NHAI yet to approve street lighting proposal
SMART CITIES

NHAI yet to approve street lighting proposal

The city corporation, in partnership with the Smart City project, has plans to install streetlights along the NH-66 corridor between Kazhakkoottam and Kovalam to enhance safety for residents and commuters. However, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has not yet received a formal proposal for the project. Despite this, NHAI has indicated its willingness to approve the initiative if the plans are feasible.

Under the Smart City initiative, streetlights have already been installed on the Karamana-Pravachambalam stretch, addressing long-standing demands from local residents. Encouraged by this success, authorities are exploring the extension of similar infrastructure to the 26-km Kazhakkoottam-Mukkola stretch, which is a key route lined with IT hubs, educational institutions, shopping malls, and residential areas.

An official from NHAI explained that the highway authority is open to approving the project but has not been formally contacted. The official mentioned that they had only learned about the initiative through media reports and stated that approval would be granted once a detailed and feasible proposal is submitted, provided the city corporation or Smart City project assumes responsibility for maintenance.

Previously, the city corporation proposed installing 120 light poles equipped with advertising provisions along the stretch from Technopark Phase-III to Mukkola. However, NHAI rejected the proposal, citing its policy against advertising hoardings. In response, the corporation presented a revised plan with two options: installing 1,100 double-armed streetlight poles along the highway median at 20-meter intervals or erecting 2,200 single-arm streetlights on either side of the stretch. The updated proposal also includes a 10-year revenue-sharing model to ensure financial sustainability. Despite these revisions, NHAI has yet to make a final decision.

The Kazhakkoottam-Mukkola stretch is a critical transit corridor linking key locations such as the Vizhinjam International Container Terminal, Technopark, and the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.

The city corporation, in partnership with the Smart City project, has plans to install streetlights along the NH-66 corridor between Kazhakkoottam and Kovalam to enhance safety for residents and commuters. However, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has not yet received a formal proposal for the project. Despite this, NHAI has indicated its willingness to approve the initiative if the plans are feasible.Under the Smart City initiative, streetlights have already been installed on the Karamana-Pravachambalam stretch, addressing long-standing demands from local residents. Encouraged by this success, authorities are exploring the extension of similar infrastructure to the 26-km Kazhakkoottam-Mukkola stretch, which is a key route lined with IT hubs, educational institutions, shopping malls, and residential areas.An official from NHAI explained that the highway authority is open to approving the project but has not been formally contacted. The official mentioned that they had only learned about the initiative through media reports and stated that approval would be granted once a detailed and feasible proposal is submitted, provided the city corporation or Smart City project assumes responsibility for maintenance.Previously, the city corporation proposed installing 120 light poles equipped with advertising provisions along the stretch from Technopark Phase-III to Mukkola. However, NHAI rejected the proposal, citing its policy against advertising hoardings. In response, the corporation presented a revised plan with two options: installing 1,100 double-armed streetlight poles along the highway median at 20-meter intervals or erecting 2,200 single-arm streetlights on either side of the stretch. The updated proposal also includes a 10-year revenue-sharing model to ensure financial sustainability. Despite these revisions, NHAI has yet to make a final decision.The Kazhakkoottam-Mukkola stretch is a critical transit corridor linking key locations such as the Vizhinjam International Container Terminal, Technopark, and the Thiruvananthapuram International Airport.

Next Story
Infrastructure Transport

MoRTH to Frame IRC Norms for New-Age Machines in Highway Work

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has decided to formally adopt Automated and Intelligent Machine-aided Construction (AIMC) for highway projects, aiming to accelerate execution and ensure timely completion. In line with this, MoRTH announced that the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) will develop new guidelines based on feedback from contractors and concessionaires actively involved in these projects.So far, MoRTH has sanctioned at least 16 highway projects where innovative construction equipment will be deployed. Additionally, the ministry is awaiting Cabinet approval for 10 more ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Energy

SECI Extends Green Ammonia Bid Deadline to 30 June

The Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI) has extended the bid deadline for its green ammonia tender to 30 June 2025. The tender was issued under the SIGHT Scheme - Mode 2A, Tranche I, to supply 7.24 lakh tonnes annually to 13 fertiliser plants.As the implementing agency under the National Green Hydrogen Mission, SECI will enter long-term offtake agreements with selected producers, providing 10-year commercial certainty to encourage market development for green hydrogen derivatives. ..

Next Story
Infrastructure Urban

India Launches First Maritime Sector NBFC

Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal recently inaugurated Sagarmala Finance Corporation Limited (SMFCL), India’s first NBFC dedicated to the maritime sector. Formally registered with the RBI on 19 June 2025, SMFCL evolved from Sagarmala Development Company Limited.It will address financing gaps for ports, MSMEs, startups, and maritime institutions, supporting shipbuilding, renewable energy, cruise tourism, and education. The move aligns with India’s Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 and aims to catalyse innovation and sustainable logistics growth.Union Minister of State Shantanu Thakur emphasis..

Advertisement

Advertisement

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get daily newsletters around different themes from Construction world.

STAY CONNECTED

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Talk to us?