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ADB Approves USD 241.3 Million Loan to Boost Power Distribution in West Bengal.

Banking & Finance | Dated: 03 Nov 2024

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a loan of USD 241.3 million to enhance power distribution in West Bengal (WB). This initiative aims to improve the quality of life for residents by ensuring a reliable, high-quality, and sustainable power supply.

🎯 Key Highlights:

- This ADB programme aligns with the West Bengal government's Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), which aims to strengthen the operational efficiency of power distribution companies (DISCOMs).
- In 2022, the Government of India (GoI) and the Government of West Bengal approved the RDSS, a result-based lending (RBL) programme for West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (WBSEDCL), with a budget allocation of USD 197.39 million for implementation between 2022 and 2026.

💡 Other Important Facts:

(i) According to ADB, the West Bengal Distribution System Strengthening Programme will improve electricity distribution for 8.96 million consumers across 7 districts of West Bengal.
(ii) The program includes initiatives like replacing overhead lines with bundled cables, creating separate feeders for agricultural and non-agricultural users, and developing a system for power supply quality, performance monitoring, and financial management.

📚 Test Your Knowledge:

Recently, the ADB approved a loan of how much to enhance power distribution in West Bengal?

Correct Answer: USD 241.3 million

🚀 Quick Recap:

About ADB

President- Masatsugu Asakawa
Headquarters- Manila