More power cables go underground from next year
THE second phase of Metropolitan Electricity Authority’s project to underground power cables will start next year with a 48 billion baht budget with this being a part of a Smart Metro scheme, Thai News Agency said today (June 19).
Thepsak Thitaraksa, assistant to Metropolitan Electricity Authority’s governor, said bidding will be held in the third quarter of 2018 to underground more power cables to support the turning of Bangkok into an Asean metropolis.
There will be 15 contract for 39 routes covering a total of 127.3 kilometers in Bangkok, Nonthaburi and Samut Prakarn with a 48 billion baht investment with this work to be completed 2021.
MEA is already implementing the first phase of its power cable undergrounding project and this covers a distance 45.4 kilometers on Ratchprarob, Sri Ayuthaya, Yothi, Petchaburi, Ratchadapisek, Tiam Ruammit, Rama 4, Rama 3, Narathiwat Ratchanakarin, Sathupradit, Sathorn and Nanglinchee roads.
This first phase entails an investment of 18 billion baht and together with the second phase the total distance is 172.7 kilometers.
“MEA’s initial project schemed for undergrounding of 260 kilometers of cable with an investment of 120 billion baht but the National Economic and Social Development Board urged us to start with 172.7 kilometers.
.“MEA is laying plans for additional projects because it benefits the public. The bidding for these new stretches will be called concurrently with those for new rail projects except for the Pink Line from Khae Lai to Minburi and Yellow Line from Lat Phrao to Samrong which are concessions.
“MEA has held talks with private parties so that construction can proceed together,” Mr Thepsak said.
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Top: More of such power cables will be going underground. Photo: Michael Coghlan (CC-BY-SA-2.0)
Inset: Assistant MEA Governor Thepsak Thitaraksa talking to the press today. Photo: Thai News Agency
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