Delhi Approves ₹473 Crore Project To Install Smart LED Street Lights Before Diwali

Pearl Doshi May 21, 2026 280 Views

Delhi will replace nearly 96,000 street lights with smart LED systems before Diwali 2026. The ₹473 crore project, approved by Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, aims to improve road safety, reduce dark spots, and save around ₹25 crore annually in electricity costs through real-time monitoring and energy-efficient lighting.

On May 20, 2026, the Delhi government announced a major urban infrastructure upgrade, confirming that all conventional street lights on Public Works Department (PWD) roads will be replaced with smart LEDs before Diwali. The initiative is part of the 2026–27 Budget commitment to modernize city lighting and enhance public safety.

Scope Of The Project

The plan covers 96,000 street lights across 51,160 poles maintained by the PWD. Currently, Delhi’s network includes about 45,000 High Pressure Sodium Vapour (HPSV) lights and 51,000 older LED fixtures, which will be replaced with advanced smart LED systems. Additionally, 5,000 new poles will be installed to illuminate dark stretches.

Smart LED Features

The new system will be controlled by a centralized Command and Control Centre (CCC), enabling:
Real-time fault detection and remote operation
Adjustable lighting intensity (up to 90% variation) based on need
Reduced power consumption and light pollution
Improved visibility and safety, especially for women and pedestrians

Energy And Safety Benefits

Officials estimate annual electricity savings of nearly ₹25 crore once the system is fully operational. The project also addresses long-standing issues of faulty lights being repaired only after complaints, leaving dark spots unattended for weeks. Enhanced monitoring will ensure safer roads and better urban management.

Key Highlights

•⁠ ⁠Delhi to replace 96,000 street lights with smart LEDs before Diwali 2026

•⁠ ⁠Project cost: ₹473 crore, approved by Expenditure Finance Committee

•⁠ ⁠Existing HPSV and old LED lights to be replaced with advanced smart LEDs

•⁠ ⁠5,000 additional poles to cover unlit stretches and future needs

•⁠ ⁠Centralized Command and Control Centre for real-time monitoring

•⁠ ⁠Expected annual electricity savings: ₹25 crore

•⁠ ⁠Initiative part of Delhi’s 2026–27 Budget for energy-efficient infrastructure

Sources: The Statesman, News On AIR, The Indian Express

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