31 National Highways in Tamil Nadu to get improved lighting

Driving after dark on National Highways (NHs) across northern and parts of central Tamil Nadu is set to become safer and more comfortable for motorists. The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has called for tenders to install smart lighting systems on 31 highways.

The existing lighting systems, which are currently operated manually, will become fully automated. “The lights will turn on at sunset and remain on until daybreak. The timings will change according to the season. We will be able to identify when a bulb or switch stops working and replace it immediately,” an official said.

A single tender has been floated for all the stretches. The company offering the best products at the lowest price will be selected. “The tender process has been structured in such a way that the work is expected to commence in October. The selected contractor will have one year to complete the installation and testing,” another official said.

This follows the successful implementation of a pilot project from Tambaram to Tindivanam, where lighting and visibility have improved following the installation of an Internet of Things (IoT)-based lighting system along the 95-km stretch of the Chennai-Tiruchi National Highway. “Everyone, from maintenance personnel and NHAI officials to supervisors, can now monitor the lights online. Lighting is provided at junctions and settlements along the National Highways,” the official added.

Narayanan Ram, a resident of Sholinganallur who recently travelled to Tiruchi, said the smart lights were a welcome addition and provided exactly what was needed. “Lighting installations that are more than 20 years old should also be replaced as part of this initiative. Lights should also be installed at cattle crossings and at places where people cross the highway late at night. Perhaps it is time to install such lighting systems within cities as well, where street lighting is often inadequate,” he said.