Bangkok - A huge drainage tunnel is being built in Bangkok to prevent flooding. At nine kilometres long and 30 metres deep, the tunnel will increase drainage efficiency across 85 square kilometres in the Thai capital. The project is scheduled for completion this February.

In January 2016, the city government of Bangkok launched a project to build a nine-kilometre drainage tunnel to prevent flooding risk. Now, the Bueng Nong Bon drainage tunnel project, which reaches a depth of 30 metres, is approaching completion. It is expected to open in March this year, according to an article in The Nation Thailand. 

Stretching from Nong Bon in southeastern Bangkok to the Chao Phraya River, the tunnel links with Bang Ao Canal and features seven drainage stations. Quoted in the article, city governer Aswin Kwanmuang said: “Bueng Nong Bon drainage tunnel will help prevent flooding on On Nut Road, Udom Suk Road and Sukhumvit Road.” He added that the tunnel would increase drainage efficiency over an area of about 85 square kilometres.

The tunnel is not the only drainage project being tackled by the city of Bangkok. In the face of heavy rainfall and rising sea levels, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has set up flood monitoring stations in 11 areas and improved drainage in several high-risk spots.