Over 24,000 new LED lights to illuminate Ambala’s dark spots

The installation of over 24,000 new LED lights has commenced in Ambala City, bringing hope of much-needed relief to residents who have long faced difficulties due to inadequate street lighting. The work is expected to be completed before Diwali.

The ambitious project to enhance the public safety and lighting in Ambala City was started in 2023, however due to administrative reasons and tender related issues, the project got delayed. As per information, over 27,000 lights were purchased initially, but could not be installed.

An official of the Ambala Municipal Corporation said, “The work order for the procurement of LED lights was issued in October 2023 and the lights were received in February 2024. While over 3,000 lights have been already installed at various locations, the tender for the installation of the remaining lights was given last month and the work has started this month. However, the work was hampered due to the rainy season. A central control monitoring system will be established in the office of the Municipal Corporation for the lighting system. The total cost of the project is around Rs 35 crore.”

According to information, over 24,000 LED lights are set to be installed across the city. Of these, around 18,000 will be installed at current streetlight points, while the remaining 6,000 will be installed at new locations, including villages under the jurisdiction of the Municipal Corporation and other areas within the city that previously had no streetlighting.

In the first phase of the project, existing high mast lights are being replaced with LED lights. Additionally, 95 new high mast lights will be installed as part of the upgrade.

Sandeep Sachdeva, a nominated member of the MC, said “The previous tender for the repair of lights had expired a couple of months ago and due to the ongoing monsoon season, there were complaints of the lights not functioning properly in several areas. New lights will be installed in the next two months and the high mast lights will be converted into LED lights. This will resolve the complaints related to the high mast lights, besides being energy efficient.”

Ambala MC Mayor Shailja Sachdeva said, “The process to install the streetlights has started. The work will be completed in a phased manner. We have been receiving requests and complaints from people of various colonies and sectors about the lights and they are being assured that the new lights will be installed soon.”

“Earlier, there used to be no high mast lights in the cremation grounds and community centres which inconvenienced the residents during late hours. It also turned such places into a safe place for illegal activities. Now, it has been decided that new high mast lights will be installed at these places, including parks where 95 new high mast lights will be installed. Directions have been issued to the officials concerned to ensure the completion of the work before the Diwali festival so that no area under the Municipal Corporation is under darkness during the festive days,” she added.