A comprehensive survey and geo-tagging drive covering over 5.5 lakh streetlights is underway

EKALAVYA MALLEPALLI | Hyderabad 

As Hyderabad prepares for the upcoming monsoon season, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is intensifying its efforts to ensure uninterrupted street lighting across the city. A comprehensive survey and geo-tagging drive covering over 5.5 lakh streetlights is nearing completion, with 82% of the work already done. This initiative aims to assess the condition, functionality, and exact location of each streetlight, helping GHMC prepare for the visibility and safety challenges the rainy season often brings.

The geo-tagging effort is more than a mapping exercise, it creates a real-time digital inventory that enables GHMC to track faulty lights and dispatch repair teams more efficiently. This system is expected to reduce response times and enhance lighting in critical areas, especially during heavy rains.

A key component of this initiative is the Centralized Control and Monitoring System (CCMS), which manages Hyderabad’s smart streetlight network. With over 30,000 CCMS boxes installed citywide, GHMC can remotely monitor lights, detect faults, and track energy usage. Dedicated teams are in place to handle CCMS-related repairs.

“Earlier, we had nearly 20,000 complaints citywide. Due to regular intervention and faster response mechanisms, the number has been brought down to 7,000. More than 60 percent of the current complaints have already been resolved,” said a senior official from the Electrical Department of GHMC, speaking to Metro India.

Currently, GHMC is handling streetlight operations directly, following the end of its contract with Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) in April 2025. To maintain continuity, the corporation has deployed Dismantling, Installation, and Commissioning (DIC) vendors. Each two-member team oversees around 4,000 streetlights in assigned zones. The repair and maintenance process is ongoing and part of a broader cycle.

“Streetlight problems are bound to occur in different areas from time to time. As issues are resolved in one zone, new ones may come up in another. Our teams are continuously addressing these challenges,” the official noted. Looking ahead, GHMC is finalizing a new seven-year operation and maintenance contract with a third-party agency. The upcoming agreement will include regular inspections, performance evaluations, and the use of advanced monitoring tools to improve service consistency and delivery citywide.