The Delhi administration is rolling out the Chief Minister's Street Light Program across the capital. Through this initiative, the state government plans to mount approximately 2.8 lakh LED fixtures—an increase from the initial goal of 2.1 lakh—to brighten poorly lit zones. This project is a significant move toward improving public safety for women. The three local power distribution companies (DISCOMS) are tasked with the installation of these units.
Mirroring the strategy used for the city's CCTV camera project, the state government is adopting a similar rollout for these street lights. Under the 2026 Chief Minister's Street Light Program, fixtures can even be mounted on private residential exteriors. This new installation method bypasses the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), offering a direct solution to the safety concerns residents face in shadowed city corridors.
Chief Minister's Street Light Program - Updated Goals
To enhance security across the national capital, the Delhi government is installing 70,000 additional street lights under this initiative. This builds upon the previous target of 2.1 lakh lights. On April 18, 2023, Urban Development Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj approved the expansion, raising the total target to 2.8 lakh units. The urban development department has been instructed to complete this expanded project within the set timeframe, as per an official government announcement.
This expansion comes in response to the high level of public engagement with the scheme. The government remains dedicated to women's safety. Originally launched in 2019 by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the program aimed to install 2.1 lakh LED lights (ranging from 10 to 40 watts) across the city through partnerships with three primary vendors.
Most of the originally planned lights have already been installed to remove dark spots, with final touches underway in specific regions. Following instructions from CM Arvind Kejriwal, the administration is now adding 70,000 more lights to ensure every dark corner of Delhi is illuminated efficiently.
Delhi CM Street Light Program 2026 - Full Overview
Local power distribution companies are responsible for the installation and upkeep of the units. The program utilizes 10, 20, and 40-watt LED technology. Tenders for the 2026 phase include a maintenance warranty of 3 to 5 years. The project involves an initial investment of Rs. 100 crore, with a recurring annual budget of Rs. 10 crore for maintenance.
The state government is committed to eliminating all dark spots in the capital. All lights under this initiative are equipped with automatic sensors for smart operation.
How to Apply for the Delhi CM Street Light Program
Residents can submit requests for new street lights through their local MLA offices. Once a request is filed, consent from the building owner is obtained. After approval and a site survey by the power company, the installation is carried out. The selection process for new locations is expected to conclude by November. The lights operate using the electricity connection of the host building.
State Coverage of Electricity Expenses
The Delhi government monitors the power consumption of each light and automatically adjusts the electricity bills of the host residents to account for the usage. This scheme ensures comprehensive city-wide coverage. In areas like unauthorized colonies or slums where bureaucratic hurdles like MCD clearances often stalled progress, this program provides a streamlined solution requiring only MLA and owner approval.
Residents can now have these lights placed outside their homes, shops, or streets. With over 7 lakh existing lights in Delhi, this initiative adds significant infrastructure. This program is noted for being one of the largest global efforts to upgrade urban lighting capacity by such a significant percentage.
By August 2021, over 1,17,000 LED street lights had been installed. Supported by the Delhi Dialogue and Development Commission (DDC), the initiative aims to brighten every dark stretch of the city through a total deployment of 2,10,000 units.