Plans are underway to construct a bridge that will link Koh Lanta with Krabi’s mainland, aiming to replace the current ferry service that shuttles people and vehicles to and from the island. Presently, the ferry system, managed by Songserm Tran Service, operates between Ban Hua Hin on the mainland and Lanta Noi, resembling more of a barge than a conventional ferry. However, this method often causes traffic congestion and proves time-consuming. To address these issues, the Department of Rural Roads is conducting an environmental impact assessment for the proposed 1,950-meter bridge, which is anticipated to ease travel and enhance development in the area.
The existing ferry service faces limitations in vehicle capacity and operates within specific hours, leading to overcrowding during peak seasons and concerns over oil and diesel pollution. Recognizing these challenges, the department’s director general, Pathom Chaloeywares, views the bridge as a solution to the travel impediments and an opportunity for local development. Plans for the bridge’s details are expected to be finalized by March 2021, with a budget proposal slated for 2022. Pending approval, construction is projected to commence in 2023, with completion targeted for 2025. Notably, in 2016, a 400 million baht bridge was built connecting Koh Lanta’s primary islands, Lanta Noi and Lanta Yai, replacing the previous reliance on a car ferry for transportation between the two islands.
SOURCE BY : Nation Thailand
