How to Report Broken or Faulty Streetlights (and Get Them Fixed Fast)?

Dimly lit streets aren’t just inconvenient, they can be unsafe. Whether it’s a flickering bulb, a completely dark pole, or a light that never turns off, reporting streetlight issues is easier than you think. This quick guide shows you how to file a report that gets noticed and resolved fast, so your neighborhood stays safe and well-lit.

• Exact location (address + nearest landmark with GPS Pin)
• Pole number (printed/painted on most poles). 
• What’s wrong? (e.g., flickering, street light not working, light on in daytime, exposed wire, leaning pole)
• Photos/videos
• Hazards (e.g., live wire, traffic blind spot)
• Times observed (helps teams diagnose timers/photocells)

Step 1: Identify who maintains the light
Municipal corporation/urban authority usually maintains poles, fittings, and switches.

Step 2: Choose the fastest channel. Use your city’s official complaint portal / mobile app (lets you attach photos, pin the pole, and track status).

Or call the 24×7 civic helpline or the power utility helpline (if the DISCOM handles streetlights in your area).

Step 3: File the complaint with full details (see checklist). 

Step 4: Note the complaint ID for tracking and escalation.

When you notice a streetlight issue, the first step is to check whether the problem has already been reported. Open your city’s official civic portal or mobile app and search for active complaints in your area. Most platforms allow you to filter by ward, zone, or neighborhood, so you can quickly see if a ticket has already been raised for the same streetlight. This helps avoid duplicate entries and ensures the authorities can track the issue under one reference number.

If you do not find any record online, the next step is to contact your ward office or the local control room directly. Provide them with the exact pole number or location of the streetlight and ask whether an open complaint already exists. If there is no active ticket, you can then proceed to file a new complaint yourself, either through the portal or by submitting a written request at the office. Always ask for an acknowledgement or reference number so you can follow up later.

By combining an online search with direct confirmation from your ward office, you make sure the issue is properly logged, avoid duplication, and give the authorities a clear trail to act on.

Include the following to avoid back‑and‑forth and speed up street lamp repair:

• Pole ID/number (painted or tagged on the pole)
• Exact location (door number/road/landmark + map pin)
• Fault type: not working, flickering, on during day, wire hanging, pole leaning/broken, panel/MCB door open, photocell issue
• Photos/videos (day & night)
• Hazard notes (e.g., electric shock risk, accident‑prone turn)
• Your contact number for the crew

Several portals make these fields mandatory—for example the Street Light Complaint forms of BSES (BRPL/BYPL) and TPDDL require pole/CA numbers and address details.