BANGKOK, 12 September 2013 The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has signed a contract with three engineering companies to construct a mega-tunnel in the capital to relieve flood problems under a budget of 2.48 billion baht.
Bangkok Governor MR Sukhumbhand Paribatra presided over the signing ceremony with representatives from Naowarat Patanakarn Company, Thai Engineering Consultants Company and Consulting Engineers Group. Under the project, a large tunnel will be built below the Bang Sue Canal to facilitate water flow from the Lat Phrao Canal into the Chao Phraya River.
The governor said the construction of the tunnel will improve the capital’s drainage capacity, particularly in areas along the Bang Sue Canal. The project altogether costs 2.48 billion baht and will be completed by September 2016.
The tunnel will have a distance of about 56 kilometers, spanning 6 districts, consisting of Huai Khwang, Din Daeng, Chatuchak, Phaya Thai, Dusit and Bang Sue. The move is set to solve sporadic flooding along major roads, such as Phaholyothin, Vibhavadi Rangsit and Kamphaeng Phet, during the rainy season.