Sukhumvit Road shorn of power pole eyesore

Some 544 electricity poles and cables along both sides of Sukhumvit Road, which stretches 12km to Phra Khanong T-junction, have now been removed as part of Bangkok's 'Smart Metro' project. (Photo by Chanat Katanyu)

The Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) has fulfilled its promise to give Bangkok residents a "New Year Gift" by completing its plan to remove electricity poles along part of Sukhumvit Road.

MEA governor Chaiyong Puapongsakorn said yesterday the agency finished removing 544 electricity poles and cables along both sides of a stretch of Sukhumvit Road running 12km from the beginning of the road to Phra Khanong T-junction over the weekend.

The work was implemented under the concept of "Smart Metro" which aims to enhance Bangkok's landscape and electricity system. The agency's staff worked around the clock to uproot the poles and bury cables underground. The plan was scheduled for completion on Sunday but work was completed a day before deadline, he said.

"We did the project in response to the government's desire to create an impressive image for Bangkok," he said. "The measure also shows the government is paying heed to public safety and landscape features in developing the electricity system,'' Mr Chaiyong said.

The work also involved the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission, the Royal Thai Police, the Telecommunications Association of Thailand under the Royal Patronage. and mobile phone and broadcasting network operators. Mr Chaiyong said the electricity poles will be handed over to the BMA for construction of a 437km embankment along coastal areas in Bang Khunthian district.

The MEA governor also invited the public to enjoy the decorative lighting at the "Sukhumvit ... Make a Wish" event to celebrate New Year. It will be hosted by the agency on Thursday at Benchasiri Park on Sukhumvit Road.