Over 550 defunct streetlights leave Pune Cantonment roads unsafe

Pune: Large parts of the areas under PCB have remained in darkness for months, raising serious concerns over public safety and security, even as an internal survey by the board's electric department has revealed that over 550 streetlight pole fittings were damaged over the past two years. Despite repeated complaints and mounting risks, repair work is yet to begin, triggering sharp reactions from residents and serving military personnel alike. Several key arterial roads — including Empress Garden Road, East Street, MG Road, Coyaji Road — and multiple internal roads within notified civil pockets and military areas are among the worst affected. These dark stretches make night-time commuting hazardous and have intensified fears of accidents, theft, and security breaches in a zone that houses a significant number of armed forces personnel and their families. Cantonment officials admitted that complaints regarding non-functional streetlights poured in regularly. "Residents consistently flag dark patches and the difficulties they face while commuting after sunset. Many have expressed fears for their safety," an official said. However, the department cited lack of funds as the primary reason for inaction over the past two years. While the current annual budget earmarked funds for repairs, officials conceded that the actual on-ground work is not yet under way. A senior official from the electric department told TOI that the scale of damage overwhelmed the board's internal capacity. "Earlier, we addressed barely 30-40 faulty connections in a year, which we managed with our own manpower. Now, with over 550 damaged fittings, it is beyond our logistical and manpower capacity," the official said, adding that a tender process was initiated to rope in a private agency for the repairs. The Pune Cantonment Board (PCB) oversees over 4,000 electricity connections across its jurisdiction, covering an area of 2,962 acres, of which 248.8 acres fall under notified civilian pockets. Residents argue that the authorities should have anticipated the growing infrastructure stress and acted proactively. Citizens and daily commuters were critical, calling the situation a "total failure of basic civic governance". "We pay taxes and expect fundamental services like street lighting. Darkness on main roads in such a sensitive area is unacceptable. It feels like we were completely ignored," said a resident of East Street, who commutes late for work. The anger is equally palpable within the armed forces community. Senior Army officers said the absence of street lighting poses a direct risk to personnel who routinely step out early in the morning for physical training. "During morning runs or jogs, we never know if a bike might suddenly emerge from a dark patch and hit us. It is extremely risky, not just for officers but also for our families, senior citizens, and children," a senior Army officer told TOI. Another officer said the issue should have been treated as a priority, given Pune Cantonment's strategic importance. "This area houses a huge volume of military personnel. Poor lighting compromises security preparedness and personal safety. Such negligence sends a wrong message," he said. Activists warn that prolonged darkness on key roads increases vulnerability to accidents and crime. They stress that delayed tendering and execution reflect systemic inefficiencies rather than isolated administrative lapses. While the PCB maintains that repairs will begin once the tender is finalised, residents and defence personnel remain sceptical. "Such assurances were made before but failed to translate into action. Until the lights come back on, Pune Cantonment's dark roads stand as a stark reminder of how bureaucratic inertia can undermine safety in one of the city's most sensitive zones. It should be done on a priority basis," said activist Sanjay Kawade from Ghorpadi. PCB employees frustrated over salary non-payment Employees of the PCB are frustrated about not getting the salary for Jan 2026, even in the second week of Feb. Many told TOI that their respective EMI payments have bounced and they have had a tough time at home managing their monthly expenses. "The sad part is that there is no official communication on this. If they give us a deadline, at least we can plan better. What we are hearing is that once the ministry gives a grant, then we will get the salary. But why can't the ministry release funds until now?" said an employee of the cantonment. Vidyadhar Pawar, the chief executive officer of PCB, did not respond to calls.