Opposition raises doubts over maintenance of smart LED lights installed by CSML in Kochi

Doubts have been cast over the seamless maintenance of smart LED lights installed within the Kochi Corporation limits by Cochin Smart Mission Limited (CSML).

CSML has installed 40,000 LED lights at an investment of ₹35 crore, while the Corporation will have to meet ₹5 crore towards their operation and maintenance over the next five years. The trial operation and maintenance of the lights—assigned to a Bengaluru-based company—are currently under way.

The Opposition United Democratic Front (UDF) alleged that the lights have been mounted on Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) posts rather than on separate poles, making the supervision of KSEB officials mandatory for any maintenance work. This, they claim, may prove to be a major impediment. “Councillors are already facing this problem, as maintenance cannot be undertaken at the required scale and pace when the presence of KSEB officials remains mandatory. Besides, the power supply in the area where repair and maintenance are needed must be switched off, which presents a problem of its own,” said M.G. Aristotle, UDF parliamentary party leader in the Corporation.

CSML sources countered that a disconnecting clamp has been attached to separate the light from the electric post, and that training is being imparted to employees to enable independent maintenance work without the presence of KSEB officials. However, any repair or maintenance involving major power supply lines will still require the presence of KSEB personnel.

Mr. Aristotle further alleged that no formal agreement has been placed between the Corporation and CSML for the installation, operation, and maintenance of the lights, despite CSML nearing the end of its tenure. He added that there was nothing “smart” about the project, other than replacing already installed LED and CFL lamps with more compact LED lamps.

However, CSML has now installed automated lighting control panels to monitor and manage the functioning of the LED lamps. “The web-based application helps assess lighting status, identify dysfunctional lamps, and switch lamps on and off remotely. A customer care number has also been arranged for the public to directly lodge complaints,” said CSML sources.

Out of the 1,500 automated panels, 100 remain to be installed, which will be completed next week. The trial operation and maintenance phase is also expected to conclude later this month.