Ward 57 to get Rs 15-cr urban makeover focused on safety, smart infrastructure

In a major step towards building safer and smarter cities, Ludhiana’s Ward 57, which includes areas near BRS Nagar, has been selected for a Rs 15-crore Neighbourhood Improvement Plan under governance reforms initiated by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.

As the city moves towards smarter urban planning, Ward 57 is poised to become a model for citizen-centric development where safety, accessibility and sustainability converge.

The centrally located ward, home to a diverse population and key infrastructure such as schools and parks, will undergo a comprehensive transformation aimed at enhancing women’s safety, urban mobility and public amenities.

Safety & surveillance

Security is a central focus of the plan. The ward will be equipped with 100 CCTV cameras, with plans to double the number in later phases. These will be supported by emergency call boxes, patrol vehicles and smart surveillance tools, all integrated with the Ludhiana Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) for 24x7 monitoring.

A mobile app featuring SOS alerts and geo-tagging is also in development to enable quick emergency response and citizen engagement.

Inclusive public spaces

The ward will see the addition of public toilets, ramps and tactile paths and libraries for senior citizens. These features aim to make public spaces more inclusive and user-friendly for all age groups and abilities.

Move excites residents

The announcement has sparked optimism among residents, many of whom have long awaited improvements in basic infrastructure and public safety.

“It’s encouraging to see our ward finally getting the attention it deserves,” said Renu Sharma, a resident of BRS Nagar. “We’ve been struggling with issues such as broken roads and parking issues. This plan feels like a breath of fresh air,” she said.

“I’m especially happy about CCTV cameras and SOS app,” said Harpreet Singh, father of two children.

“My children walk to school, and knowing there will be better surveillance and traffic calming measures, gives us peace of mind,” he said.

“The idea of libraries for senior citizens and accessible toilets shows that the plan is inclusive,” said Meena Arora, a retired teacher.

“It’s not only about roads and pipes but also dignity and comfort for everyone,” she said.

Essential services to be upgraded

Civic officials plan to upgrade essential services, including water supply systems — storm sewers and tube wells, Health centres and community halls, public parks and sanitation facilities, footpaths will be redesigned with shade, seating and pedestrian crossings while smart street lighting and signage will improve visibility and navigation.

Traffic & accessibility

To ease congestion near schools, tabletop crossings will be constructed to slow down vehicles. The plan also includes traffic calming measures in high-speed zones, safe routes to schools and public transit, parking solutions in densely populated areas and road markings and green pathways for smoother flow of vehicles.