Chennai Corporation Proposes One-Year Maintenance Plan for 2.33 Lakh Streetlights

Chennai Corporation council meeting: streetlight maintenance across 12 zones proposed

The Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) has proposed a one-year maintenance contract covering 2,33,267 streetlights and 443 high-mast lights across 12 zones, with the cost of materials excluded.

The proposal was discussed at the GCC general council meeting chaired by Mayor R. Priya and attended by Commissioner G.S. Sameeran at Ripon Buildings on Thursday (October 29, 2026).

What the maintenance work will cover

The proposed work covers Tiruvottiyur, Manali, Madhavaram, Tondiarpet, Thiru-Vi-Ka Nagar, Ambattur, Teynampet, Kodambakkam, Valasaravakkam, Alandur, Perungudi, and Sholinganallur.

The contractor will be responsible for daily monitoring of the streetlights and repairing faulty lights within 24 hours of receiving complaints from officials or the public.

The contract will also cover the maintenance of feeder boxes, junction boxes, poles and associated electrical components.

Under the resolution, the contractor will have to provide the required workforce, vehicles fitted with aluminium or hydraulic ladders, and other facilities needed to carry out the work.

Ambattur allocation

In Ambattur Zone, which has 28,417 streetlight poles and 69 high-mast lights, the maintenance work would cost ₹5.01 crore for one year, according to the resolution.

The contractor will also have to ensure that the lights are switched on and off according to the GCC’s schedule.

Reports on the work will have to be submitted every 15 days.

The proposed resolution provides for penalties in cases of delayed repairs, staff shortages and failure to provide vehicles in proper working condition.

Earlier inspection found faulty lights

The proposal comes after a city-wide night inspection in which the Chennai Corporation identified 2,079 streetlights that were not functioning.

The inspection was conducted on September 16, 2026, following the Commissioner’s directions.

Its stated purpose was to ensure that all 3,11,285 streetlights in the city remained operational.

The proposed maintenance arrangement therefore sets out specific response timelines, reporting requirements and penalties alongside routine monitoring across the 12 zones.

Source: The Hindu