The current project, part of a decades-long initiative, will move existing overhead power and communication lines underground to improve safety and enhance the local streetscape.
The project, implemented by the Provincial Electricity Authority (PEA) and funded jointly by Patong Municipality, will see cables placed underground along Bangla Rd, Thaweewong Rd, Sawatdirak Rd, Ruam Jai Rd and Prachanukroh Rd, totalling nearly 1.8 kilometres.
Patong Municipality will cover B84.45mn in engineering costs, while the PEA will fund B137.53mn for electrical system works. Construction will require lane closures and restricted access in some areas over the coming months, Patong Municipality warned.
“Bangla Rd should be completed by the beginning of January, and at the beginning of April next year will see work start along Rat-U-Thit 200 Pi Rd.” Patong Council President Weerawit Krueasombat told The Phuket News.
According to a PEA announcement on the e-bidding for the current project, the contract was awarded to Asefa Public Co Ltd, the lowest bidder, with a total bid of B205.9mn.
“The work aims to improve public safety, protect infrastructure from weather-related damage, and support future growth in both electricity and telecommunications demand,” Mayor Lalita Maneesri said.
“Patong Municipality advised locals and business operators to expect temporary traffic impacts as construction progresses and updates for closing routes will be announced in advance for each work zone,” she said.
A formal “opening ceremony” for the start of work was held earlier this week at the Patong Beach entrance to Bangla Rd.
The ceremony marked the “kick-off” for organising communication lines along Bangla Rd and Rat U-Thit 200 Pi Rd, where communication cables will also be routed underground in coordination with the municipal project.
Joining Mayor Lalita and Council President Weerawit for the occasion were NBTC Region 42 Director Mahama Kaje and PEA Region 2 officer Somsak Samranrat, along with Patong Police and representatives from telecom operators and related agencies.
While NBTC Region 42 is supporting the reorganisation of communication lines, Mr Mahama clarified that its involvement concerns telecom cables only, as the underground power-cable conversion has been carried out by the PEA for more than a decade under separate ongoing projects.
Thammarong Chuayaksorn, Chief Administrative Officer (Palad) at Kathu District Office noted that the rapid expansion of Phuket’s telecommunications network had led to heavily cluttered overhead communication lines along key roads, posing fire risks and creating safety hazards.
“Placing telecom lines underground will reduce service disruptions, prevent accidents, and improve the city’s appearance in areas with high tourist traffic,” he said.