack of tools to enforce contractors Today we are inviting contractors who have contracts on Rama 2 Road, a total of 16 contracts from both the Department of Highways. and the Expressway Authority of Thailand came to talk. Discuss guidelines and determine measures to complete the projec t as planned. Consisting of 1. Rama Expressway Project 3-Dao Khanong-Western Bangkok Outer Ring Road, responsible by EXAT, 2 contracts. 2.Elevated highway construction project, Highway No. 35, Thonburi-Pak Tho route. The Bang Khun Thian - Ekachai Interchange is responsible for 3 contracts and 3 special highway construction projects. (Motorway) No. 82 (M82) Bang Khun Thian-Ban Phaeo elevated road line The Ekachai-Ban Phaeo section is responsible for the Highway Department, totaling 11 contracts. 'You will see that Rama 2 Road There is continuous construction. With construction like this, if it were me, I think we shouldn't wait for traffic jams before building. Because it will cause a big traffic jam. Really have to look ahead Build a road first. Road expansion in advance This is what the Ministry of Transport will do from now on. It's not like letting traffic get stuck and then building it. And then I had to cut off time to work as a contractor. Give it only at night. Even more causing traffic jams. In 2003 , there was the Jed Chok Kot Bridge at Bang Khun Thian. Until I had to cancel the original contractor. and allow the new contractor to continue operations The construction has been completed. This measure I will apply to the current construction,' Mr. Suriya said. The Transport Minister went on to say that today he invited contractors constructing on Rama 2 Road. Everyone came to explain the obstacles that delayed construction. All of which confirmed that Construction will be completed. By June 2025, except for construction during stage 4 in the Mueang District area. Samut Sakhon Province, total distance 1.264 kilometers (km.) and part 6, total distance approximately 1.108 km. with revised design. Which is scheduled to be completed by the end of 2025, with discussions on ways to expedite the work. But he was not complacent. therefore ordered the Department of Highways Designate a person to follow the plan every month. in each section of the contract so as not to be delayed He will call a meeting to follow u p on construction progress every 2 months in order to expedite it to meet the goal. We are confident that if we follow closely The contractor will be able to complete the work. Because at this time there is a special class of contractors. He will discuss with the Comptroller General's Department. that there will be measures to fine contractors for relegation from special class to first class if contractors do not complete construction on time The contractor is very worried about this. Because they will not be able to bid for large projects. It is expected that approximately 1 month from now, the new contractor's criteria and measures will be summarized. This must be applied to all projects nationwide. 'In the past, many contractors were promoted in large numbers. But no one has been relegated yet. As for the case where the contractor Construction is delayed by more than 50% of the monthly plan. You can cancel the contract. which will not create a vacuum Because the Department of Highways has a bridge constru ction center to accommodate in cases where contractors are unable to complete construction in time and have to cancel the contract,' Mr. Suriya said. As for the construction progress on Rama 2 Road, it is divided into the Department of Highways. which is a 3-section elevated road, is currently 11% slower than planned, while the Ekkachai-Ban Phaeo route is 10% slower than planned. Meanwhile, as for the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT), all 3 contracts were executed faster than planned. According to the construction contract, it will be completed in July 2025, which is currently 74% complete, but there will be acceleration of the work. Source: Thai News Agency