New Delhi, May 20: A significant transformation in street lighting is set to take place in Delhi. The government has approved an ambitious plan to replace approximately 96,000 street lights across the capital with advanced smart LED systems. This decision was made during a joint meeting of the Expenditure Finance Committee (EFC) chaired by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta. The project, estimated to cost around ₹473.24 crore, will be implemented in phases on roads maintained by the Public Works Department (PWD). The government aims to complete this transition before Diwali, ensuring that major roads in Delhi are fully illuminated with the new smart lighting system.
PWD Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh and senior officials from relevant departments were also present at the meeting. This initiative is part of the Chief Minister’s announcement in the 2026-27 budget, where she proposed replacing traditional street lights with energy-efficient smart LED systems. Currently, there are about 45,000 old High-Pressure Sodium Vapour (HPSV) lights and approximately 51,000 HPSV LED lights on PWD roads. In total, the network comprises around 96,000 lights and 51,160 poles.
Explaining the necessity of this project, the Chief Minister highlighted several flaws in the existing system. Without a real-time monitoring mechanism, faulty street lights were often identified only after receiving complaints. In many areas, dark spots remained unrepaired for extended periods, affecting road visibility and public safety, particularly for women. The current system also suffers from inconsistent light quality, high electricity consumption, and light pollution due to the use of various types of equipment. She stated that the new smart LED system will comprehensively address all these issues. Under this project, all HPSV lights and outdated LED fixtures will be replaced with smart LEDs. Additionally, provisions have been made to install 5,000 extra poles to cover future needs and currently unlit areas.
One of the key features of this project will be a centralized Command and Control Center (CCC), capable of real-time monitoring of each street light. Faults can be detected immediately, and lights can be operated remotely. This system will also allow for the adjustment of light intensity by up to 90%, enhancing both energy efficiency and operational management. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta noted that this initiative is expected to yield substantial long-term financial savings. Once the smart LED system is fully operational, the government anticipates an annual electricity savings of approximately ₹25 crore. Over a five-year period, a significant reduction in electricity expenditure compared to the current system is expected.
The Chief Minister emphasized that this initiative will eliminate dark areas on Delhi’s streets, enhance women’s safety, reduce road accidents, and provide the capital with a modern, safe, and energy-efficient lighting system. Reiterating the government’s commitment to completing the project before Diwali, she stated that the goal is to keep the entire city illuminated during the festive season. During the meeting, Public Transport Minister Parvesh Sahib Singh suggested giving the project a special name, considering its importance for the Delhi government. The Chief Minister agreed to this proposal.
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