Bangkok has evaluated the public response to the new pedestrian tunnel under Na Phra Lan Road in Phra Nakhon district after nearly two months of opening.
Opened on January 1, the air-conditioned tunnel connects historic attractions on Rattanakosin Island including the Grand Palace, Wat Phra Kaew (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), the City Pillar Shrine and the Sanam Luang royal ceremonial ground.
The tunnel was built to aid traffic flow while boosting safety of tourists and pedestrians in the historic quarter.
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s deputy permanent secretary Narong Ruangsri on Tuesday visited the tunnel to collect public response and address issues faced by its users.
After the inspection, Narong ordered the BMA civil engineers to help construct ticket booths for visitors to the Grand Palace, aid flow of tourists to prevent crowding, and prepare contingency plans for emergencies such as floods.
He then travelled to Phadung Krung Kasem Canal to inspect progress on its landscape improvement. He instructed the contractor to clean up work areas to prevent hazards to the public, and maintain already completed work in good condition until the opening.
Narong also asked the contractor to move the project deadline forward to minimise traffic impacts.