Page 29 - TT July Issue for Digital Edition

ROAD SAFETY

Concessionaires struggle to source quality many highways continue to use inefficient
materials at government-mandated rates, High-Pressure Sodium Vapour (HPSV) lamps.
compromising quality. Furthermore, current Agreements with highway departments
agreements are silent on reimbursement for provide no incentive for concessionaires
power, fuel, and operation & maintenance to transition to energy-saving LEDs due to
(O&M) costs, burdening concessionaires and upfront costs. Furthermore, the rigidity of IRC
penalizing them for non-functional lights. codes, updated only every ten years, hinders

Ribbon Development the adoption of newer technologies during
and Power Acquisition Delays the project’s concession period (20-30 years).
Unlike developed nations, highway Multi-Stakeholder Coordination:
development in India spurs unplanned A Challenge
settlements. This leads to continuous Effective management requires
demands for additional lighting beyond collaboration between NHAI, contractors,
the planned scope. Additionally, obtaining local authorities, and state governments.
power connections is a time-consuming and However, a lack of support from state
expensive process, often exceeding a year.
machinery, despite signed “State Support
Erratic Power Supply Agreements,” hinders smooth collaboration.
and High Energy Costs District and division offices often feign
Unreliable power supply, especially in rural ignorance and shirk their responsibilities.
areas, hampers the functionality of lighting Billing Issues and Remote Locations
systems. Agreements mandate a high uptime
(90%), but frequent disruptions make it Many electricity boards have not transitioned
difficult to achieve. Standby generators are to online billing, leading to erratic receipt of
impractical due to project spread and theft physical bills due to remote plaza locations.
risks. Ironically, highway lighting is categorized This delays bill payments and incurs penalties.
as a commercial activity, attracting high tariffs
compared to the subsidized rates for municipal The Future
lighting. This discourages a shift to solar With advancements in technology clubbed
power, further burdened by low feed-in tariffs.
with vast tranches of lands adjoining the
Theft and Vandalism: A Persistent Threat highways available, potential developments
might encompass mandatory: -
Theft and vandalism of lighting
infrastructure pose a significant financial LED Technology: Shifting towards energy-
burden. Up to 15% of electrical operating efficient LED lighting can reduce maintenance
expenses go towards replacing stolen or costs and improve overall efficiency.
damaged assets, exceeding international
averages. Underpasses and inspection covers Solar-powered Lighting: In remote areas
are particularly vulnerable. with unreliable power supply, solar-powered
lighting systems offer a viable alternative.
Power Theft and the
Concessionaire’s Dilemma Smart Lighting Solutions: Advanced
systems with remote monitoring and control
Power theft by highway establishments capabilities can potentially optimize lighting
creates a precarious situation. Ignoring it risks usage and reduce energy consumption.
penalties for reselling power, while complaining
might endanger project staff. Switching off Cost Optimization: Streetlights need to be
power to such locations breaches agreements rationalized given their environmental impact
and attracts further penalties. to urban locations and conflict zones. Street
lighting to access controlled expressways is
Obsolete Technology best avoided. Further for rural areas, given
and Infrastructure Constraints the challenges a shift to retroreflective

Despite a government phase-out plan, material is a better option. TT

www.trafficinfratech.com / July 2024 / TRAFFICINFRATECH 29