The plan to install solar-powered street lamps at Durbarmarg has received the green signal. Bimal Rija, chief of Urban Development Committee at Kathmandu Metro-politan City (KMC), and Gopal Sundar Lal Kakshyapati, chair of Durbarmarg Development Board (DDB), signed an agreement for the project on Tuesday.

The undertaking is a part of ‘Kathmandu Ujyalo Karyakram’ announced by KMC with the aim to light up the streets of the Capital city with street lamps run on solar energy.  KMC has proposed installation of 30 street lamps, each equipped with two sets of LED lights, to illuminate the main street and the footpath of Durbarmarg.

The project estimated at Rs 11.79 million will be a public private partnership venture with both KMC and DDC making financial contributions from their sides.

DDB has already acquired permission from the Department of Roads to erect the centre poles to set up the lamps. The lampposts

will also have CCTV cameras for security surveillance with two proposed control rooms, one at the nearby Durbarmarg Traffic Police Station and the other at DDB office. DDB also plans to mobilise security guards, cleaners and electricians on stand-by.

Meanwhile, KMC aims to install solar-powered street lamps at major strategic streets of Kathmandu. The Asian Development Bank  has extended Rs 380 million assistance for the project.