Coimbatore Awaits ₹23 Crore State Funds for Streetlight Upgrades

Speedy Summary

• Coimbatore Corporation has proposed a ₹23 crore plan to the State government in February for upgrading streetlight infrastructure.
• The project aims to install new streetlights, replace old or poorly functioning units, and cover newly laid or expanded roads.
• The city currently has approximately 1,03,000 streetlights installed.
• Complaints about inadequate lighting have been attributed to ageing infrastructure and reduced illumination capacity in certain areas.
• To better handle maintenance issues, tenders for the project have been awarded on a zone-wise basis instead of relying on a single contractor.
• While waiting for State government funding approval, the Corporation is utilizing its own funds for necessary replacements.
• As part of the proposal:

– 5,467 new lights with poles are planned to be installed.- Old and malfunctioning units will be replaced across various zones.

Indian Opinion Analysis

Coimbatore’s initiative to improve its streetlight network addresses an essential urban issue impacting public safety and quality of life.with over one lakh existing lights already operational but reportedly insufficient due to ageing infrastructure, timely implementation is critical. Delayed funding from the state may hinder progress; though, proactive measures like using internal funds demonstrate commitment towards resolving immediate concerns.

The shift toward zone-based contracting could reduce monopolies by single vendors while ensuring more efficient upkeep. Nevertheless, consistent follow-up with the State government will be crucial since dependency on temporary internal funding may not sustain large-scale upgrades long-term. Upgraded lighting can enhance security in dimly lit areas and provide support for growing urbanization demands within Coimbatore city.For full details: Read more