Hubballi-Dharwad LED Streetlight Project Set to Launch After Key Hurdle Cleared
The long-awaited LED streetlight upgrade for the Hubballi–Dharwad twin city is now on the brink of implementation, with critical procedural steps finally nearing completion. After a period of delays, the project has gained significant momentum, bringing relief to residents and municipal authorities alike.
Bank Surety Submission Paves Way for Work Order
The agency selected through the tender process has successfully submitted the mandatory bank surety for the full 94-month duration, as required by the tender conditions. This crucial financial guarantee was a major sticking point that had previously stalled progress.
Earlier, the project faced setbacks when the Tumakuru-based agency failed to provide the bank surety on time, leading to implementation delays. With this obstacle now overcome, officials at the Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) are finalizing the remaining documentation to issue the formal work order. The project is expected to commence on-ground activities within the next couple of weeks.
Comprehensive Upgrade with 64,000 LED Lamps
Once operational, the initiative will transform the city's streetlighting infrastructure by replacing conventional lights with 64,000 energy-efficient LED lamps. This shift is projected to deliver substantial benefits, including reduced electricity consumption, lower municipal energy bills, and a decreased carbon footprint for the urban area.
Beyond energy savings, the project aims to enhance the quality and reliability of public lighting. Improved road visibility during night hours is anticipated to strengthen public safety, making streets safer for pedestrians and motorists.
Advanced Monitoring System for Efficient Management
A key feature of the project is the introduction of a Centralised Control and Monitoring System (CCMS), which will enable real-time oversight of streetlights. This system will allow authorities to quickly detect faults, monitor performance metrics, and plan maintenance activities more efficiently.
By minimizing downtime and accelerating repair processes, the CCMS is expected to ensure consistent and reliable lighting across various neighborhoods in Hubballi and Dharwad.
Public-Private Partnership Drives Rs 93.6-Crore Initiative
The Rs 93.6-crore project is being executed under a public-private partnership (PPP) model. In addition to the planned installation of 64,000 LED lamps, the agreement includes provisions for an additional 11,000 lights to ensure broader and more comprehensive coverage across the twin cities.
This expanded scope is designed to address existing gaps in streetlighting and accommodate future needs as Hubballi and Dharwad continue to grow and develop.
Official Confirmation and Quality Assurance Measures
HDMC commissioner Rudresh Ghali confirmed that the awarded agency has completed all formalities, including the bank surety submission. Municipal officials are now preparing the necessary documentation to issue the work order promptly.
Ghali also highlighted that the performance of LED lights installed on a trial basis will be rigorously evaluated for quality and efficiency. An independent team of chartered engineers will submit a detailed report on these trial installations.
Furthermore, officials have already measured lux levels for more than 800 LED lights installed during the trial phase in Hubballi–Dharwad, ensuring that the new system meets required standards before full-scale deployment.
