Ram Jhula set to don dynamic lighting to add to its grandeur

Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) plans to add a dash of splendor on Ram Jhula through dynamic lighting. The only cable-stayed bridge of Central India that provides connectivity to East and West Nagpur is in proximity of Nagpur Railway Station. During night time, lights at Walua stone building of railway station provide a spectacular effect and perhaps taking a cue from this, the civic body thought of the razzmatazz on the bridge. Dynamic lighting is widely used on cable stayed bridges in western countries and in country to it is now a day common feature and same is planned in city.

As per the plan proposed by Electric Department, cables of Ram Jhula would be affixed with light emitting diodes (LED) to provide special effects. Since LED bulbs are small the power consumption is very low but provides variety of usage in technology driven era. Sharing the plan with ‘The Hitavada’, A S Mankar, Executive Engineer (Electrical), said, “The bridge has 13 cables on each lane and through dynamic lighting plan is to provide a dazzling display for passers-by. The lights apart from providing an attractive sight could also come in handy in time of celebrations. Say, during Independence Day or Republic Day celebrations one can flash tri-colour on the bridge add to the grandeur of the surrounding.”

The civic body is also considering option of using the dynamic lighting for flashing advertisement to generate revenue. Though the plan is still in infancy, NMC is awaiting response from big companies. On this, Mankar said, “Only they are capable of providing the technology that is sought by them.” To a question about high cost of project, estimated around Rs five crore by Electric Department, Mankar stated, “The technology is maintenance-free and hence the cost is justified. Another advantage with dynamic lighting is that its last life long and therefore cost quite high.”

The cable-stayed bridge is about 60 to 80 metres long and below is complex railway track structure of criss crossing lines of North-South, East-West direction of Indian Railways. When asked about any distraction to commuters, Mankar said, “Lighting on the bridge or flashing images would not distract the passers-by as the light emitted is quite low. The carbon footprint from LED lights is also less and hence it is not harming environment.”

The special lighting technology on bridge can also be handy if one wants to flash information relating to traffic movement, weather updates and other aspect related to environment. Government advertisement or message can also be displayed to reach out to maximum people. The cable-stayed bridge is part of Central Avenue and Kingsway stretch that is flowing with continuous movement of vehicles to and fro and is one of the important junction of city. As per information, the lighting system works by changing the colour temperature and intensity of light automatically throughout the day, adjusting with day light and darkness. It is achieved by mixing the light output from two different lamps with dedicated optic technology, creating varying balances of cool and warm illumination.'