‘Smart Road Lighting’ installed on main roads in Tokha

KATHMANDU: Smart road lighting has been installed along major roads within Tokha Municipality in Kathmandu.

The project was completed with 65 percent funding from Tokha Municipality and 35 percent from the Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA). Mayor Prakash Adhikari inaugurated the new lighting system, stating that his commitment to creating a “Bright Tokha” has now been fulfilled.

The smart lights have been installed along the routes from Samakhushi to Jhor, Naya Bus Park to Bhatkeko Bridge, South Western College to Dhapasi Heights, and Dahalgauda to Greenland.

Tokha Municipality and the NEA had signed an agreement to install smart streetlights on major roads to improve transportation safety, enhance peace and security, and strengthen social services. Under the agreement, Tokha Municipality is contributing Rs 28.483 million, while the NEA is investing Rs 15.337 million.

The NEA is responsible for selecting the technology, procuring equipment through bidding, and supervising the installation. If new smart lights need to be mounted on poles owned by the municipality, Tokha must remove existing infrastructure at its own cost, clear any outstanding dues owed to the NEA for streetlight usage, and pay monthly electricity charges as required by law.