Kerala Government Takes Action on Hazardous Streetlight Installation in Thiruvananthapuram
Following intense criticism from commuters and widespread attention on social media platforms, the state government of Kerala has finally initiated corrective measures to address the unscientific installation of decorative streetlights and lamp posts along the busy PMG-Palayam Road in Thiruvananthapuram. The issue had raised serious safety concerns after several lamp post basements were found protruding onto the carriageway, significantly reducing road space and creating a dangerous hazard for motorists navigating this crucial stretch.
Safety Concerns on High-Traffic Corridor
The PMG-Palayam Road, which experiences heavy daily traffic and passes directly by the prominent Legislative Assembly complex, became particularly risky for two-wheeler riders and buses attempting to navigate the now-narrowed lanes. The decorative street lighting project, especially the installations positioned in front of the assembly complex, was originally intended to enhance the city's aesthetic appeal but unfortunately ended up compromising fundamental safety standards.
According to Public Works Department sources, the corrections are now being carried out on a priority basis, with officials acknowledging that the earlier execution did not fully comply with established road safety norms. Temporary warning signs and protective barricades have been strategically placed to guide motorists safely through the ongoing rectification work zone.
Rectification Work Currently Underway
Rectification efforts are now actively progressing, with construction crews widening the central median to properly accommodate the lamp post foundations. Portions of the concrete base that extended improperly into the road are being carefully chiselled out to ensure that no part of the structure obstructs normal vehicular movement. However, it's important to note that the concrete basement of a high-mast lamp remains partially exposed to the road at this stage of the correction process.
The lighting infrastructure was installed using the MLA fund allocated to V K Prasanth, with a total of twenty-four decorative streetlights and one high-mast lamp erected just last month. Prasanth has stated that the identified issue has been resolved and that the necessary rectification is being diligently implemented. Official explanations indicate that the error occurred primarily due to improper alignment during the initial installation phase.
Questions About Oversight and Future Implications
Despite the ongoing corrections, significant questions remain about the apparent lack of oversight that allowed such a safety lapse to occur in a high-profile and high-security area adjacent to the Legislative Assembly complex. Road safety experts have reiterated the critical importance of strict adherence to established guidelines in all urban infrastructure projects, particularly on high-density corridors like PMG-Palayam Road that experience substantial daily traffic volumes.
The decorative streetlights were installed at a considerable cost of approximately Rs 31.6 lakh, making the installation errors particularly noteworthy. This incident serves as a stark reminder about the necessity of proper planning, execution, and quality control in public infrastructure projects that directly impact citizen safety and urban mobility.
