Chennai: Private contractors engaged by the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) must now repair faulty streetlights within 24 hours of receiving a complaint, failing which they will face financial penalties. The move is aimed at ensuring quicker repairs and preventing stretches of city roads from remaining in darkness, posing risks to residents and motorists.GCC will award one-year maintenance contracts covering 2,33,267 street lights and 443 high-mast lights across 12 of its 15 zones. These include Tiruvottiyur, Manali, Madhavaram, Tondiarpet, Thiru-Vi-Ka Nagar, Ambattur, Teynampet, Kodambakkam, Valasaravakkam, Alandur, Perungudi and Sholinganallur.The city has 3,11,285 street lights, of which around 2,000 are found non-functional during monthly inspections. On Sept 16, officials identified 2,079 with defects. GCC officials attributed the faults to monsoon-related issues and CMRL construction work. “Immediate steps are taken to rectify them after the inspections. More than 500 new streetlights and 1054 LED streetlights, especially in peripheral areas, were also installed last month,” said an official of the electrical department.Under the new contracts, agencies must ensure street lights are working every day instead of waiting for complaints. The 24-hour deadline will be enforced through fines. Delays beyond 24 hours will cost contractors 5% of the annual maintenance cost per pole, rising to 10% after 36 hours and 15% for every further day. Contractors must also submit maintenance reports every 15 days or face a ₹500 penalty.Residents, however, say the number of non-functional lights could be higher. K L Balasubramanian, a civic activist from Mandaveli, said the corporation was fairly responsive to complaints, but replacing faulty high-mast lights remained a problem. “Officials say they do not have the stock and the issue keeps getting delayed,” he said. He also pointed out that several street lights and poles had not been upgraded in years. “The same old lights and poles continue to be used. There has been no significant upgrade,” he said.Faults involving junction boxes, feeder pillars, poles and cable connections will also be treated as non-functional street lights. While GCC’s electrical department is responsible for installation and supplying the materials required for repairs, contractors must provide manpower and equipment. They must deploy electricians, helpers and vehicles fitted with aluminium or hydraulic ladders for repairs, and keep teams available round the clock to respond to complaints.
