TIRUVANANTHAPURAM : Technopark may boast of many infrastructure facilities but things are still tough for women employees who have to work late night shifts. The lack of streetlights on the stretches in front and back of the IT hub is putting the safety of women at stake. Though streetlights were initially
installed on both sides, all have become defunct. Despite the seriousness of the issue, no steps have been taken so far to repair the lamps. When Express met a few techies, they clearly echoed their concerns. “The lights along the service road on the back of the IT hub have been dysfunctional for a while. Since most accommodation facilities are situated along the road, the lack of lights are causing misery. Most times the road is deserted and we feel unsafe,” said Reshmi Chandran, who resides in a hostel behind the Technopark.
Since the road on the front of the park was constructed recently, lights are yet to be fixed. According to the authorities, the street lights would be installed only after the completion of the entire stretch from Kazhakoottam to Kovalam.
Bad roads
Adding to the woes is the pathetic condition of the roads. “Motorists have to negotiate pothole-ridden roads and this turns risky due to the lack of illumination. It is disappointing to see the sad state of road that lead to the IT hub of the state, which generates a huge revenue for the government. The majority of techies, who come from Sreekaryam, Ulloor and Kesavadasapuram, travel along the stretch every day as it is a shortcut to avoid the congestion on NH during busy hours,” says Rahul V R, a techie.
Rajeev Krishnan, secretary, Prathidhwani, a socio-cultural organisation functioning for the welfare of the techies in Technopark, says they have met Mayor V K Prasanth to discuss the issue. “We met the Mayor a week ago and discussed the matter. The Mayor said the lights were damaged due to heavy rain and wind. He promised to repair it and install new lights once the monsoon is over,” he said.
High-level meet
A high-level meeting held two years ago had decided to install LED streetlights in all poorly-lit areas around Technopark on a priority basis. The areas identified for installing the streetlights include Mulluvila Road, Ambalathinkara Road, Trippadapuram Road, Kazhakkoottam Railway Station Road and Technopark Kallingal Road. However, the promises are still on paper.
A serious issue
According to the Kazhakoottam Police, the lack of streetlights was a serious issue. “Most of the byroads near the Technopark are poorly lit. We have strengthened patrolling. Regular inspections and pink police patrolling have been strengthened at the back gate as this place is notorious for anti-social activities. We are trying our maximum to ensure the safety of the women working there during night hours. The patrolling will be till 11 pm,” said a senior police officer of Cybercity police sub-division.
Lights to be replaced
Mayor V K Prasanth told Express that efforts were on to install new lights in front of the park and back gate on a war-footing. “ It is true that the lights were damaged in rain. We will replace it soon,” said Prasanth.