Pune Cantonment Plunged into Darkness as Streetlight Crisis Deepens
Large sections of the Pune Cantonment Board (PCB) jurisdiction have been shrouded in darkness for several months, sparking grave concerns about public safety and security. An internal survey conducted by the board's electric department has uncovered a staggering statistic: more than 550 streetlight pole fittings have been damaged over the past two years, with no repair work initiated despite repeated complaints from the community.
Key Roads Affected and Mounting Safety Risks
The crisis has left several major arterial roads and internal lanes dangerously unlit. Among the worst-hit areas are Empress Garden Road, East Street, MG Road, and Coyaji Road, along with multiple roads within notified civilian pockets and military zones. This pervasive darkness has transformed night-time commuting into a hazardous endeavor, significantly elevating the risks of accidents, theft, and security breaches in a region that hosts a substantial population of armed forces personnel and their families.
Cantonment officials have acknowledged the flood of regular complaints regarding non-functional streetlights. "Residents consistently flag dark patches and the difficulties they face while commuting after sunset. Many have expressed fears for their safety," an official stated. However, the department has pointed to a severe lack of funds as the primary reason for the prolonged inaction, despite the current annual budget allocating resources for such repairs.
Overwhelmed Capacity and Delayed Tender Process
A senior official from the electric department explained that the sheer scale of the damage has overwhelmed the board's internal capabilities. "Earlier, we addressed barely 30-40 faulty connections in a year, which we managed with our own manpower. Now, with over 550 damaged fittings, it is beyond our logistical and manpower capacity," the official revealed. In response, the PCB has initiated a tender process to engage a private agency for the necessary repairs, though this procedural step has further delayed any on-ground action.
The PCB oversees more than 4,000 electricity connections across its 2,962-acre jurisdiction, which includes 248.8 acres of notified civilian areas. Residents argue that the authorities failed to anticipate the growing strain on infrastructure and did not act proactively to prevent this crisis.
Public Outcry and Military Concerns
Citizens and daily commuters have expressed sharp criticism, labeling the situation a "total failure of basic civic governance." "We pay taxes and expect fundamental services like street lighting. Darkness on main roads in such a sensitive area is unacceptable. It feels like we were completely ignored," said a resident of East Street who frequently commutes late for work.
The frustration is equally palpable within the armed forces community. Senior Army officers highlighted that the absence of street lighting poses a direct risk to personnel who engage in early morning physical training. "During morning runs or jogs, we never know if a bike might suddenly emerge from a dark patch and hit us. It is extremely risky, not just for officers but also for our families, senior citizens, and children," a senior Army officer emphasized.
Another officer stressed that the issue should have been treated as a top priority, given Pune Cantonment's strategic importance. "This area houses a huge volume of military personnel. Poor lighting compromises security preparedness and personal safety. Such negligence sends a wrong message," he added.
Systemic Inefficiencies and Scepticism Over Promises
Activists warn that the prolonged darkness on key roads increases vulnerability to accidents and criminal activities. They argue that the delayed tendering and execution processes reflect deep-rooted systemic inefficiencies rather than isolated administrative lapses. While the PCB maintains that repairs will commence once the tender is finalized, residents and defence personnel remain deeply sceptical.
"Such assurances were made before but failed to translate into action. Until the lights come back on, Pune Cantonment's dark roads stand as a stark reminder of how bureaucratic inertia can undermine safety in one of the city's most sensitive zones. It should be done on a priority basis," asserted activist Sanjay Kawade from Ghorpadi.
Additional Strain: PCB Employees Await Salaries
Compounding the crisis, employees of the PCB are facing financial distress due to non-payment of salaries for January 2026, even as the second week of February has passed. Many employees reported that their EMI payments have bounced, creating significant challenges in managing monthly household expenses.
"The sad part is that there is no official communication on this. If they give us a deadline, at least we can plan better. What we are hearing is that once the ministry gives a grant, then we will get the salary. But why can't the ministry release funds until now?" lamented a cantonment employee. Vidyadhar Pawar, the chief executive officer of PCB, did not respond to calls for comment on this matter.
