South zone tops in streetlight overhaul

The Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) is intensifying efforts to replace over two lakh vapour lamps with energy-efficient LED streetlights across the city within the next eight months. With more than 5.3 lakh streetlights under its management, the civic body has identified the South zone as the highest consumer of streetlight electricity, making it a key focus in the citywide LED conversion project.

The South zone has 80,584 streetlights, of whichh 55,703 still use outdated vapour lamp technology. RR Nagar follows with 79,704 streetlights, including 44,140 vapour lamps. East zone has 78,519 lights, with 37,167 still running on vapour technology. Notably, Mahadevapura, with 77,787 streetlights, has the second-highest count of vapour lamps at 48,666.

Residents from Mahadevapura have voiced concerns over poor illumination. “In areas like Kasavanahalli and Haralur Road, long stretches are left in darkness. We rely on phone torches at night,” said Shalini Ramesh from Hoodi. Rajeev Menon from Brookefield added, “It’s risky to walk or drive here after 8 PM.” Despite repeated complaints, locals say no long-term solution has been offered.

Other zones such as West (76,878 lights, 24,369 vapour lamps), Bommanahalli (48,126 lights, 32,458 vapour), Dasarahalli (56,569 lights, 28,139 vapour), and Yelahanka (27,502 lights, 13,779 vapour) will also be part of the transition. BBMP has finalised tenders, divided the work into four packages, and begun surveys. Contractors will invest upfront, with payments based on energy savings. The project aims to enhance safety, visibility, and reduce maintenance and electricity costs citywide.