Inside Ahmedabad’s Rs 500-crore smart streetlight revolution: How one click will control 2 lakh poles

Ahmedabad is preparing for a major leap in urban lighting management. The AMC will soon introduce an automated streetlight control system to manage over 2.1 lakh poles citywide, allowing officials to switch lights on or off, track faults, and schedule timings with a single click. (IMAGE CREDIT: AI)

The AMC is finalising a five-year, Rs 500-crore tender for operation, maintenance, and automation of all city streetlights. Once approved, the project will streamline streetlight management and ensure faster response to lighting faults, significantly improving efficiency across the city. (IMAGE CREDIT: AI)

A central command centre will soon manage all streetlights in Ahmedabad. The system will allow AMC staff to monitor performance, adjust brightness, and control lighting based on seasonal needs. This move is expected to bring precision and consistency to the city’s lighting operations . (IMAGE CREDIT: AI)

Along with automation, AMC plans to install 5,000 additional poles across Ahmedabad. The expansion aims to improve illumination in newly developed areas, reduce dark patches on roads, and enhance public safety. The poles will be integrated with the new smart lighting system. (IMAGE CREDIT: AI)

The earlier five-year contract with Sitelum India Pvt Ltd expired in January 2025. After its expiry, maintenance stalled and complaints of non-functional lights increased. AMC then issued interim zone-wise tenders to maintain the system temporarily until the new automation project begins. (IMAGE CREDIT: AI)

Under the GPMC Act, lights on main roads must be repaired within 24 hours and on smaller roads within 48 hours. However, rising complaints made this difficult. The new centralised system will detect faults instantly, helping AMC respond faster and reduce downtime. (IMAGE CREDIT: AI)

The automated lighting network will optimise power use by adjusting brightness and operating schedules. This will reduce energy wastage, lower electricity costs, and support AMC’s commitment to sustainable urban infrastructure and environmental conservation. (IMAGE CREDIT: AI)

The central command room will track each streetlight’s status digitally. Real-time monitoring and fault detection will bring accountability to the system. Officials believe this transparency will prevent lapses seen under previous contracts and ensure timely maintenance in all city zones. (IMAGE CREDIT: AI)

With better illumination and quicker maintenance, the project aims to make city roads safer for pedestrians and drivers. Well-lit streets are expected to help reduce accidents, deter crime, and improve night-time navigation across Ahmedabad’s rapidly expanding urban network. (IMAGE CREDIT: AI)

The project aligns with Ahmedabad’s larger Smart City mission. By integrating technology into civic services, AMC plans to deliver faster responses, energy savings, and enhanced citizen experience. Officials see this as a key step in transforming Ahmedabad into a more efficient, modern metropolis. (IMAGE CREDIT: AI)