Phuket: "Pipat" emphatically stated that the Phuket tram project will not be cancelled, but the plan will be implemented in stages.

According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, addressed rumors about the cancellation of the Phuket tram project, clarifying that the development of Phuket's mass transit system will continue as planned. The project will advance in phases to prevent further traffic congestion and minimize disruption for local residents. Pipat stressed that the initiative is a strategic prioritization rather than an abandonment.

Mr. Pipat detailed that the light rail (tram) project involves significant infrastructure work, including the use of median strips. It is imperative to first tackle existing traffic issues like road surfaces and bottlenecks to prevent worsening congestion. A phased approach has been established, beginning with resolving road problems and traffic congestion, before moving to rail system development in subsequent stages. The immediate focus is on alleviating traffic congestion in Phuket through projects like the Kathu-Patong Tunnel, or Phuket Expressway Phase 1, with a length of 3.98 kilometers and a budget of 16,759 million baht. This project is gearing up for a bidding process in January 2026, with completion targeted for 2031. The second phase involves the expressway from Muang Mai-Koh Kaew-Kathu, covering 30.62 kilometers with an investment of 46,752 million baht, and has recently received approval for its Environmental Impact Assessment report. Construction is set to commence in 2027, with service expected to start in 2031 alongside Phase 1. Both projects are pivotal in systematically addressing Phuket's road traffic issues.

For the initial phase of public transportation development, electric buses (EV buses) will operate along the route designated for the future tram line. These buses will stop at future station locations, helping residents and tourists acclimate to using public transport on main roads before the transition to a full light rail system. This transition will occur once the expressway network is complete, as tram construction will require land on main roads, ultimately improving traffic flow by reducing reliance on expressways as primary routes.

Mr. Pipat emphasized that the first phase of the light rail (tram) project, spanning from Phuket Airport to Chalong Intersection, is planned for post-2030 implementation. This timeline allows for the necessary readiness in road infrastructure, traffic management, and public transportation habits, ensuring a phased development that avoids additional traffic problems and minimizes disruption for local residents.

Phuket: "Pipat" emphatically stated that the Phuket tram project will not be cancelled, but the plan will be implemented in stages.

According to Thai News Agency, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport, Pipat Ratchakitprakarn, addressed rumors about the cancellation of the Phuket tram project, clarifying that the development of Phuket's mass transit system will continue as planned. The project will advance in phases to prevent further traffic congestion and minimize disruption for local residents. Pipat stressed that the initiative is a strategic prioritization rather than an abandonment.

Mr. Pipat detailed that the light rail (tram) project involves significant infrastructure work, including the use of median strips. It is imperative to first tackle existing traffic issues like road surfaces and bottlenecks to prevent worsening congestion. A phased approach has been established, beginning with resolving road problems and traffic congestion, before moving to rail system development in subsequent stages. The immediate focus is on alleviating traffic congestion in Phuket through projects like the Kathu-Patong Tunnel, or Phuket Expressway Phase 1, with a length of 3.98 kilometers and a budget of 16,759 million baht. This project is gearing up for a bidding process in January 2026, with completion targeted for 2031. The second phase involves the expressway from Muang Mai-Koh Kaew-Kathu, covering 30.62 kilometers with an investment of 46,752 million baht, and has recently received approval for its Environmental Impact Assessment report. Construction is set to commence in 2027, with service expected to start in 2031 alongside Phase 1. Both projects are pivotal in systematically addressing Phuket's road traffic issues.

For the initial phase of public transportation development, electric buses (EV buses) will operate along the route designated for the future tram line. These buses will stop at future station locations, helping residents and tourists acclimate to using public transport on main roads before the transition to a full light rail system. This transition will occur once the expressway network is complete, as tram construction will require land on main roads, ultimately improving traffic flow by reducing reliance on expressways as primary routes.

Mr. Pipat emphasized that the first phase of the light rail (tram) project, spanning from Phuket Airport to Chalong Intersection, is planned for post-2030 implementation. This timeline allows for the necessary readiness in road infrastructure, traffic management, and public transportation habits, ensuring a phased development that avoids additional traffic problems and minimizes disruption for local residents.