Dark streets: Road from Edappally to Kaloor lacks street lighting despite complaints

Kochi: After sunset, large stretches of the city, from Edappally to Palarivattom and Kaloor, are plunged into darkness, posing serious safety concerns for commuters and pedestrians. 

Despite a complaint submitted months ago by Uma Thomas MLA to the District Collector, Mayor, and Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) authorities regarding non-functional streetlights between Metro Pillar Nos. 446 and 538, no corrective action has been taken. Only a few sections along this route have adequate lighting.

In response to a letter sent to KMRL, the agency stated that the responsibility for maintaining streetlights lies with the Kochi Corporation. KMRL also confirmed that it had forwarded this communication to the civic body.

Once commercial establishments close for the day and switch off their lights, the area descends into complete darkness. With the onset of monsoon, night-time travel through these stretches has become increasingly difficult. Motorists are finding it hard to spot pedestrians in the dim conditions, leading to accidents—worsened by the glare from advertisement boards mounted on Metro pillars. There is now growing demand from the public for the immediate installation and repair of streetlights to ensure the safety of road users.

In Kaloor, another concern has emerged: several people sleep beneath the Metro pillars at night. Authorities are considering installing fencing between the pillars to address this issue. However, the problem of non-functional streetlights remains unresolved. Meanwhile, residents have also raised concerns about malfunctioning streetlights along the National Highway stretch from Edappally to Kalamassery.