Mystery Over Missing Cables From 16,000 Streetlights Even as Prayagraj Gears Up for Illuminated Cityscape

A major discrepancy has surfaced in Prayagraj, where over 32,000 metres of electrical cable attached to more than 16,000 streetlights received during the Mahakumbh preparations have allegedly gone missing from the municipal store.

According to an inspection report submitted by an assistant engineer of the Prayagraj Municipal Corporation, each streetlight originally came fitted with three metres of cable.

However, during a stock verification conducted in January, only one metre of cable was found with each light — indicating that nearly two metres per unit had vanished.

In total, officials estimate that over 32 kilometres of cable are unaccounted for. The lights included around 2,200 units of 110–120 watt capacity, approximately 14,400 units of 150–160 watt capacity, along with 480 hybrid solar lights.

When questioned, the storekeeper reportedly failed to provide a satisfactory explanation. Following this, a team of engineers conducted a secondary inquiry, during which it was claimed that some cables had been damaged.

However, whistleblowers allege that the follow-up probe was an attempt to cover up the irregularity.

Senior official Arvind Rai, who oversees the electricity department, declined to comment on either of the reports.

Meanwhile, several corporators are preparing to raise the issue in the upcoming municipal council meeting and are also considering taking the matter to higher authorities, including the Chief Minister.

City to Shine on Festivals and Special Occasions

Amid the controversy, the Prayagraj Development Authority has announced an ambitious plan to decorate major intersections and prominent locations with decorative lighting during festivals and national celebrations such as Independence Day and Republic Day.

Following directives from the state government, all development authorities across Uttar Pradesh — including the PDA — have been instructed to illuminate key public spaces on special occasions throughout the year.

To ensure smooth execution, the PDA is in the process of appointing a permanent agency for this purpose and has already floated tenders.

Historic Naini Bridge to Get Decorative Lighting

In another major development, the century-old railway bridge popularly known as the old Naini Bridge is also set to be illuminated, similar to the New Yamuna Bridge.

Municipal officials have reportedly held discussions with railway authorities, who have given verbal approval for the installation of lights on the historic structure.

Mayor Umesh Chandra Ganesh Kesarwani said the lower deck of the two-tier bridge, which is used by small vehicles while trains run on the upper level, remains poorly lit after sunset, posing safety risks.

“There has been a long-standing demand to light up the bridge. The municipal corporation is fully prepared to install lighting and has also requested the railways to undertake road repairs on the bridge,” the mayor said.

While Prayagraj prepares to sparkle on festive days, the unresolved issue of missing cables has raised serious questions about accountability and management within civic departments.

#PrayagrajNews #MissingCables #StreetLightScam #MunicipalIrregularities #CityBeautification #FestivalLighting #NainiBridge #UrbanDevelopment #CivicAccountability #UttarPradeshNews