Rajkot to install solar-powered traffic system

The Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC), in an attempt to reduce its power bill, plans to install solar energy-powered traffic signals in the city.

According to Mukesh Kumar, commissioner of RMC, "The city will soon have solar-energy powered traffic flashers. The corporation will sign a five-year contract with the High Teach Corporation for such equipment."

High Teach will bear the installation and maintenance cost of the system. The company will be allowed to procure sponsors for the project.

"The proposal will be submitted for the standing committee's approval and all formalities for the project will be completed soon," Mukeshkumar said.

At present there are 13 traffic signals in the city, which were installed by RMC. As proposed by a consultant, there should be traffic control signals at 20 cross-road squares of the city.

Moreover, the Pradyuman Park of the city will be equipped with solar energy-powered lights. The RMC also plans to replace law watt sodium street lights with high watt bulbs.

Mukeshkumar said 6,375 street lights of Rajkot have been fitted with 250 watt sodium mercury lamps. The move is expected to reduce power consumption of the corporation by 40 per cent.