Large portions of roads under Pune and Khadki Cantonment limits have been without streetlights for months, leaving thousands of daily commuters struggling in pitch-dark conditions. In the Pune Cantonment Board (PCB) area alone, lights on 16 major roads have stopped working, with some stretches also filled with potholes. The Empress Garden stretch used by residents, office-goers, and Army personnel has had no lights for weeks, making walking or driving extremely unsafe after sunset.
PCB officials admit that the power connections to many lights were snapped during monsoon and several poles are old or damaged beyond repair. While repair work is underway, the Khadki Cantonment Board (KCB) is facing similar issues due to thick tree cover, long empty stretches, and aging streetlight infrastructure. Residents say the dark corridors increase the risk of accidents, theft, and harassment, especially during evening hours.