MUMBAI: The state plans to put an end to load shedding in 255 cities as part of the Centre’s Integrated Power Development Scheme.The project was passed in Tuesday’s cabinet meeting. The state government will receive a sum of Rs 2,405 crore from the Centre for the project. “We will be undertaking work to strengthen the existing electricity network and also reduce the losses occurring in the current distribution system. In 2017, these cities will get uninterrupted electricity supply,” said state energy minister Chandrashekar Bawankule.“In case the government achieves this feat in the stipulated time, the Union government will reimburse 50% of the amount raised by taking loans,” he added. The government will be undertaking several steps to strengthen the existing infrastructure of the distribution network to achieve the goal. Among the measures are conducting energy audits, reducing the losses in the system to a maximum of 12%, to establish infrastructure to give new connections to households and commercial users.Another electrification scheme sponsored by the Centre, which will provide power to more than 12 lakh families living in rural areas, was approved for implementation by the cabinet. Under the Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gram Jyoti Yojana, the Centre will fund 75% of the project and the state will get Rs 2,152 crore.