Ranchi: With Ranchi experiencing rising summer temperatures and frequent pre-monsoon gusts, the city’s ageing street light network is under increasing strain, leading to repeated outages across several localities. In response, the Ranchi Municipal Corporation (RMC) has launched a large-scale drive to replace defunct poles and install 2,500 new street lights across city wards.According to RMC officials, prolonged heat exposure, dust accumulation on electrical fittings and minor technical faults have affected functioning of several street lights, especially on busy roads, residential colonies and market areas. Evening power fluctuations and sudden gusty winds before monsoon showers have further worsened the problem in some stretches.Assistant engineer Saurav Kesri said that a recent survey conducted by the civic body found nearly 16,000 poles including high-tension poles lying defunct or without proper lighting arrangements out of around 60,000 poles across Ranchi. “Based on complaints and field surveys, we have started a phased replacement and installation drive. Around 2,500 new street lights will be installed with the help of ward councillors, with nearly 50 lights planned in each ward,” he said.Kesri added that around 250 street light complaints are still pending but are being addressed on priority. “We regularly receive complaints from residents about dark stretches and faulty lights. Our teams are fixing them on priority basis, especially in accident-prone and densely populated areas,” he said.The issue becomes more noticeable during summer evenings when residents step out for walks after sunset. Many morning and evening walkers at Morhabadi ground, Harmu and Ashok Nagar said poorly lit roads create inconvenience and safety concerns. “During hot evenings, people prefer walking after dark, but several stretches remain dimly lit,” said Rampal Sinha, a regular walker near Morhabadi.Residents also pointed out that insects emerging during the heat and humidity often gather around flickering lights, damaging fittings and reducing visibility.“In many colonies, the roads become very dark after a few lights stop working. During summer evenings, insects and flying termites gather around the poles, and people also fear snakes coming out from nearby bushes and drains. Proper lighting is important for safety, especially for children and elderly people who walk after dinner,” said Rakesh Verma, a resident of Harmu.
