Bengaluru’s Streetlight Reality Check: Has the Minister’s Warning Worked?

On August 30, Greater Bengaluru Development Minister Krishna Byre Gowda revealed that 140 out of 222 streetlights on a key stretch between Hudson Circle and Chalukya Circle were not functioning. Calling it a “failure of responsibility and accountability,” he promised strict action against officials. By September 3, the Minister announced that the lights had been repaired and restored, with disciplinary measures taken against those responsible. But has this warning made a difference across the city? NDTV conducted a reality check. Despite being one of Bengaluru’s most upscale areas, Cunningham Road was lit largely by showroom displays. Streetlights remained dysfunctional, leaving pedestrians and motorists in the dark. At Cantonment Railway Station, conditions were no better. The stretch was dimly lit, with several streetlights out of order.