After years of delay, final phase of LED streetlight project nears completion

After years of delay, the long-pending Smart Road project on the outer ring road of the Walled City is finally nearing completion. The final phase of the project —- installation of LED streetlights —- is currently underway, marking the end of a long wait since work first began in 2020. Under the Smart City project, a budget of Rs 40 crore was allocated for installing LED streetlights along the Outer Circle Road. However, due to prolonged halts in construction activities, much of the infrastructure remained incomplete. While bases for the light poles were built, the poles themselves were never installed, leaving the road in darkness.

As per the latest updates, new LED lights are now being set up. Contractors have resumed work and are installing poles along this stretch. It is worth mentioning here that underground wiring for the lights had already been completed from Gurdwara Shaheedan Sahib to Rambagh Chowk, but due to delays, poles had been missing.

The project covers a 7.5 km stretch of the Outer Circle Road, where LED streetlights are being installed to enhance both visibility and safety. So far, poles and lights have been installed from Hall Bazaar and Hathi Gate to Chattiwind Chowk. Meanwhile, underground wiring is fully in place from Gurdwara Shaheedan Sahib to Rambagh Chowk.

MC officials stated that underground cables have been laid at 90 points between Rambagh and Shaheedan Sahib Chowk to provide electricity connections for the lights. Only a few remaining locations still await pole installation. Work is progressing steadily from Shera Wala Gate towards Rambagh, with all electrical wiring already laid underground. The Powercom has also been informed and preparations are in place to energise the new system.

The stretch, which has 12 historic gates, witnesses a high footfall of local residents and tourists, who come to pay obeisance at the Golden Temple. In September 2020, the then Cabinet Minister OP Soni had inaugurated the project under the Smart City Mission. The project was supposed to be completed in 28 months. However, it took four and a half years to complete.

Amritsar