Kathmandu Metropolitan has started implementing a smart light system in different parts of its jurisdiction. So far, the local level has brought into operation 12 high-mast lights out of the planned 62, and the remaining 50 will also be switched on soon during the Dashain festival 2082.
KMC has collaborated with Nepal Electricity Authority (NEA) for the project. As per the plan, 2 thousand smart light systems will be installed on the main roads in Kathmandu.
Lalitpur, Mahalakshmi, and Budhanilkantha metropolitan cities are preparing to install smart lights inside the federal capital.
Ram Bahadur Thapa, director of Kathmandu Metropolitan City Public Construction Department, said the city and NEA will both invest 60 percent and 40 percent, respectively, into the project that will fit high-quality smart lights in the city.
NEA has also collaborated with Pokhara Metropolitan city to install high mast and smart lights in the tourist city.
Smart Light in Kathmandu will make the roads safer
The move aims to remedy the ever-existing issue of violence and accidents taking place in the streets due to the shortage of lights at night. The smart light in Kathmandu will elevate the security of the people, making it safer for people who travel by themselves.
According to Sagar Gyawali, Head of the Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Development Project of NEA, the authority will implement international quality smart lights with the financial support of the metropolis.
Currently, research and other prior studies are being carried out for the project. The city will issue a tender in the next few days.
Regarding the progress of the project, KMC mayor Balen Sah said, “The work of installing 62 high-mast lights under the ‘Ujyalo Mahanagar Yojana’ is progressing at a rapid pace.
“So far, 12 lights have been lit. Preparations are underway to light all the remaining lights before Dashain,” Sah shared on his Facebook account.
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What is a smart light?
The smart light is operated by software. It allows you to see how much it lit up and where. The power and operation data are stored on a server. The control room can operate the entire network of smart lights.
Reportedly, Kathmandu Metropolitan and NEA both will have control rooms to operate smart lights in Kathmandu. Turning it on and off can also be possible in this system.
Due to its electronic features, the duration of power consumption can be monitored. It is power efficient, twice as many normal lights, too. They come with a 7-year warranty.
Each light gets a separate metering and communication system that will communicate its data to the server. The lights are designed as per the roads so as to make them fit and aesthetic.
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The project is soon to start, but remains in the pre-planning stage. Therefore, it is not confirmed from which country smart lights will be imported.
The smart light project will cost an estimated Rs 12.30 crore.