Power distribution company North Delhi Power Limited (NDPL) is awaiting permission from the Public Works Department to embark on a pilot project to install solar-powered traffic lights in its area of distribution.
Under the first phase of the project, which is part of the company’s initiative to augment the energy conservation drive, solar-powered traffic lights will be installed at Madhuban Chowk in Rohini.
According to a company official, the project cannot get off the ground till the PWD gives its go-ahead. “We need to place panels for the solar-powered lights on PWD land, for which we need their permission. We have already approached them and whatever concerns they had are being ironed out. We are hopeful that permission will be granted soon,” said an official.
The official said the company had already received the necessary approval for the pilot project from the Delhi Traffic Police.
NDPL procured solar panels from Bangalore and is ready with the infrastructure to install the solar-powered traffic lights. “To begin with, these lights will be installed at Madhuban Chowk. Based on the feedback, we will extend the service to the Vidhan Sabha metro station and the Chhatrasaal Stadium,” said the official.
The 1,500 MW solar-powered panels at Madhuban Chowk will cost Rs. 4.5 lakh. “The panels have arrived and we will be ready with the installation within a month, provided we receive the PWD’s permission,” the official explained.
Referring to the initiative he said: “The world over the focus now is on conservation. In Delhi alone, this year we saw a huge shortfall of energy on account of poor monsoon. And keeping in mind the growth patterns of energy consumption, it is imperative that we pull out all stops and make the switch to renewable energy sources.”
The official said the solar-powered traffic lights would help ease traffic movement in the city as these lights would not require power supply.
At present, solar-powered traffic lights are being used at Nizamuddin, Moolchand flyover and Indira Gandhi International Airport.
