Thiruvananthapuram: Traffic signals across the city have been functioning without structured maintenance since 2022. As the annual maintenance contract (AMC) with Keltron, the state-run agency responsible for maintaining signal infrastructure, remains pending for approval, it raises safety concerns at several major junctions.The contract covered routine servicing such as battery replacement, upkeep of solar units and system repairs. In the absence of a valid AMC, Keltron has been unable to carry out scheduled servicing.
A Keltron official in Thiruvananthapuram said police department had issued the AMC until 2022. After its expiry, the agency reapplied through Kerala Road Safety Authority (KRSA) and was later informed that motor vehicles department (MVD) would issue the contract. However, final approval is yet to be granted, the official said. In recent months, intermittent signal failures have been reported at major junctions, including Karamana–Kaliyikkavila, Chackai and Petta. Solar-powered signals at several locations are functioning partially and faulty lights have not been replaced. Officials said timely battery replacement was critical, especially for solar-powered units that require periodic inspection and servicing. “At present, we cannot legally proceed with maintenance work without a valid AMC. Without the contract, billing for maintenance cannot be generated and system remains unattended,” the official said. Police officers concerned acknowledged that signal malfunctions have contributed to accidents at certain locations, but they maintained that such cases were only a few. R Suresh, assistant commissioner of police (traffic), said most accidents occur due to rash or drunk driving, though malfunctioning signals have occasionally been a contributing factor. Responding to queries, a KRSA official said administrative approval for renewing the AMC has already been granted and that final clearance would be issued once procedural requirements from the MVD are completed.
