The Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) has initiated steps to install 75,000 LED streetlights in the twin cities under a Rupees 940 million public-private partnership (PPP) model. This long-delayed project, stalled since 2018 due to technical complications, has now gained traction with tender issuance following committee approval.

Project Highlights:

Scope: Installation of 75,000 LED streetlights and a centralised control and monitoring system. Cost: Rupees 940 million, approved by the pre-tender scrutiny committee. Timeline: Technical proposal review on January 8, pre-bid meeting on December 11, and project implementation expected within two months. Concession Period: 7 years. Challenges and Revival: Initially undertaken by the Hubballi-Dharwad Smart City Limited (HDSCL) as part of the Smart City initiative to install 58,000 LED streetlights, the project faced setbacks, with tenders floated seven times between 2018 and 2022 attracting no interest. Eventually, the responsibility was transferred to HDMC, which increased the project’s scope to 75,000 streetlights and successfully navigated pre-tender scrutiny.

Energy and Cost Savings: Currently, HDMC incurs electricity bills of up to Rupees 20 million monthly. Superintending engineer Vijay Kumar highlighted that the LED streetlights would reduce energy costs by 47%. The savings will be utilised to pay EMIs to the concessionaire responsible for implementing and maintaining the system.

Electrical section head SM Ganachari explained that the centralised monitoring system would enhance operational efficiency and further streamline electricity usage across the cities.

This project marks a significant step towards energy efficiency and sustainability in Hubballi-Dharwad, addressing a key component of the Smart City vision.