Phuket’s Kathu–Patong expressway tunnel targeted to open in October 2031
Thailand’s Expressway Authority plans to begin construction of the B16.757 billion Kathu–Patong route in October 2027, with travel time projected to fall from 30 minutes to five.
# Phuket’s Kathu–Patong expressway tunnel targeted to open in October 2031
Thailand’s Expressway Authority plans to build the first phase of a Phuket expressway linking Kathu and Patong, with construction targeted to start in October 2027 and the route scheduled to open in October 2031.
The Kathu–Patong project is expected to cost about B16.757 billion and cover 3.98 kilometres. It is designed to include an elevated section and a 1.85-kilometre tunnel beneath Nak Koet mountain, reducing the projected journey between Kathu and Patong from about 30 minutes to five minutes.
Surachet Laophulsuk, governor of the Expressway Authority of Thailand (EXAT), said the authority had submitted the project to the Transport Ministry after revising its design. The tunnel width was reduced from 17 metres to 14 metres, and EXAT is seeking comments from relevant agencies.
The authority expects to seek Cabinet approval in December 2026. If approved, the contract tender is expected to be completed by April 2027. Land acquisition is targeted for completion by January 2027, while construction is scheduled to take four years, finishing in September 2031.
The route will begin near the junction of Phra Metta Road, or Phuket Road 4055, on the Patong side. It will cross above Phisit Koranayee Road on an elevated section of about 0.90 kilometres before entering the mountain tunnel. EXAT says the tunnel will be designed for four traffic lanes, divided between two lanes for cars and two for motorcycles.
The authority has revised the proposed tolls under the government’s policy of reducing the cost burden on the public. The rates are B10 for motorcycles, B20 for four-wheel vehicles, B40 for vehicles with six to 10 wheels and B60 for vehicles with more than 10 wheels.
EXAT estimates that the first phase could carry between 50,000 and 60,000 vehicles a day, including motorcycles. Traffic is expected to rise further after the second phase is completed.
The second phase, connecting Mai Khao, Ko Kaeo and Kathu, is planned as a 30.62-kilometre extension linking the island’s central and eastern areas with the first phase. It has an initial estimated cost of about B67.462 billion, comprising B29.548 billion for land acquisition and B37.914 billion for construction and supervision.
The second phase is still under detailed design. EXAT expects to seek Cabinet approval during 2027, begin construction in October 2028 and open the route in October 2031. The authority is also seeking permission from the Royal Forest Department to use forest land.
The planned second-phase network includes 24.45 kilometres of main line and 6.17 kilometres of connecting spur roads. Its structures would comprise 10.42 kilometres at ground level, 18.49 kilometres of elevated road and a 1.71-kilometre tunnel.
EXAT plans to use a closed-system manual and electronic toll collection system for the second phase, charging users according to the distance travelled. A service area is planned near kilometre 3+900 on the outbound route to the airport, while a 13-rai rest stop is planned near kilometre 16+400 on the spur line.
