Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari said the power supply is yet to be activated due to a dispute with the KSEB.
Published Aug 05, 2025 | 8:25 AM ⚊ Updated Aug 05, 2025 | 8:25 AM
Congress MP Hibi Eden. (X)
A question raised in Parliament by Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden has thrown light — ironically — on why the accident-prone Container Road between Kalamassery and Vallarpadam near Kochi remains unlit despite the installation of 1,106 streetlights along its 17.12 km stretch.
Responding to the MP, Union Road Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari said the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) completed the lighting project at a cost of ₹7.78 crore, adhering to Indian Roads Congress standards. However, the power supply is yet to be activated due to a dispute with the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) over the installation of two additional transformers.
While NHAI claims the transformers were not part of the original plan and insists KSEB should install them, the power utility says it is executing the work using NHAI funds and has sought a joint inspection. Meanwhile, a ₹100-crore road renovation project is also underway.
The Kerala High Court had earlier directed the state to enhance safety measures on this stretch, which has witnessed several fatal mishaps due to poor lighting and illegal parking.
