LED lamps at toll plazas, service roads for safety of motorists LED

NHAI officials said that all the contractors have been ‘advised’ to provide this facility. 

According to NHAI sources, on a trial basis this eco-friendly system was first implemented in Delhi and a few other states. As it proved to be beneficial, such LED lamps would be installed in toll plazas and service roads for the convenience of motorists and public in Tamil Nadu as well. 

Sources added motorists could easily identify these lights and find their way, as most service roads were completely dark in many places in the State.

“In several zones, Traffic Blinker Signals (LED) have already been provided with at all intersections. Though there is no proposal right now for such projects, considering the safety of motorists and other road users we have advised the contracting agencies to instal LED lamps, particularly at toll plazas and on service roads,” said a NHAI officer, on condition of anonymity.

He also said that officials also discussed about having such a system in all the toll plazas across the country, initially. 

The union government has also been planning to introduce eco-friendly LED lamps along the National Highways (NHs) and the NHAI has sent a proposal in this connection. The government’s approval is awaited. 

“It is a fact that the Centre is focusing on road projects and we are expecting the LED light project will be part of its measures to improve the road infrastructe in the country,” said another official. 

S Mohanram, a road safety activist and president, city-based consumer protection council, says, “Though the cost of the LED lights will be higher than conventional lights, safety will be ensured for both motorists and pedestrians.” 

Moreover, all the service roads should have LED lights so that residents could cross the roads safely, he said, adding many service roads are totally unusable at nights because of poor or lighting facility. A top official, NHAI, said that it was not mandatory for the contractors to install LED lamps. However, the NHAI would send a proposal in this regard to the government soon.