46 | September 2025 | www.industrialoutlook.in
G A
UEST RTICLE
Mr. . Parag Bhatnagar
President
Havells India Limited
As urban development evolves,
lighting planning and design have
become key factors in shaping the
character of cities. As India experi-
ences rapid growth in terms of
population and infrastructure, light-
ing has moved beyond illumination
to play a crucial element in urban
aesthetics, safety, and functionality.
This shift is driven by technological
advancements,
changing
social
dynamics, and a growing awareness
of the environmental impacts of
traditional lighting solutions.
The approach to lighting in metro-
politan areas has changed signifi-
cantly, reflecting broader societal
changes and technological progress.
Once primarily focused on safety
and visibility, modern lighting now
plays a much larger role in shaping
the urban experience. The integra-
tion of sophisticated technologies
like LED and smart lighting sys-
tems has improved visibility while
promoting sustainability and energy
efficiency. According to an ELCO-
MA Study, LED adoption in India's
urban lighting sector has grown by
40% annually since 2015, resulting
in energy savings of up to 50%
compared to traditional lighting
systems.
Ambience lighting has become an
essential part of this transformation.
By carefully balancing color tem-
perature, intensity, and spatial dis-
tribution, lighting designers can
create a variety of light settings -
from the vibrant, energizing light-
ing of commercial districts to the
warm, inviting glow of public
squares.
This evolution is also visible in
corporate and residential spaces. In
workplaces, lighting systems
de-
signed to mimic natural daylight
have been shown to boost produc-
tivity by 18% and reduce absentee-
ism by 15%, according to a 2023
study by the Indian Green Building
Council (IGBC). In homes, the
adoption of smart lighting solutions
has grown by 45% year-over-year
since 2020, reflecting a growing
demand for personalised and
ener-
gy-efficient lighting.
Urban
planning
strategies
are
increasingly
incorporating
advanced lighting solutions. The
Ministry of Housing and Urban
THE ROLE OF LIGHTING PLANNING AND DESIGN IN
TRANSFORMING URBAN SPACES IN INDIA