Kochi's Vital Container Road Stays Dark Amid Bureaucratic Stand-Off
Kochi's accident-prone Container Road continues to operate without functional streetlights, turning a crucial transit corridor into a nightly hazard for thousands of daily commuters. Despite the installation of 1,106 streetlights nine months ago, the 17.2-kilometer NH 966A stretch remains completely unlit after sunset.
Transformer Dispute Halts Electrification
The primary reason for this dangerous situation is an ongoing stand-off between the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB). Both agencies disagree over who should bear the cost of setting up two additional transformers required for the streetlights to function properly.
This disagreement has resulted in KSEB refusing to provide the necessary electrical connection. The streetlights were installed back in April 2025 as part of a comprehensive Rs 100-crore project aimed at overhauling the busy Kalamassery-Vallarpadam stretch.
Project Completion Hits Bureaucratic Wall
While NHAI contractor M/s CDR & Co-Constructions successfully completed most physical infrastructure development, including 11 major bridges and 35 culverts, the final electrification phase has encountered significant bureaucratic obstacles.
Initially, the two agencies disagreed about the number of transformers needed. NHAI maintained that two transformers would be sufficient, while KSEB insisted on installing two additional units to properly support the streetlight network.
When contacted, an official from the KSEB section office in Vypeen explained their position clearly. "Two more transformers need to be set up for the functioning of additional streetlights in the section from toll plaza to Goshree bridge. We are installing the same using NHAI fund."
Financial Demands Bring Progress to Halt
NHAI eventually agreed to install and bear the cost of the required hardware to prevent further project delays. However, subsequent financial demands from KSEB have completely stalled progress.
A senior NHAI official revealed the shocking cost discrepancy. "We agreed to bear the expense to avoid the project getting further delayed. It was originally scheduled to be completed by April 6, 2025. But instead of the usual standard cost of Rs 8 lakh for a transformer, KSEB is demanding an exorbitant sum of over Rs 1 crore."
Escalating Costs and Unanswered Questions
In a formal letter dated December 24, 2025, NHAI officials raised serious concerns about KSEB's shifting financial demands. The Vypeen division of KSEB initially requested Rs 18.01 lakh for the power connection.
NHAI officials found this amount higher than expected rates and asked for a detailed breakdown of installation costs. Instead of providing clarification, KSEB then issued a staggering new estimate of Rs 1.05 crore.
Out of the four transformers needed, only two have received approval. The current dispute specifically centers on one new 100 KVA transformer and upgrading another existing unit to 160 KVA capacity.
Repeated attempts to contact the deputy chief engineer of KSEB's electrical section went unanswered, leaving many questions about the justification for these escalating costs.
Human Cost of the Delay
The human impact of this bureaucratic delay is substantial and concerning. Container Road handles daily traffic exceeding 35,000 passenger car units, with over 1,500 trucks and trailers using the stretch daily to access the port.
Parking these large vehicles presents additional challenges along the corridor. Without functioning streetlights, this high-speed road transforms into a potential death trap after sundown, putting thousands of commuters at risk every night.
The road's reputation as a notorious accident spot prompted the original Rs 100-crore overhaul project. Now, with streetlights installed but non-functional due to bureaucratic disputes, safety concerns remain unaddressed while commuters continue to navigate the dark, hazardous stretch nightly.
