The first hydroelectric power plant in India was installed in Darjeeling, West Bengal, in 1897, and it was a hydel power station or hydroelectric power plant. The power plant was set up to light up the town of Darjeeling, and it was commissioned on November 10, 1897, with an original capacity of 2 kW. The Sidrapong Hydroelectric Power Station, also known as Sidrapong Hydel Power Station, is located at the foothills of Arya Tea Estate, 12 km (7.5 mi) from Darjeeling town, and it is the oldest hydel power station in India. The power plant was set up with a loan of ₹1 lakh (₹100,000) secured from the government, and a site for the power station was selected at the foot of the Arya Tea Estate at Sidrapong.