Light Emitting Diodes (LED) are being installed in India’s Nagpur to replace incandescent lamps for major traffic signals, as part of the traffic improvement plan of the city.

Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) have already installed LED signals at the Law College Square, Laxmi Bhawan Square, Laxmi Nagar Square and many busy junctions on Wardha Road. Plans are afoot to put in place the equipment at other busy junctions like Variety Square, Rani Jhansi Square etc, said an NMC engineer. The 110 signals in the city, 87 are more than 20 years old and need to be either replaced or upgraded, said he.

About 90% of power will be saved by using the new LED signals as compared to the traditional bulbs, NMC claimed. The LED traffic signals are an efficient alternative to incandescent lamps which consume less power and also have a long life.

The LEDs will also address complaints from drivers that it is difficult to spot the incandescent lamps during daytime. There were frequent such complaints about signals on Central Avenue and Wardha Road, he said.

"The LEDs will be installed in a phased manner. A total of 24 signals would be selected for upgradation. And four new signals will be installed every 15 months. Every signal will have a timer with LED display. The project will be carried out on BOT basis for the next 10 years," said the engineer.