Streetlights on Manjummel bridge remain off for months, commuters at risk

Eloor: Although streetlights have been installed on the regulator-cum-bridge at Manjummel, none of them have been operational for months. For a few days, the KSEB provided temporary connections to light the lamps at night, but this was discontinued due to the risk of accidents.

KSEB officials said that neither the municipality nor the irrigation department has paid the required fees or submitted an application to extend power lines to the bridge for permanent operation. The Board also expressed willingness to restore the power connection as soon as the payment is made.

Public transport connectivity to Manjummel is relatively limited, forcing most regular commuters to get off buses at South Kalamassery and walk across the bridge to reach their destination.

Milk and newspaper suppliers also rely on this bridge in the morning. With the streetlights non-functional, commuters cross the bridge in fear, while the area is further threatened by stray dogs and reptiles.

Meanwhile, electricity is also unavailable for operating the shutters of the regulator-cum-bridge. For the past 20 years, the shutters have been operated using diesel generators. Authorities have now initiated steps to provide a permanent power supply at the site.