A major loan worth $241.3 million has been approved by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to improve the state of electricity distribution in West Bengal. This is part of a more general effort to make the residents of West Bengal capable of enjoying an improved quality of life with an adequate power supply across the region.
It is in line with the Indian government’s revised distribution sector scheme, which will enhance the operational efficiency of the power distribution companies. Reliable and sustainable electricity supply would be important to support the growth of the state’s economy and its general development, noted Roka Sanda, principal energy specialist at the Asian Development Bank, in a statement recently”.
The consumers are approximately 8.96 million in seven districts of West Bengal through the upgrade work of replacement of the low tension overhead line with aerial bundled cables, which is safer and more reliable. The objective also includes providing separate electricity feeders for both agricultural and non-agricultural users in an equitable distribution of resources for better service delivery.
Further, the scheme will develop an integrated information and operation management system that focuses on monitoring power supply quality and performance as well as corporate financial management.
It also seeks to improve the operational effectiveness of the West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited by strengthening the ability of the utility to manage its assets and finances. Renewable energy forms, rationalization of tariffs, and gender equity and social inclusion promote it.
ADB continues to support an inclusive, resilient, prosperous, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific while carrying out efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. It was founded in 1966 and is owned by 69 member countries; 49 are from the Asia-Pacific region. This loan is a major step toward strengthening the electricity distribution network in West Bengal towards its economic development and improving the quality of living for West Bengal’s people.
