The development is part of a national strategy to curb congestion and boost infrastructure.

The 350-metre long CU - nearly four years  in the making, costs B546mn and opened to traffic between May 31 and June 3.

In February this year, WILLIAMS MEDIA reported that the excavation stage of the underpass was completed.

Project manager, Somkiet Yimpong of the Highways Department said crews had begun installing the panelling on the walls and that the testing phase would be done before April’s end.

"We still have to install all the fume-extraction fans, noise dampers, water pumps, lights, and other things, but overall right now the construction project stands at 76% complete,” he said.

Yimpong said the piece features a sculpture of a lotus bulb - a Buddhist peace symbol, and that similar themes would appear throughout the tunnel.

The PM said the move to develop Phuket’s transport infrastructure was in line with the government’s long -term outlook. 

“We have a lot of projects to do, so we must have proper project planning, that’s why we must have a 20-year national strategy,” he said.

He explained that taxes were mostly collected from higher-revenue generating areas and often spent on projects in those “richer” areas.

“But some areas are poor and little taxes are collected due to the low incomes of the local people, but there is no need for people living in these areas to worry, as that is what the national strategy is for – making sure everyone is looked after,” he said.

Also in attendance was Transport Minister Arkhom Termpittayapaisith, Interior Minister Gen Anupong Paojinda, Defence Minister Gen Chaichan Changmongkon and Phuket Governor Phakaphong Tavipatana.

Prayut also said that the policy under the national strategy meant that major infrastructure projects be financed with 30% government funding and the remaining from private investors.

Source: The Phuket News,

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