NARATHIWAT (Thailand) : The construction of the second Muhibbah (friendship) bridge across the Golok river, linking Thailand with Rantau Panjang in Kelantan, Malaysia, is expected to start next April.
Narathiwat governor, Acting Sub Lt Trakul Thotham, said the bridge, which will be built parallel to the existing one, is aimed at boosting cross-border trade between the two countries.
He added that the Thai government is now waiting for environmental experts to conduct studies on the site of the second bridge.
"The project to build the second bridge has been discussed by both the Thai and Malaysian governments for many years.
"Both governments hope the construction of the new bridge will facilitate cross-border trade between the two countries, and at the same time, boost the economy.
"On our side, our experts are expected to conduct the Environmental Impact Assessment this July.
"Once the study is complete, we expect construction of the second bridge will start in April next year," he added.
Speaking to Malaysian reporters before attending the briefing on the project here yesterday, Trakul said the Thai government has yet to determine the cost of the bridge.
He said they planned to name the second bridge the 'Twin Bridge'.
The two bridges will join Sungai Golok and Takbai districts with Malaysia in Kelantan.
The second Sungai Golok-Rantau Panjang bridge will be built with six lanes, and parallel to the existing bridge, which is too narrow for large vehicles. It cannot be expanded.
The second new bridge will connect downtown Takbai with Pengkalan Kubor, Tumpat, on the Malaysian side.
The project is part of the Indonesia-Malaysia-Thailand Growth Triangle (IMT-GT) economic development plan.