Battery theft at traffic light points leaves MC in fix

Ludhiana: Theft of batteries at several traffic light points has made the Ludhiana municipal corporation (MC) apprehensive about installing battery backup at a few busy intersections, which were selected on the basis of volume of traffic, in the city.
In the absence of battery backup, these traffic light points go dead during power cuts.

Two years back, the MC had handed over the work to install battery backup at 28 locations to a private firm, after getting recommendation from the traffic department. But till date, the project could not be completed, leaving the civic officials in dilemma whether they should drop the idea or go for solar panels.

Though the company had installed battery backups at all the locations, batteries from six locations had been stolen in the past one-and-a-half-years. These locations were near the Mini Secretariat, Dugri Road, Transport Nagar, Dholewal Chowk, Veer Palace and Nehru Sidhant Kendra.

As the MC refused to pay for the loss, the company representatives immediately removed the battery backup from rest of the locations as well.

Now, the traffic department has again approached the civic authorities to arrange backup at these locations. During power cuts in the summers, the traffic cops will have to be deputed to handle traffic at these points, the department has said. So, MC officials have approached the company to find a solution to the problem.

Officials said out of total 28 locations, 11 were on Ferozepur Road where battery backup project will have to wait due to ongoing construction work. They are trying to find a solution for the rest of traffic light points, they added.

MC commissioner K P Brar said, “In view of the fear of battery theft, the officials concerned have been asked to discuss the matter in detail and find a suitable solution.” She said they would have to minimize the scope of any loss.