West Bengal Electricity Distribution Grid Modernization Project

The development objective of the Electricity Distribution Grid Modernization Project for India is to improve the operational efficiency and reliability of electricity supply in selected areas of West Bengal. The project comprises of four components. The first component, distribution system strengthening will support strengthening and augmentation of the distribution network in select districts and towns through investments inter alia in: (i) high-voltage distribution system and aerial bunched cabling, (ii) investments in 33-11 kV gas insulated substations, and (iii) underground cabling to replace overhead networks. The second component, smart grid development in urban areas will support investments in smart-grid technologies through investments in: (i) the information and communication technology (ICT) systems of the West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (WBSEDCL) through technology and capacity upgrades; (ii) deployment of distribution automation technologies and integration of communicable control devices with supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) including investments in geographic information system (GIS) upgradation and integration; and (iii) deployment of smart consumer meters in select urban geographies. The third component, technical assistance for institutional development and capacity building of WBSEDCL will support: (i) strengthening of ICT-OT systems of WBSEDCL for integration of its various technologies including its upgradation, and (ii) strengthening the capacity building of WBSEDCL through personnel planning, business process reengineering, the hiring of project management consultant PMCs), and provision of training and workshops and knowledge exchange visits. The fourth component, contingent emergency response part will support provision of immediate response to an eligible crisis or emergency.