New Delhi: DDA has initiated a comprehensive project to modernise street lighting on master plan roads in Dwarka as part of its road infrastructure revamp. The project will cost nearly Rs 10 crore and the deadline for completion is this Oct.Officials said that the project is in progress and taken up as Dwarka witnesses the development of several mega and international-scale projects aimed at positioning the sub-city as a global sports and cultural hub. “The initiative is also in line with LG TS Sandhu’s emphasis on citizen-friendly measures. The upgraded lighting network is aimed at improving public safety, illumination and reliability of civic infrastructure,” said an official.Under the project, old mild steel swage poles installed between 1999 and 2001 will be replaced with corrosion-resistant galvanised iron octagonal poles. Considering the existing poles have exceeded their prescribed service life of 20 years, it is even more important to replace them. Residents were also complaining in various sectors about eroded pillars getting dysfunctional repeatedly.“As per project plan, around 1,500 11-metre and 480 seven-metre poles will be installed across several sectors and major roads in Dwarka. We will also replace old feeder pillars and electrical cables to improve the reliability of the lighting networks,” said officials.The existing energy-efficient LED fittings will be reused, helping optimise resources while upgrading the supporting infrastructure.Residents, however, said DDA should focus on installing quality fixtures and longer-lasting lights instead of merely replacing the streetlight system. “We still have 20-year-old streetlights that are functioning better than those replaced just two years ago. Unlike MCD, the authority does not face a shortage of funds, so it should focus on using quality equipment,” said CK Rejimon, a resident of Dwarka Sector 22.The project will cover Sectors 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 22 and 23, besides road number 201, 202, 205, 209, 215, 216, 219, 221, 224 and 226, as well as the Metro Corridor. “The dark stretches in the area will also be covered for smooth and safe travelling of commuters,” said officials.
