Bangkok eyes May 1 reopening of ‘Green Bridge’ link between Lumpini and Benjakitti as energy crisis slows works

Deputy Bangkok Governor Jakkapan Phiewngam, together with executives from the Environment Department, inspected progress on the Lumpini Park (Green Bridge) upgrade project in Pathum Wan, following a previous site visit in February. The team received an update and pressed for faster implementation from Sirilert Corporation Co., Ltd., the project contractor.

The Green Bridge improvement project has a 360-day timeline, with the contract scheduled to end on May 11, 2026. The scope includes demolition of the former radio station building, construction of a 250-metre Green Bridge connection, upgrades to utility buildings, and surrounding landscape improvements.

The latest assessment puts construction progress at 73.94%, below the planned 83.91%, resulting in an accumulated delay of 9.97 percentage points.

Officials said the main cause of delay has been the impact of the energy crisis, particularly periods of fuel shortages, which disrupted the transport of construction materials and reduced the effectiveness of heavy machinery. In addition, shortages of petroleum-based chemicals and paint in the market have extended procurement lead times, affecting the overall construction supply chain.

To accelerate the project, the deputy governor instructed the Environment Department and the contractor to manage risks by prioritising tasks that can proceed immediately, while strengthening budget efficiency. He also stressed improving the landscape beneath the bridge to make it greener and ensuring the water circulation system operates effectively.

The contractor said it expects to speed up work enough to allow an informal opening of the connecting route by May 1, 2026.

Once completed to safety standards, the project is expected to upgrade Bangkok’s public-space infrastructure. The Green Bridge will serve as an elevated route linking Lumpini Park and Benjakitti Park, allowing the public to travel and exercise between the two major green spaces more conveniently, continuously and safely.