Busy Pune Camp Road Plunged Into Darkness After Sunset as Streetlights Remain Non-Functional
Reported by Shoaib Tadvi
Camp, 1st July 2026: Residents and commuters have raised serious concerns over non-functional streetlights near SGS Mall in Pune Cantonment, alleging that several streetlight poles have remained out of service for months, leaving the stretch in darkness after sunset.
According to local residents, the streetlight poles were installed by the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC). However, they claim that maintenance responsibility now lies with the Pune Cantonment Board (PCB), which has allegedly failed to repair or restore the lights. Residents further alleged that the Board has cited a lack of funds for the maintenance work.
The affected stretch is located in one of Pune’s busiest commercial areas, surrounded by MG Road, SGS Mall, shopping outlets, cafés, restaurants, and offices, and is situated close to Pune Railway Station. While the area remains bustling during the day, residents said it becomes poorly lit late at night after the mall and nearby shops close, creating an unsafe environment for pedestrians and motorists.
“There has been no proper lighting on this road for months. Once the mall and surrounding shops shut for the night, the entire stretch is plunged into darkness. This is a prime commercial area, yet people are forced to walk through poorly lit streets,” a resident said.
Residents said the lack of illumination has heightened concerns about public safety, particularly for women, senior citizens, late-night workers, and commuters travelling to and from the railway station. They added that poor visibility increases the risk of accidents and could make the area more vulnerable to anti-social activities.
Citizens have urged the Pune Cantonment Board to immediately inspect the non-functional streetlights, allocate the necessary funds, and carry out repairs without further delay. They have also called for regular maintenance of the streetlight infrastructure to prevent similar issues in the future.
Residents said that basic civic infrastructure, such as street lighting, should not be neglected, especially in a prominent commercial and transit corridor that witnesses heavy footfall throughout the day. They have appealed to the authorities to restore the streetlights at the earliest to ensure the safety and convenience of the public.
