New Delhi Municipal Council officials have finalized two major infrastructure proposals for the capital city. The council plans to replace thousands of conventional streetlight poles and install smart water meters across its jurisdiction.
Streetlight Upgrade Project
NDMC vice-chairman Kuljeet Chahal announced the first proposal involves replacing 5,470 existing streetlight poles with modern octagonal designs. The project carries an estimated cost of Rs 15.8 crore and includes comprehensive upgrades to the lighting system.
Energy-efficient warm LED fittings will replace current fixtures, accompanied by upgraded cabling throughout the network. Chahal emphasized this transition will significantly reduce energy consumption while improving overall performance.
Technical Specifications and Benefits
The project encompasses multiple components beyond simple pole replacement. Workers will construct reinforced cement concrete foundations for the new octagonal poles, which stand 6-8 metres tall. Installation teams will transport and erect these structures while laying 1.1 KV grade PVC cables throughout the system.
Existing LED streetlights will be completely dismantled during the process. The new intelligent control mechanism will manage light poles, floodlights and related infrastructure automatically.
Chahal highlighted several advantages of the upgraded system. Improved quality and extended lifespan characterize both poles and cables. The council expects substantial reductions in energy consumption, operational expenses and maintenance requirements. Furthermore, the new lighting infrastructure will operate reliably in all weather conditions.
Smart Water Meter Installation
The second proposal focuses on water management improvements. NDMC plans to substitute over 5,500 defective water meters with advanced smart meters across consumer connection lines. The commercial department submitted details for this Rs 13.24 crore project, which requires council approval.
Long-term Advantages Over Mechanical Meters
Officials acknowledged smart meters involve higher initial costs compared to mechanical alternatives. However, they emphasized multiple long-term benefits that justify the investment.
The proposal clearly states smart meters ensure consumers receive bills based on actual water consumption rather than estimated usage. While mechanical meters typically function for about five years, smart meters maintain efficiency for 15-20 years.
These advanced devices eliminate problems with entrapped air and measure only genuine water usage. Chahal added that mechanical meters require manual reading, which consumes manpower and introduces potential human errors. Smart meters provide automatic readings that guarantee accurate billing and operational efficiency.
Both proposals will be presented during the upcoming NDMC council meeting for formal approval. The combined initiatives represent significant steps toward modernizing Delhi's urban infrastructure while promoting sustainability and cost-effectiveness.
