Patna: The streets of Patna are set for a major technological upgrade as authorities move forward with plans to modernise the city’s street lighting system.
Following approval from the municipal corporation’s empowered standing committee, Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) will oversee maintenance of all streetlights in the city until April 30.
At present, around 82,000 streetlights are installed across the municipal area. Under the new plan, all of them will be upgraded with Internet of Things (IoT) technology to improve efficiency and performance.
In addition, the corporation is preparing to install approximately 25,000 new smart streetlights equipped with automated systems. These lights will use sensors to switch on at dusk and turn off at dawn, helping reduce power consumption and enhance energy efficiency.
Officials said the process of selecting an agency for maintenance, automation and the installation of a centralised control and monitoring system is in its final stage.
Under the upgraded system, the entire streetlight network will be monitored from a central control room, enabling quick detection of faults and faster repairs. Authorities said this would significantly improve service delivery for residents.
To address complaints, the municipal corporation has also introduced a helpline number and a WhatsApp chatbot service, allowing citizens to report issues easily.
The project also includes the installation of 35 new high mast lights at key intersections and major locations across the city, at an estimated cost of Rs 1.61 crore. Each high mast will be 12.5 metres tall and fitted with six floodlights of 1,200 watts capacity.
These lights will be distributed across different zones, including Nutan Rajdhani, Kankarbagh, Patliputra, Bankipur, Azimabad and Patna City. Currently, 166 high mast lights are already operational in the area.
Data from January 2025 to March 2026 shows that out of 13,898 complaints received through helplines, 13,094 have been resolved, while 804 remain pending. Similarly, of 3,985 complaints received via the WhatsApp chatbot, 3,843 have been addressed and 142 are pending.
Officials say the initiative will not only improve visibility and safety in the city but also strengthen energy management through smart technology.
