The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) is reportedly installing solar lights in 32km-stretch of Chennai bypass that connects four national highways. NHAI is installing these solar lights in a bid to prevent road accidents. According to Chennai city police, the stretch was deadly for road users, particularly during night hours, as it was poorly lit.
TOI reports that the authorities have installed 25 solar lights along the median near Irumbuliyur and toll plaza at Porur in the first phase of the project. Each panel with two lights and four batteries cost Rs 1.75 lakh. The batteries have 14 hours power backup. A senior official in NHAI speaking to the publication said . “We have taken up the installation of solar lighting to bring down the fatal accidents following a report submitted by the police department.”
The report further states that Fifteen more solar lights would be erected in most accident-prone spots along the stretch soon. “We will check the functioning of the solar lights put up in the first phase. After rectifying the shortcomings, we will install the remaining lights. The panels have been fitted with timers, programmed to turn on the lights at 6pm and switch off at 6am,” the official said.
The local office of NHAI has sent a proposal to the headquarters for more funds to light up the entire stretch to ensure safety of road users during night.