NHAI Tests IoT-Driven Lighting for Better Visibility on Chennai-Tiruchi Highway

Quick Summary:

• The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has awarded tenders for installing an Internet of Things (IoT)-based lighting system on the 95-km tambaram-Tindivanam section of the Chennai-Tiruchi National Highway.
• This IoT system will allow online monitoring and management of street lights, replacing manual inspections currently performed by highway patrol teams.
• Lighting will automatically adjust based on seasonal variations, staying on longer during winters.Locations without lighting will receive new installations.
• The project covers poles, wiring, bulbs, grid connections, and maintenance for a period of three years at a total cost of ₹8.3 crore funded by NHAI as it collects tolls on this stretch.
• A mobile submission is planned to facilitate monitoring by maintenance staff and supervisors.
• Drivers have expressed mixed views: while improved lighting is seen as accident prevention, concerns about discomfort caused by LED lights were raised.

Image used for representation | Photo Credit: M. Moorthy

Indian Opinion Analysis:

The deployment of IoT-based lighting infrastructure could mark a significant step forward in modernizing road safety measures and infrastructure management along India’s highways. By enabling real-time monitoring through web applications and improving operational efficiency via automation (e.g.,seasonal light adjustments),the project reflects India’s effort to incorporate technology into public sector services. Such initiatives may reduce accidents attributed to poor visibility while minimizing inefficiencies tied to manual inspections.

However, feedback from stakeholders like drivers investigating potential discomfort due to LED lights underscores the importance of considering human factors when implementing technological solutions. Addressing such concerns proactively would ensure that improvements serve all users effectively without unintended drawbacks. With long-term maintenance included in the budget allocation, planning appears comprehensive at this stage.

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