Cars manoeuvre their way through the dark Pani Tanki-Kurji Road in Patna. Picture by Ashok Sinha

Patna, Oct. 7: It has been more than two years since a 2.5km stretch of road between Pani Tanki and Kurji Mor was built but not a single lamppost has been installed till now, causing inconvenience to commuters and residents of the area after sunset.

The stretch sees traffic movement all through the day as it passes through the upscale Patliputra Colony and connects Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and Patna’s lone shopping mall — P&M.

Vehicle speed on this stretch automatically comes down after dusk, when the road plunges into darkness.

Minor accidents, such as dashing against the pavement or divider in which people receive few or no injury, have been reported on the stretch. Motorists have to be extra cautious to avoid a mishap.

Initially, the administration had put up a cat’s eye on the divider after two-three major accidents were reported on the road. However, nothing has been done to install lamp posts along the road yet.

Even the streetlights installed on about half-a-kilometre stretch from Polytechnic Mor (where IIT is situated) to P&M Mall are rarely lit.

The non-existence of lampposts also poses security problems for residents.

“I had a miraculous escape a few days ago when I was returning home. I have recently learnt driving. I was taken aback by the sudden glare of a headlight from the opposite direction and almost lost my control, as it was pitch dark on the road. There must be some lighting arrangement on this stretch,” said Vivek Kumar, a resident of Kesri Nagar.

Nutan, a resident of Indrapuri, who runs a cloth shop, said: “The government should address the problem immediately. Earlier, snatching was never heard of in the area but now small-time criminals have started taking advantage of the darkness.”

Meanwhile, the government entities, Patna Electric Supply Undertaking (Pesu) and Patna Municipal Corporation (PMC) are passing the buck on each other.

Pesu general manager SKP Singh told The Telegraph: “Installing lampposts or street lamps is no longer the job of Pesu. It is actually a municipal function and hence it is the responsibility of PMC.”

Singh, admitted earlier it was the duty of Pesu to ensure lighting in any area by installing lampposts but later in-principle decision was taken not to involve it in such activity owing to various reasons. He added that Pesu would provide the connection if PMC comes with an application in this regard.

When contacted, new PMC commissioner Pankaj Kumar Pal told The Telegraph: “Right now, I can’t say anything on the issue as I have taken charge today only. I will first go through the files before making any statement.”