Image used for representation
| Photo Credit: M. Moorthy
To ensure even lighting and improved visibility along the Tambaram-Tindivanam stretch, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has awarded tenders for the installation of an Internet of Things (IoT)-based lighting system on the 95-km section of the Chennai-Tiruchi National Highway.“So far, we have been monitoring the lights physically. The highway patrol was doing the job. But since they cannot constantly keep track of bulbs that are not working, this is being carried out as a pilot project. The contractor will split the entire stretch into grids and would monitor the lights along the median online through a web browser,” said an official.The contractor will also create a mobile application that will be used by maintenance personnel, NHAI officials, and supervisors. The company has been told to install lights at locations that do not have lighting as of yet. The system will also ensure automatic turning on and turning off of the lights according to the season – meaning, they will stay on for longer during winters. The company will erect poles, wiring, bulbs, and bring it into the nearest grid. The work is being awarded at a cost of ₹8.3 crore, which includes the installation of new lights and maintenance of the system for a period of three years. The NHAI will bear the cost of the project since it is the toll-collecting agency on the road, which is eight lanes wide till Chengalpattu and four lanes wide till Tindivanam.Nandagopal, a taxi driver, said increasing the number of light poles is a welcome step to reduce accidents. “However, LED lights on highways would lead to my eyes feeling uncomfortable. Yellow lights are ok. The NHAI should ensure that drivers are not affected in any manner by the kind of lights that they plan to use,” he said. Published - September 17, 2025 01:29 pm IST
