BEST defers ₹2.5 crore Worli streetlight pole proposal

Worli’s proposed 1,450 streetlight poles are on hold after the BEST Committee asked for designs with a clearer connection to the neighbourhood.

The committee deferred the ₹2.5 crore proposal for 250 nine-metre poles, 1,100 seven-metre poles and a further 100 nine-metre zinc-plated poles. The gross tender rate was ₹2.38 crore, or 6.66% above the estimated rate.

Committee chairperson Trushna Vishwasrao said members had asked the administration to explore new shapes and designs and provide details on work quality and the shortlisted company, which BEST is appointing for the first time.

Committee member Ramakant Gupta suggested that Worli’s fishing heritage could inform the final design. The committee said aesthetic changes must not compromise lighting standards or safety.

BEST has more than 30,000 streetlights across the island city and recently changed lamp illumination and lux levels after complaints about poor lighting. The revised Worli proposal will return to the committee for consideration.