Streetlight woes continue in Kochi city

Time of India

a day ago

Kochi: Despite claims that the LED streetlight project in Kochi is nearing completion, several parts of the city continue to remain in darkness, with both new and old streetlights lying dysfunctional for months.
While the Cochin Smart Mission Limited (CSML) is implementing the project, the lack of timely repairs and poor inter-agency coordination have left many residents frustrated.
The Rs 40-crore LED project aims to replace all existing streetlights within the corporation limits with energy-efficient LED lamps to improve illumination and reduce electricity bills. Initially scheduled for completion in Dec 2023, the deadline was extended to Dec 2024.
CSML now claims that the major implementation work will be completed by the end of July 2025.
However, on the ground, lighting failures persist across multiple areas—both where new lights were installed and where old ones remain unreplaced. According to residents and councillors, maintenance has been poor, and repairs often take months. CSML blames the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) for not cooperating, particularly when it comes to power connections and maintenance support.
"I've been raising the issue of defunct streetlights on the Ponnurunni overbridge for over a year and a half," said RTI activist TN Prathapan.
"Despite notifying the corporation, CSML, and even the LSG minister, the area remains unlit. A fatal accident involving a father and son happened here, and poor lighting was a factor."
Councillors have raised similar concerns with the corporation and CSML. "In many areas like Manappattipparambu Road, Girinagar, Fort Kochi, Eravely, Karippalam, Mattancherry, Moolamkuzhy, Edakochi and Palluruthy, streetlights are not functioning.
CSML keeps citing lack of KSEB support," said Antony Kureethra, opposition leader in Kochi Corporation.
UDF parliamentary party secretary MG Aristotle pointed out that the project was expected to slash electricity bills. "Earlier, before switching over to LED lights, the monthly bill was Rs 1.5 crore. In April 2025, it was Rs 1.24 crore and in May and June, Rs 1.33 crore and Rs 1.29 crore, respectively. The goal was a 40% reduction," he said.
Public figure CICC Jayachandran added that lights in even key areas like MG Road and SA Road have not been functioning.
"After I raised the issue, the mayor intervened and got some lights repaired on SA Road," he said.
CSML officials said they will focus on repairs next month. "As of now, our aim is to complete the project. We've procured 1,500 smart meters, of which 850 are installed. Once fully operational, they will help streamline maintenance and reduce electricity costs," an official said.