7.5 Lakh Smart Lights, 123 Cities: Andhra Pradesh Powers Urban Transformation

VIJAYAWADA - The Andhra Pradesh government, in collaboration with Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), commenced the rollout of a comprehensive smart LED streetlighting initiative across all 123 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in the state. Announced during a high-level infrastructure review on September 14, 2026, the first phase targets the deployment of 7.5 lakh smart streetlights equipped with Individual Light Monitoring (ILM) controllers by March 2027. The large-scale modernization drive aims to replace legacy public lighting systems with a centralized, data-driven framework designed to slash municipal power bills, cut carbon emissions, and minimize manual maintenance overheads.

Project Scope and Technological Framework

Under the operational roadmap overseen by the Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) Department, the comprehensive project spans a total of 10.5 lakh conventional fixtures across the state. The initial phase will install 7.5 lakh smart streetlights, followed by an additional 3 lakh units in the extended scope. Each pole-mounted unit will feature an ILM controller integrated into a Centralized Control and Monitoring System (CCMS) platform.

This digital architecture supports real-time monitoring, remote switching, automated fault detection, GIS-based asset mapping, and predictive maintenance metrics. According to municipal disclosures, Visakhapatnam has been prioritized for accelerated field execution, with corridor installations targeted for completion by the end of September to showcase climate-resilient urban systems ahead of the upcoming CII Partnership Summit.

Administrative Oversight and Implementation

The execution framework relies on tripartite arrangements finalized between EESL, the Commissioner and Director of Municipal Administration (CDMA), and participating urban local bodies. Review sessions held in September 2026 involved key state leadership, including MA&UD Principal Secretary S. Suresh Kumar, Swachh Andhra MD B. Sunil Kumar Reddy, CDMA P. Sampath Kumar, AP GENCO and APSEEDCO MD S. Naga Lakshmi, alongside EESL CEO Akhilesh Kumar Dixit.

State officials emphasized that Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and MA&UD Minister P. Narayana mandated strict timelines, total transparency, and accountability in executing public-funded infrastructure. EESL confirmed that formal implementation agreements have already been executed with more than 120 ULBs across the state.

Economic and Civic Impact

For urban residents, local businesses, and municipal authorities, the smart streetlighting rollout is projected to deliver substantial efficiency dividends. EESL technical estimates project that the initial 7.5 lakh LED deployment will reduce electricity consumption by roughly 20 percent, saving approximately 19.57 million units annually. The automated fault-reporting mechanisms are expected to eliminate prolonged outages, enhancing public safety, pedestrian visibility, and night-economy operations across municipal corridors.

Official Sources Section

Information for this report is based on official government reviews, municipal policy announcements, and implementation disclosures:

• Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) Department updates via The New Indian Express

• EESL project roll-out statements and municipal data via The Hindu

• State infrastructure review reports via The Times of India

Quote Section

"Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu and MA&UD Minister P. Narayana have issued clear instructions to expedite the rollout on schedule, maintaining strict transparency, accountability, and public interest," stated MA&UD Principal Secretary S. Suresh Kumar during the infrastructure review.

Why It Matters

The shift toward intelligent municipal lighting transitions cities away from costly, reactive maintenance models toward data-backed urban governance. By integrating real-time telemetry and automated energy tracking, Andhra Pradesh's urban local bodies can redirect constrained fiscal resources toward broader sustainability and civic development initiatives.

Key Facts at a Glance

• Total Phase-One Target: 7.5 lakh smart LED streetlights slated for installation across 123 ULBs by March 2027.

• Executing Agency: Implemented by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) under the Union Ministry of Power in coordination with the Andhra Pradesh MA&UD Department.

• Technological Integration: Utilization of Individual Light Monitoring (ILM) controllers linked to a Centralized Control and Monitoring System (CCMS) for real-time fault detection.

• Projected Savings: Estimated annual energy savings of nearly 19.57 million units, significantly reducing municipal power bills.

FAQ Section

What is the primary objective of the Andhra Pradesh smart streetlighting project?

The project aims to replace conventional streetlights with energy-efficient smart LEDs integrated into a centralized digital platform for real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance.

When is the first phase scheduled for completion?

The initial phase covering 7.5 lakh smart streetlights is targeted for completion by March 2027, with high-priority corridors in Visakhapatnam finishing earlier.

Which agency is executing the installation work?

Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) is executing the statewide rollout in partnership with the Andhra Pradesh Municipal Administration and Urban Development Department.

How do Individual Light Monitoring (ILM) controllers function?

ILM controllers connect individual lamps to a central platform, allowing municipal teams to remotely operate lights, track energy consumption, and receive automated alerts for electrical faults.

Source: The New Indian Express, The Hindu, The Times of India