Kerala’s Minister for Local Self-Government, M.B. Rajesh, officially launched the ambitious Pan City LED Street Light project on Wednesday. This significant undertaking has seen more than 40,000 conventional streetlights across the Kochi Corporation area replaced with advanced, energy-efficient LED models. The Cochin Smart Mission Limited (CSML) spearheaded this initiative, representing an investment exceeding ₹30 crore. Mayor M. Anilkumar chaired the inauguration ceremony.
This project boasts comprehensive coverage of all primary roads within the Corporation, establishing a centralized control system for public lighting. More than 1,500 Centralised Control Monitoring System (CCMS) panels have been installed city-wide to enable automated switching, remote oversight, system management, and real-time energy monitoring. Furthermore, the entire LED infrastructure has been meticulously mapped using Geographic Information System (GIS) technology, allowing for seamless integration with CSML’s central Command and Control Centre.
Robust Five-Year Operations and Maintenance Agreement
A critical component of this project is a five-year operation and maintenance contract, designed to guarantee its long-term viability and efficiency. To ensure public convenience, a 24/7 help desk has been established, allowing citizens to report issues via phone, SMS, or dedicated mobile applications. The contractor is obligated to keep a 5% stock of lights, panels, and associated equipment for prompt replacements. A strict operational uptime clause dictates that the system must function at least 98% of the time.
Each individual LED light is backed by an impressive seven-year warranty, while the CCMS panels, cables, and communication hardware are covered for five years. Shaji V. Nair, CEO of CSML, expressed confidence, stating that ‘the project is expected to slash the Corporation’s power bill by half. Furthermore, the advanced software-controlled CCMS panels will ensure exceptional operational efficiency and facilitate swift repairs and maintenance.’
Opposition Challenges Savings Claims
However, the United Democratic Front (UDF) opposition has vehemently disputed these efficiency claims. M.G. Aristotle, UDF parliamentary party leader, presented Right to Information (RTI) documents revealing that the Corporation’s street lighting electricity charges totaled ₹3.89 crore between June and August, suggesting no substantial decrease in costs.
Aristotle further criticized the project, stating, ‘The promise that the centralized system would resolve dysfunctional streetlights within 48 hours is clearly not being met, with complaints pouring in from councillors across the political spectrum.’ He also pointed out that while the new smart lights were meant for dedicated poles, they were simply installed on existing Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) poles. This decision, he argued, will complicate future maintenance, as KSEB officials will need to be present during any repair work.
In response, Mr. Nair clarified that the system’s online integration is currently in progress. He assured that once this process is complete, repairs to non-functioning lights would be addressed nearly instantaneously.
Adding to the controversy, the opposition highlighted images on social media depicting several unlit streets within the Corporation, even as the official inauguration ceremony of the project was taking place.