Bangkok: Mission accomplished! Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), in collaboration with MEA and partners, is removing overhead power poles to transform Pracharat Soi 2, creating a beautiful, wire-free street. Yesterday, Mr. Chatchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, participated in the opening ceremony of the "Pracharath Sai 2 Transformation: A Beautiful, Pole-Free Road" event. The Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) will be removing electricity poles and communication cables in front of Gateway at Bang Sue shopping mall on Pracharath Sai 2 Road, following the completion of the underground power cable system. Mr. Ronachai Ruangyuth, Deputy Governor of MEA, presided over the ceremony.
According to Thai News Agency, Governor Chatchart expressed gratitude to all sectors involved, including the Metropolitan Electricity Authority, the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), cable operators, and the police, for their cooperation. He emphasized the importance of collaboration, noting that the BMA could not have achieved this transformation alone. Traffic management and road closures were necessary during the project, and the police played a crucial role in managing these aspects, especially in smaller side streets.
Governor Chatchart detailed the two main approaches to the project. The first involves the complete undergrounding of power lines, which must be completed before the removal of overhead power poles and cables. This method provides long-term benefits in terms of safety and city aesthetics. The second approach focuses on organizing and removing unused communication cables on the poles, reducing clutter and load on utility poles.
He highlighted the need for cooperation from various agencies in technical, land, and traffic management aspects, aiming to create a more organized, safer, and livable city. The project on Pracha Rat Road 2 involves the removal of communication cables, power lines, and utility poles over a 1.4-kilometer stretch, with completion expected by the night of February 26, 2026.
The operation received support from numerous partner agencies, including the Department of Public Works, Bang Sue District Office, telecommunications operators, and the Royal Thai Police, among others. The Deputy Governor of MEA stated that the project, underway since 2021, aims to enhance power supply stability, public safety, and the city's visual appeal by burying power lines underground.
MEA has completed 97.3 kilometers of underground power line conversion, with plans to add 38.4 kilometers in 2026, reaching a total of 135.7 kilometers. The ultimate goal is to complete 317.3 kilometers by 2032. Additionally, MEA is considering resource management strategies, such as repurposing removed electricity poles for coastal erosion protection or national security uses.