The Maharashtra cabinet has approved a Rs 45,000-crore scheme to revamp the entire electricity distribution network of the state. The project has three parts - upgrading distribution infrastructure, installing smart meters, and digitalising the distribution system.

The state government will implement the project under the central government's Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), under which 60% of the project cost will be borne by the Centre. The scheme will be executed by two electricity distribution companies - MSEDCL and BEST - at a cost of Rs 39,602 crore and Rs 3,461 crore, respectively. Officials said MSEDCL plans to install nearly 1.6 crore smart meters on all connections barring agricultural consumers.