Kolkata, 30 May 2026

 

Union Minister for Power and Housing & Urban Affairs Shri Manohar Lal today reviewed power and urban development initiatives in West Bengal. Following the meeting, he outlined the central government’s roadmap for strengthening infrastructure, improving power distribution and enhancing urban sanitation and infrastructure across the state.

 

Shri Manohar Lal announced that the next phase of the Smart Meter Programme will commence from July 2026, covering nearly two crore electricity consumers in West Bengal.

 

He informed that the first phase will focus on government offices and campuses. The subsequent phase will cover large consumers before gradually expanding to domestic users.

 

Consumers will be provided the flexibility to choose between prepaid and postpaid options. Under the programme, the central government will provide a subsidy of ₹900 per smart meter, while consumers will contribute approximately ₹100 per month towards the installation cost.

 

The minister stated that the initiative aims to improve billing efficiency, reduce losses and ensure a reliable, transparent and clean power supply system.

 

Highlighting the challenges facing the power sector, Shri Manohar Lal noted that transmission and distribution losses currently stand at around 12 per cent.

 

To strengthen the sector, a comprehensive source allocation plan will be prepared within the next two months. The government is also working on a revised tariff framework and measures to address pending liabilities.

 

He informed that subsidy support and outstanding dues amounting to approximately ₹800 crores will be recovered, while managing accumulated losses estimated at around ₹15,000 crores over past years is being planned. 

 

The minister emphasised that improving operational efficiency and financial sustainability remains essential for ensuring uninterrupted power supply.

 

The union minister highlighted the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Yojana, being carried out in collaboration with the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.

 

The scheme is targeted at consumers with rooftop solar installations of less than 3 kilowatts, particularly benefiting households and rural consumers through reduced electricity bills and clean energy adoption.

 

Shri Manohar Lal stated that urban transportation infrastructure remains a major focus area. Under the metro rail financing model, the central and state government will each contribute 15 per cent of project costs, while the remaining 70 per cent will be financed through institutional loans.

 

He noted that metro rail projects are generally considered in cities with population exceeding 25 lakh. 

 

The Minister further highlighted that under the Urban Challenge Fund, ₹40,000 crores has been earmarked for urban infrastructure development. The proposed funding structure includes ₹10,000 crores each from the central and state Governments, while the remaining ₹20,000 crores is expected to come from financial institutions.

 

Reviewing sanitation initiatives, the minister informed that registrations for Swachh Survekshan in West Bengal will remain open until June 15, 2026.

 

He also highlighted the launch of the Swachha App, which enables citizens to report sanitation issues by uploading geo-tagged photographs. Municipal authorities will monitor complaints and undertake timely action through a technology-enabled feedback mechanism.

 

The minister stated that all identified legacy dump sites in urban areas are targeted for scientific processing within one year, with financial support of ₹ 550 crores from the central government.

 

As part of the Clean Himalayan Cities Initiative, ₹ 1000 crores has been allocated for 13 Himalayan states. This covers five towns in West Bengal —Darjeeling, Kalimpong, Kurseong, Siliguri and Mirik. 

 

 

Shri Manohar Lal announced that a comprehensive survey of household and public toilets across the state will be undertaken within a month to assess sanitation coverage and identify gaps.

 

Reaffirming the central government’s commitment to the development of West Bengal, the minister stated that coordinated efforts in power, urban infrastructure, sanitation and clean energy would contribute significantly to improving quality of life and supporting the vision of development.

 

SS/PK

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