As per the Cabinet resolution dated April 22, 1997 (B.E. 2540), approving a masterplan for the development of 13 intercity motorways, covering 4,150 km.’s distance; such masterplan has, later on, been updated to a 20-year plan version, spanning from 2017 to 2036 (B.E. 2560 – B.E. 2579). Utraphimuk Elevated Tollway Extension Intercity Motorway, Rangsit – Bang Pa-In Section, Project (M5) is one among a series of the fast-track 10-year development projects (2017 – 2026) that aim to improve the transport network efficiency to both accommodate the increased traffic volume and alleviate the traffic congestion in the northern part of Bangkok, along Highway 1 (Phahonyothin Road) alignment, esp. during morning and evening rush hours.
The project will also enhance the primary road network in the northern part of Bangkok and neighboring provinces, including Pathum Thani and Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya, supporting interregional traffic (northern, central, and northeastern regions) heading to Bangkok. In the future, once the Bang Pa-in – Nakhon Ratchasima Intercity Motorway Project (M6) is completed, the Utraphimuk Elevated Tollway Extension Intercity Motorway, Rangsit – Bang Pa-In Section, Project (M5) will play a crucial role in directly connecting central Bangkok to the northeastern region. This will ensure not only convenience, rapidity, and safety in traveling, but also support logistics activities and national economy as a whole. The Department of Highways (DOH) has therefore hired a consulting company to conduct a feasibility study on PPP implementation guidelines for O&M services of the Utraphimuk Elevated Tollway Extension Intercity Motorway, Rangsit – Bang Pa-In Section, Project (M5). Such feasibility report, which is in compliance with Section 22 of the Public-Private Partnership Act, 2019 (B.E. 2562), has been completed and approved in principle for project implementation in the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Policy Committee’s meeting held on March 2, 2023, which was the second meeting of the year.
And as per the Cabinet resolution passed on December 24, 2024, the DOH was designated by the Cabinet to implement the PPP for project O&M services, opening opportunities for the private sector to exploit their expertise, experiences and knowledge on related technologies, infrastructures and systems, to ensure that the project will be effectively managed and readily available for public service by 2031.
