New Delhi: Delhi’s roads are set for a technology upgrade as govt moves ahead with an EMI-based model to modernise nearly 93,000 streetlights and replace thousands of CCTV cameras across the city.PWD minister Parvesh Verma said that the idea is to improve public safety, ensure better maintenance of civic infrastructure and reduce the burden of upfront govt expenditure. Verma said govt will implement an EMI-based payment system for the streetlight modernisation project, under which contractors will receive monthly payments based on the actual performance of the installed lights.The same model is also being adopted for the phased replacement of 1.4 lakh Chinese-origin CCTV cameras across Delhi, with 50,000 cameras slated for replacement in the first phase.The streetlight project, estimated to cost around Rs 473.2 crore, will be carried out on roads maintained by PWD. All high-pressure sodium vapour (HPSV) lights and older LED fixtures will be replaced with smart LED lights. Around 5,000 additional poles will also be installed to illuminate stretches that currently lack adequate lighting and to meet future requirements.Verma said the EMI model marks a significant departure from conventional contracts where payments are largely linked to installation. Under the new arrangement, contractors will remain responsible for the functioning and upkeep of the lights throughout the contract period because their payments will depend on performance reports. This is expected to ensure faster repairs, better maintenance and greater accountability, he said.A central command-and-control centre will be established at the PWD headquarters to monitor every streetlight in real time. The smart lighting network will feature individually controllable and dimmable LED lights that can be adjusted according to weather conditions and operational requirements.The system will also allow programmable lighting patterns. Officials said lights can be made to blink or display special sequences during national celebrations, commemorative events and major sporting victories, adding a new visual dimension to public festivities in the capital.According to the finance department’s assessment, the switch to smart LEDs will substantially reduce electricity consumption. Govt expects savings of nearly Rs 300 crore over the next five years compared with the current arrangement.At present, PWD maintains around 1,400km of road network across Delhi. Officials said the combination of smart lighting, advanced monitoring and performance-linked payments will improve service delivery while ensuring that contractors remain accountable for the infrastructure they install and maintain.
