Thiruvananthapuram authorities have finally resolved a long-standing issue over non-functional streetlights along NH 66, as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has agreed to assume responsibility for maintenance and repairs. The corridor, stretching from Kovalam to Kazhakkoottam, has remained poorly lit for years, posing significant safety risks for motorists, pedestrians, and local residents.
Officials confirmed that approximately 80 median streetlights, located at key junctions including Thampuranmukku and near Lords Hospital, will be repaired and maintained under NHAI oversight. Previously, disputes between NHAI and the city corporation stalled repairs, leaving the busy highway vulnerable to night-time accidents. “Ensuring public safety and uninterrupted traffic movement is our priority. The existing lights will be fully restored and kept operational,” said a senior NHAI official involved in the project. In parallel, the city corporation will oversee a new set of 120 streetlights to be installed along the stretch between Lulu Mall and Kunnil Market junction. This initiative is funded under the corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme of a major commercial stakeholder in the region. Officials are also exploring similar partnerships with other private players to expand streetlight coverage, enhancing urban mobility and road safety through collaborative governance.
Experts note that well-illuminated roadways significantly reduce accidents and enhance night-time urban safety, particularly along arterial corridors like NH 66 that connect residential hubs, commercial centres, hospitals, and tourist destinations. With Technopark and Kovalam included along the route, the highway serves thousands of daily commuters, making operational streetlights critical to equitable and safe urban infrastructure. The agreement represents a shift towards coordinated urban management, combining central agency oversight with civic responsibility. Urban planners highlight that sustained maintenance, public-private collaboration, and climate-conscious infrastructure upgrades are essential for safe and sustainable city corridors. Energy-efficient LED lights and smart monitoring systems are being considered to reduce carbon footprint while ensuring consistent illumination.
Officials have outlined a phased implementation plan, beginning with repairs of the existing median lights under NHAI, followed by operationalising the newly installed lights under the corporation’s supervision. “This model can serve as a template for similar urban highway corridors, improving safety while promoting efficient civic management,” added an urban infrastructure consultant advising on road safety initiatives. With NH 66 being a crucial lifeline for Thiruvananthapuram city and surrounding areas, the resolution of streetlight maintenance disputes is expected to enhance commuter confidence, support local economic activity, and foster safer night-time mobility. Authorities emphasise that the collaborative approach aligns with sustainable, gender-neutral, and inclusive urban planning principles, ensuring that public infrastructure serves all residents equitably.
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