Finally, Navi Mumbai stretch of Sion-Panvel highway gets street lights
The Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has finally completed the installation of new street lights on the Sion-Panvel highway from the Vashi toll plaza to Belapur. The civic body has replaced the sodium vapor lights with LED, saving up to 30% energy per month. The installation of new street lights was expected to be completed by mid-2022. However, the work was delayed due to multiple reasons, including the tendering process. The move comes as a relief to motorists who complained of defunct street lights.
In December 2021, the civic body had taken over the maintenance of streetlights and other electric-related works along the stretch from the Public Works Department (PWD). The bright lights will further add to the vibrancy of the smart city and help the civic body in climbing ladders in the cleanliness survey.
“Earlier, the PWD was maintaining the street lights and other electric-related works along the stretch. In December 2021, the PWD transferred the maintenance works to the NMMC and also paid Rs8 crore for the work,” said a senior civic official from the Electrical department.
Navi Mumbai is a planned city and most of its parts are well-illuminated and maintained properly. However, motorists driving from Mumbai to the satellite town are welcomed by defunct street lights. They face low visibility that poses risks of accidents. Several motorists use the stretch frequently and find navigation difficult after sunset.
Now, the civic body has replaced around 1,300 lamps with LED fittings. In addition, it also installed 30 high-mast lighting along the stretch. “The LED lights will be automatically dimmed from midnight to 5am. This will reduce around 30% electricity consumption hence saving around Rs9 lakh monthly in electricity bills,” said the official.
“Defunct street lights along the Sion-Panvel highway in the Navi Mumbai area were a common problem and motorists often complained to the local body. Despite the fact that the maintenance works were being carried out by PWD, the NMMC had to face the public wrath,” said the official.
As per the agreement between the PWD and civic body, all the power systems, including street lights, from Vashi toll Plaza to Konkan Bhavan in Belapur on the Sion-Panvel highway will be maintained by the