The Metropolitan Electricity Authority (MEA) has recommenced its initiative to remove overhead cables, starting with a significant cleanup along Ngamwongwan Road. This effort aims to enhance public safety and revitalize urban scenery. The 2025 project plans to cover 47 routes spanning over 171.24 kilometers.
Led by Rachain Unwet, MEA Assistant Governor (Distribution System Service), the project is underway in collaboration with several agencies, including the Nonthaburi Provincial Office, the Office of the Public Sector Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC), the National Anti-Corruption Commission (NACC), the Office of the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC), the Royal Thai Police, the Signal Department of the Royal Thai Army, the Directorate of Communications and Information Technology of the Royal Thai Armed Forces, the National Telecom Public Company Limited (NT), the Telecommunications Association of Thailand under Royal Patronage, telecommunication providers, and Pantip @ Ngamwongwan.
The initiative involves removing overhead cables on both sides of Ngamwongwan Road from Khae Rai Junction to Vibhavadi Rangsit Road to improve city aesthetics and safety. MEA is executing this project in line with the National Strategic Plan, which emphasizes strengthening energy infrastructure and communication system reliability. It also complies with guidelines from the Ministry of Interior, ensuring safety measures are in place to protect workers and minimize risks during the operation.
Mr. Rachain highlighted that Ngamwongwan Road is a vital transportation corridor with heavy daily traffic. The removal of disorganized overhead wires over a 4.5-kilometer section from Khae Rai to Phong Phet junction is expected to be completed by the end of August 2024. Subsequently, the underground cabling will continue from Phong Phet junction to Vibhavadi Rangsit Road, covering an additional 4 kilometers.
In 2025, MEA and its partner agencies plan to relocate overhead cables underground across 47 routes, including major roads such as Rama IV Road (extension), Witthayu Road, Sutthisan Winitchai Road, Lat Phrao Road (Phase 1), Charan Sanitwong Road (Phase 2), and Ratchadaphisek Road.
Overall, MEA aims to eliminate overhead cables from a total of 697 routes, stretching over 1,563.04 kilometers. The project involves installing fire-retardant communication lines on dedicated brackets and removing obsolete wires to improve safety and infrastructure quality.
To support efficient cable management, MEA is advancing its Smart Communication Cable Management (Smart CCM) system. This digital platform allows online applications for cable installation, maintains detailed records, and maps all cable routes through MEA’s Geographic Information System (GIS), promoting transparency and operational efficiency.
Additionally, MEA’s underground power cable project is progressing towards a target of 313.5 kilometers by 2029, with power and communication cables being installed simultaneously to reduce construction disruptions for local communities.
Members of the public are encouraged to report tangled, hanging, or unsafe overhead cables to the NBTC Hotline at 1200. For reports of damaged or hazardous MEA electrical equipment, they can use the MEA Smart Life Application, LINE (@MEAthailand with the green shield icon), choose the “Contact MEA Call Center Online” menu, or call the MEA Call Center at 1130, available 24/7.