Bogota tests an intelligent lighting system to detect faults and acts of vandalism in real time

Bogotá has launched a pilot program featuring smart street lighting aimed at detecting faults and acts of vandalism in real time. The initiative, introduced by the city’s administration, seeks to reduce response times to malfunctions, curb vandalism, and optimize the operation of Bogotá's public illumination network through new technologies. The test began on Avenida 85 with Carrera 15 and forms part of a broader strategy to modernize the city's lighting system, which currently relies heavily on citizen reports and technical inspections to identify faulty or extinguished lamps. The district reported that between 2025 and early 2026, more than 24,000 requests were processed related to damage and theft of public lighting infrastructure. Each vandalized or stolen light fixture represents an average cost exceeding 1.3 million Colombian pesos for replacement and recovery efforts, resources the administration says could instead be used to expand coverage or accelerate modernization of the grid. The new technology will enable real-time detection of failures, generate automatic alerts for damages or attempted vandalism, monitor each lighting point remotely, and even adjust light intensity based on pedestrian and vehicle traffic flow. This approach aims to improve energy efficiency, lower operational costs, and enhance public safety. One of the main challenges lies in areas where theft of wiring and equipment is common. Some of the most affected locations include the Arzobispo Channel, the depressed sections of the Cicloruta on Avenida 26, Parque Calvo Sur, the Arrayanes Trail, and the Provenza project in Lagos de Córdoba. In these areas, thefts have left entire stretches without lighting, requiring complex restoration efforts. While the current system still largely depends on field checks, the district highlighted that around 93,000 service orders were handled in 2026, with 86.93% addressed within 120 hours. Additionally, nearly 10,000 emergencies linked to theft and vandalism of infrastructure were resolved promptly, thanks to the work of 29 technical teams responsible for inspecting the entire public lighting system monthly. The district administration emphasized that this pilot marks the initial step toward a model of intelligent lighting capable of predicting failures, reducing response times, and providing a more efficient service for Bogotá residents. The system includes features such as remote monitoring and automated alerts, allowing for quicker identification and resolution of issues compared to traditional methods reliant on manual inspection and citizen complaints. The implementation of smart lighting aligns with broader goals to modernize urban infrastructure and leverage technology to address persistent challenges in public services. By integrating sensors and connectivity into street lights, the city hopes to create a more responsive and sustainable lighting network. The success of this pilot could influence future expansions and similar initiatives in other parts of the country. Authorities have not yet disclosed specific timelines for rolling out the system beyond the initial pilot phase. However, they have indicated that the results of this trial will inform decisions regarding further investment and scaling up of the technology. The focus remains on improving reliability and security while minimizing financial losses due to theft and damage. The pilot project underscores the growing emphasis on using digital tools to enhance municipal operations and public safety. As the system evolves, officials plan to evaluate its performance against key metrics such as reduction in response times, decrease in incidents of vandalism, and overall user satisfaction among citizens.