KOCHI: The trial run of the lighting of the modernised streetlights by the Kochi Corporation will be held next week. The civic body has already completed the work of installing advanced LED and induction lamps on the 2-km-stretch between Shenoys and South Junction. It is for the first time that streetlights enhanced with modern techniques, including Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) and General Packet Radio Service (GPRS), are being installed in the state. A top official from the Kochi Corporation said that a six-month monitoring phase is included in the pilot project. Based on the results, the programme will be extended to other parts of the city. At present, zodium vapour, metal halide and CF lamps are being used to light the city streets. "The new lamps are expected to bring down energy consumption by 50 percent. The automatic switching system is yet another advantage. After setting the timer it will automatically get switched on and off. More than that, the durability and quality of light give them a clear edge over energy-deficient incandescent light bulbs," said the official.He also said that a separate metre will be attached to the lamps to mark the reading so as to know how much power is consumed by them. "At present the Corporation is paying Rs 4 crore annually to the Kerala State Electricity Board as electricity charges on streetlights. The new system is expected to cut down the electricity charges up to 50 percent," the official said.The maintenance and repair of these lamps are technology-driven and is easy. If any of these lamps are damaged, the Mayor, town planning officials and the contractor who has undertaken the maintenance contract can be alerted through an SMS. The SMS should have the number of the electric post to help repair the lamp in a time-bound manner.The implementation of the pilot project is entrusted with a private agency. The agency is hopeful of launching the pilot project next week.
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