Patna: Rs 19 Crore Fine Imposed on Agency Over Faulty Street Lights

Patna: In a significant move to address the long-standing issue of non-functional street lights in the city, the Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) has imposed a massive penalty of ₹19 crore on the agency responsible for their maintenance.

The action comes after a comprehensive survey of street lights across the city, conducted on the instructions of Municipal Commissioner Animesh Kumar Parashar. The survey revealed a large number of faulty lights that have been causing serious inconvenience to residents, especially during night-time movement.

Citywide Repair Drive Underway

The civic body has now launched a major repair and replacement campaign to ensure city streets are properly lit, particularly during the ongoing monsoon season, when visibility is already reduced.

“To keep roads illuminated and safe, teams are going out daily to repair street lights,” Commissioner Parashar said. He added that 50 new street lights will be installed in each of the city’s 75 wards. The lights will be supplied by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL).

Deadline Set for Completion Before Festivals

According to the commissioner, the installation of new lights is expected to be completed by July 31, and by August 15, all city roads will be illuminated. The move is also aimed at preparing the city for the upcoming festival season, ensuring safety and convenience for residents and visitors alike.

Focus on Timely Completion

Executive Engineer (Electricity) Bablu Gupta confirmed that EESL will deliver the lights by the end of this month. “After receiving the street lights, our team will immediately begin installation work in all wards. Our goal is to ensure adequate lighting on every street and road in Patna,” he said.