The Public Works Department (PWD) of Delhi has initiated a major upgrade of the city's street lighting infrastructure. A tender worth Rs 473 crore has been floated to replace approximately 96,000 streetlights on PWD-managed roads with smart LED fixtures. These advanced lights will be connected to a centralized command centre, enabling real-time monitoring and control.
Key Features of the Smart Lighting System
The new system will allow each light to be individually monitored. Authorities will be able to remotely switch lights on or off, instantly identify non-functional units, and detect dark spots across the network. This eliminates the current reliance on resident complaints to identify faulty streetlights, which often leaves areas dark for days.
Energy and Cost Savings
The project is expected to save approximately 40 million units of electricity annually, translating to around Rs 25 crore in energy costs each year. The smart LEDs consume significantly less power than conventional HPSV (yellow-orange) and standard LED lights, and can be dimmed when necessary without compromising public safety.
Enhanced Safety and Security
PWD Minister Parvesh Verma stated, "This project is about transforming urban infrastructure management. It will allow quicker repairs, eliminate dark spots, and improve safety for women, senior citizens, pedestrians, and motorists." The government will also install nearly 5,000 additional poles at identified dark spots to further enhance illumination.
Command Centre and Maintenance
A central command centre will function as the system's brain, continuously tracking assets, monitoring performance, and generating data for maintenance planning. The selected contractor will be responsible for operation and maintenance for five years post-installation, with a seven-year warranty on fixtures and strict service-level agreements including performance-linked incentives and penalties.
Environmental and Visual Benefits
Uniform illumination and better light quality are expected to reduce glare and light pollution while improving visual comfort. The move is also anticipated to lower Delhi's carbon footprint. The work is scheduled for completion within 180 days of contract award.
