Punjab will install 3 lakh solar lights across 13,500 villages under a ₹470 crore project, with the first phase covering 2,617 villages.

Punjab is set to give a major boost to lighting and safety in rural areas with the installation of 3 lakh solar lights across around 13,500 villages. The project, being implemented under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, will have a total estimated cost of ₹470 crore.

Punjab Cabinet Minister and Aam Aadmi Party state president Aman Arora shared details of the initiative during a press conference, saying the first phase of the project has started.

First Phase Covers 2,617 Villages

According to Aman Arora, the first phase will see 50,870 solar lights installed in 2,617 villages across Punjab.

The work is expected to be completed within four months. The initiative is aimed at improving visibility in rural areas and making public spaces safer for residents after dark.

ਪਿੰਡਾਂ ਵਿੱਚ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਦੀ ਸੁਰੱਖਿਆ ਯਕੀਨੀ ਬਣਾਉਣ ਲਈ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਭਰ ਵਿੱਚ ₹470 ਕਰੋੜ ਦੀ ਲਾਗਤ ਨਾਲ਼ 3 ਲੱਖ ਸੋਲਰ ਲਾਈਟਾਂ ਲਗਾਈਆਂ ਜਾਣਗੀਆਂ। ਪਹਿਲਾਂ ਸਰਵਜਨਕ ਥਾਵਾਂ ਅਤੇ ਉਸ ਤੋਂ ਬਾਅਦ ਵੱਧ ਘਣਤਾ ਵਾਲ਼ੇ ਖੇਤਰਾਂ ਨੂੰ ਪਹਿਲ ਦਿੱਤੀ ਜਾਵੇਗੀ।

– @AroraAmanSunam
‘ਆਪ’ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਪ੍ਰਧਾਨ ਤੇ ਕੈਬਿਨੇਟ ਮੰਤਰੀ pic.twitter.com/1Xj18bLJ6X

— AAP Punjab (@AAPPunjab) August 12, 2026

Public Places to Get Priority

Under the project, priority will be given to public places in villages. Locations in areas with higher population density will be taken up after the priority public spaces.

The government says the initiative is intended to improve lighting facilities while also strengthening the safety and convenience of people living in rural Punjab.

also read:- Bhagwant Mann Seeks 10-Day Parole For Jagtar Singh Hawara…

Panchayats to Pay Only 30% of the Cost

Aman Arora highlighted a major change in the financial contribution required from village panchayats. Instead of bearing 70% of the project cost, panchayats will now have to contribute only 30%.

The reduction in the panchayats’ share is expected to make it easier for villages to participate in the project without facing a heavy financial burden.

Five-Year Maintenance Responsibility

The solar lights will also come with a five-year maintenance commitment from the company responsible for the project.

This means repair and maintenance work during the five-year period will remain the company’s responsibility, reducing the need for panchayats to separately manage maintenance expenses.

Control Room to Be Set Up at PEDA Office

A dedicated control room will be established at the Punjab Energy Development Agency (PEDA) office to monitor the project.

The control room is expected to help track the functioning of the solar lights and address issues related to their operation and maintenance.

Focus on Rural Safety and Development

The Punjab government’s solar lighting initiative is aimed at providing better lighting infrastructure in villages while promoting the use of renewable energy.

With 3 lakh solar lights planned across 13,500 villages, the ₹470-crore project is being positioned as a major rural development initiative. The first phase, covering 50,870 lights in 2,617 villages, is scheduled for completion within four months.