Hyderabad: The 24-km stretch of the Outer Ring Road from Gachibowli to Shamshabad, one of the longest and busiest, has no illumination.

A tender to install streetlights along the speedway has been delayed for two-and-a-half years by the HMDA: It is debating whether to instal high pressure sodium vapour lamps or LEDs.

On an average about 50,000 vehicles ply on the ORR every day; the Gachibowli-Shamshabad is widely used by air passengers. The stretch sees heavy traffic late at night and early in the morning, when illumination is essential.

Currently, streetlights have been installed only at the ORR junctions. The Gachibowli-Shamshabad stretch opened to traffic four years ago, in 2010.

“Initially, HMDA had planned to install high pressure sodium vapour lights. Then, to minimise the power consumption, the planning body decided on LEDs. If sodium vapour lights are used, HMDA would have to purchase 400-Watt bulbs,” said an HMDA official.

“If it opts for LEDs, we need 200-Watt bulbs which means half the power is saved. The lights will need to work for 50,000 to 60,000 hours, and LEDs don’t need a replacement for at least six years. HMDA will soon call for tenders,”the HMDA official added.

That apart the transfer of IAS officers including the ORR director has led to delay in tendering for the Shamirpet-Keesara stretch. Officials say that there is no team working on the pending projects on the ORR.

The Shamirpet-Keesara 10.3-km stretch was entrusted to United Gulf Construction Company but the contract was terminated by the state government after the company missed a series of deadlines. The HMDA is yet to call for tenders to replace the company.