The construction of underpasses and flyovers and the launch of canal boat services are part of a master plan to combat traffic congestion in the capital. The plan will be submitted to the Transport Ministry late this month, according to the Office of Transport and Traffic Policy and Planning (OTP).
OTP director Sarawut Songsivilai said the congestion-tackling move is being formulated at the behest of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha.
The final draft will be sent to the Transport Ministry and forwarded to the Commission for the Management of Land Traffic for approval, he said.
It needs to be tabled before the cabinet meeting, after which relevant agencies will be assigned to map out an appropriate budget.
According to Mr Sarawut, the plan includes improvements to nine heavily congested roads and three routes where three electric train projects are being constructed.
The nine jammed roads cover Ratchadaphisek Ring Road, Motorway No 7-Srirat Expressway, Prasertmanukit-Ngam Wong Wan roads, Taksin Bridge, Ratchaphruek Road, Chalong Rat Expressway, Boromratchonnanee Elevated Road and the first stage expressway on the Arnarong elevated section as well as another section by the Rama IX-Rama II bridges.
"Underpasses and overpasses will be built and improvements will be made around various intersections to boost traffic flow, particularly heavily congested roads like Ratchadaphisek," said Mr Sarawut.
The new transport routes need to be explored to meet commuter demand. The OTP is eyeing boat travel in eight or nine Bangkok canals where there is still no express boat service.
"We could start with the Lat Phrao and Mahasawat canals first," said Mr Sarawut.
Walkways linking boat piers with electric train platforms will be constructed to accommodate commuters, he said.
Big data will be used to manage traffic lights particularly at rush hours, he said, adding tougher penalties will be rolled out against traffic violators.
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