Kolkata to become India’s first shock-free city; All 3 lakh lamp posts to get PVC covers by year-end

The Kolkata Municipal Corporation has started installing PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) covers on all 3 lakh lamp posts in the city to prevent electric shocks. The initiative, led by the civic body's electricity department, aims to complete the work by the end of 2025. According to Member of Mayor-in-Council (Electricity) Sandip Ranjan Bakshi, the installation work began on July 15 in Tollygunge and Kalighat and is being carried out in phases across the city.

PVC is a non-conductive insulating material that prevents electricity from passing through. The covers are being fitted on the lower part of lamp posts to reduce the chances of accidental contact, especially during monsoon months when waterlogging increases the risk of electric shocks. The civic body is focusing on rapid implementation to address safety concerns linked to exposed or damaged lamp posts.

Sandip Ranjan Bakshi stated that no incidents of electric shock from lamp posts have been reported in Kolkata so far this year. He attributed this to timely maintenance and monitoring by civic teams. He further said that once the PVC covering is complete, Kolkata could become the first major city in India with a fully shock-protected street lighting system.

In previous years, electric shocks from lamp posts during the rainy season had raised concerns due to waterlogging and short circuits. The corporation's ongoing plan is designed to prevent recurrence of such incidents. Local residents have responded positively to the safety measure, particularly in areas prone to flooding.