Delhi Cab approves modernisation of streetlights on PWD roads

New Delhi, Dec 7 (UNI) The Delhi Cabinet today cleared a proposal for upgradation and modernisation of streetlights on Delhi PWD roads over a length of 443 km.

At a meeting, presided over by Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, the cabinet also gave its nod for construction of Haj Manzil at Dwarka.

The Cabinet also cleared the proposal of restructuring of IPGCS and PPCL and also approved merger of GTPS with PPCL.

Briefing mediapersons after the meeting, Ms Dikshit said the street lights on roads in the Capital need upgradation, as the present level of illumination does not facilitate safe driving during the night hours thereby leading to accidents, which are avoidable.

''The Government is committed to provide world-class wide roads in the Capital-city to facilitate smooth flow of traffic in all parts of the city,''Ms Dikshit said.

Delhi Government had constituted a Committee of experts to give recommendation for upgrading the streetlights in the city keeping in mind the width of roads, which varies from four lanes to eight lanes and also to cater to the requirement of the service roads.

Based on recommendations of the Committee, PWD prepared an estimate for upgrading the streetlights. The Cabinet approved upgradation of streetlights on PWD roads over a length of 443.83 km as against 364 km with distinct colours on different roads at a cost of approximately Rs 198 crore.

The streetlight would, therefore, be provided on the roads and also on the flyovers and adjoining service and slip roads. The street lighting would be completed within 15 months after award of work.

In another decision, the Cabinet gave its approval for commissioning of Haj Manzil at Dwarka. In this regard, DDA has allotted space in Sector-22 Dwarka at a cost of Rs 94.24 lakhs approx.

''Delhi being the National Capital has always been an important embarkation point for tourists and pilgrims alike. Keeping in view its commitment towards all religions in the Capital-city, the Delhi Government has been facilitating several important pilgrimages through the Revenue Department, which include Urs Mela and Haj pilgrimage.

Most of these pilgrimages start from Delhi and need for permanent accommodation is felt acutely for this purpose. The Delhi Government had requested DDA to provide a suitable space measuring 5000 sq.mtrs at Dwarka. In this regard, DDA has allotted space in Sector-22 Dwarka at a cost of Rs 94.24 lakhs approx,''Ms Dikshit said and hoped that the commissioning of modern, spacious and well-maintained Haj Manzil near IGI Airport would facilitate Haj pilgrims.

Ms Dikshit said the Cabinet has given its approval for merger of Gas Turbine Power Station (GTPS) with Pragati Power Corporation Limited (PPCL) and winding up of IPGCL. After hiving of the GTPS to PPCL, IPGCL will be left with only coal-based plants, which are incurring losses.

As per the plan, the coal plants have to be shut down in phased manner and the company has to be wound up. PPCL, by merging with GTPS will enhance their value and also competitiveness by using the backward linkages of GTPS, (APM Gas allocated to GTPS).

UNI