The Asian Development Bank (ADB) said on Tuesday that it has approved a loan of 241.3 million U.S. dollars to improve power supply distribution in West Bengal, India.

The West Bengal Distribution System Strengthening Program promises to improve electricity distribution for 8.96 million consumers in seven districts in West Bengal.

The ADB said the program will replace low-tension overhead lines with aerial bundled cables, separate electricity feeders for agriculture and non-agriculture users, and develop an integrated information and operation management system for power supply quality, performance monitoring, and corporate financial management.

The program will raise the operational efficiency of the West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited by building its capacity in asset and financial management, promotion and introduction of renewable energy, tariff rationalization, gender equity and social inclusion.

The ADB added that the program will contribute to awareness-building in communities, particularly on electrical safety, and train district technical and engineering staff on behavioral safety.