AP launches phase II of smart LD street lighting programme

Visakhapatnam: Andhra Pradesh has launched phase two of its urban smart LED street lighting national programme (SLNP) , introducing an IoT-based integrated management system across urban local bodies. Covering over 7.5 lakh street lights, the system will enable real-time monitoring, automated operations, centralised control, and improved fault detection.The initiative, implemented under an MoU between the state government and Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL), with APSEEDCO as consultant, is expected to reduce power consumption and enhance operational efficiency.In phase one, Andhra Pradesh installed 29.47 lakh LED street lights across rural and urban areas, saving 390 million kWh annually, cutting costs by ₹234 crore, and reducing 0.36 million tonnes of CO₂ emissions. Other states including Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan have adopted similar programmes.EESL has accepted the state proposal and committed to strict timelines. Principal secretary Suresh Kumar and CDMA P Sampath Kumar emphasised adherence, while EESL CEO Akhilesh Kumar Dixit said tendering would be completed by May 2026. The state aims for 100% LED coverage, including remote urban areas, with IoT systems ensuring automation, monitoring, and efficiency.Suresh Kumar said that the state is working towards achieving 100% LED street lighting coverage across Andhra Pradesh, including remote urban areas, through the phase two of the programme. The system is intended to improve monitoring, automation, and efficiency in street lighting operations, added the principal secretary.Launched in January 2015 along with the UJALA scheme, the street lighting national programme was introduced under the ‘Prakash Path' initiative to replace conventional street lights with energy-efficient LED systems. Over the past decade, it has been implemented across several states and urban local bodies. The programme has focused on reducing electricity consumption, lowering carbon emissions, and improving street lighting infrastructure through large-scale LED deployment. EESL, as the implementing agency, has worked closely with the AP govt, ULBs, and local bodies, ensuring seamless execution through its innovative performance contracting model.