BANGKOK, Thailand – In a significant move to enhance connectivity and promote tourism, the Department of Highways is opening the M81 Motorway for a free trial run from Bang Yai to Kanchanaburi during the New Year holidays, from December 26, 2024, to January 2, 2025. The 96-kilometer stretch, which is still under construction, will allow travelers to experience a smoother, quicker route with travel time reduced to just one hour, compared to the usual 2-3 hours.
This new motorway is seen as a vital addition to Thailand’s transport infrastructure, connecting key economic areas and offering significant improvements in road safety. The road will only be available for private 4-wheel vehicles during the trial period, and there will be a speed limit of 80 km/h to ensure safety due to ongoing construction. Six access points will be provided, including Bang Yai, Nakhon Pathom East, Nakhon Pathom West, Tha Maka, Tha Muang, and Kanchanaburi.
The M81 motorway is expected to play a crucial role in reducing traffic congestion during the busy holiday period, with the added benefit of offering a safer travel experience. The project, which is 99% complete in terms of civil works, aims to open in full by March 2025. The opening of this motorway aligns with the government’s efforts to boost tourism and stimulate the local economy in Kanchanaburi and surrounding regions by enhancing access to the area.
The new motorway also forms part of Thailand’s long-term infrastructure plan, providing a faster route for both tourists and locals, and promoting economic growth by improving access to important areas in the western region of the country. The project is also designed with international-standard safety systems, further contributing to reducing the number of road accidents in the region.
