Shanghai has launched a citywide campaign to remove overhead cables in an effort to improve the city’s image and cut down on potential risks.

Xuhui District will begin removing the cables next month when it targets about 20 kilometers of wires that supply electricity, telecommunication and run electric buses, and bury them in underground pipes by the year end.

The radial wires were once a common sight and a proud sign of urbanization, but now pose potential fire risks after decades of weathering.