Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation Unveils Major Streetlight Improvement Plan
The Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation (BMC) has announced a comprehensive initiative to enhance public lighting across key areas of Kolkata's suburbs, with a substantial budgetary allocation of Rs 16 crore proposed for the 2026-27 financial year. This ambitious plan focuses on both installation of new infrastructure and maintenance of existing systems to address illumination deficiencies.
Major Investment in Rajarhat-Gopalpur Area
Under the state government's Green Cities Mission scheme, BMC is procuring 4,060 streetlights and 405 light posts specifically for wards 1 to 27 in the Rajarhat-Gopalpur region. This procurement, valued at Rs 3.9 crore, aims to significantly improve lighting in neighborhoods including Kestopur, Baguiati, Kaikhali, and areas adjacent to the airport.
BMC Mayor Krishna Chakraborty emphasized the necessity of this upgrade during her budget speech, noting that the expansive Rajarhat-Gopalpur zone requires enhanced lighting infrastructure for public safety and urban development. A civic official echoed this sentiment, highlighting the strategic importance of illuminating these rapidly developing suburban corridors.
Comprehensive Lighting Infrastructure Deployment
The corporation has already implemented substantial lighting improvements in Salt Lake's 41 wards. Recent installations include:
- 500 streetlight panels with capacities of 70 and 120 watts distributed across various locations
- 52 high-mast lights for broader area coverage
- In wards 29 to 41 specifically: 70 streetlights of 54 watt capacity, 145 lights of 70 watt, and 589 lights of 140 watt capacity
This phased approach demonstrates BMC's commitment to systematic urban illumination enhancement.
Detailed Budgetary Allocation Breakdown
The proposed Rs 16 crore budget for streetlight infrastructure is strategically divided to address both immediate and long-term needs:
- Capital Expenditure: Rs 6 crore allocated for new public lighting installations and infrastructure development
- Revenue Expenses: Rs 6 crore designated for ongoing repair, maintenance, and operational costs of existing streetlights and related installations
- Green Cities Mission Funding: Rs 4 crore specifically earmarked under this state scheme for sustainable urban development projects
Addressing Resident Concerns
The lighting upgrades respond directly to community feedback about inadequate illumination. Arnab Aich, a resident of Baisakhi, expressed a common concern: "Streetlights in some places are so dim that practically the light does not reach the ground." This sentiment has motivated the corporation's focused approach to not just increase the quantity of lights, but also ensure their functional effectiveness.
The comprehensive streetlight improvement plan represents a significant investment in urban infrastructure that addresses both immediate lighting deficiencies and long-term sustainable development goals for Kolkata's growing suburban areas.
