New Delhi: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) approved a $241.3 million loan to improve the distribution of power supply in West Bengal, India, a press release stated.
The loan will support the West Bengal Distribution System Strengthening Program, which aims to enhance the quality, reliability, and sustainability of the power supply for 8.96 million consumers across seven districts in the state.
The program will involve replacing low-tension overhead lines with aerial bundled cables, separating electricity feeders for agricultural and non-agricultural users, and developing an integrated information and operation management system for power supply quality, performance monitoring, and corporate financial management.
The program will also help build the capacity of the West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited in asset and financial management, renewable energy promotion, tariff rationalization, gender equity, and social inclusion. ADB will provide assistance in updating safety policies and manuals and supply health and safety equipment. The program will also focus on raising community awareness about electrical safety and provide training on behavioral safety for district technical and engineering staff.