Government of India, ADB Ink $181 Million Loan to Enhance Ahmedabad’s Livability and Mobility

GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 14th March. The Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have sealed a $181 million loan agreement to elevate the quality of infrastructure and services, focusing on enhancing urban livability and mobility in the peri-urban areas of Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

Under the Ahmedabad Peri-urban Livability Improvement Project, the initiative aims to transform peri-urban zones into livable, environmentally sustainable, and efficient areas equipped with robust physical and social infrastructure. This effort seeks to establish Ahmedabad as a preferred investment destination with a distinct identity.

Ms. Juhi Mukherjee, Joint Secretary of the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, representing the Government of India, and Mr. Rajesh Vasudevan, Officer-in-Charge of ADB’s India Resident Mission, signed the loan agreement.

Highlighting the significance of the project, Ms. Mukherjee emphasized its objective of expanding quality urban services and transport connectivity to address the challenge of managing urban sprawl, especially in peri-urban regions. Mr. Vasudevan echoed this sentiment, underlining the project’s focus on improving urban services and connectivity for the substantial migrant population settled in Ahmedabad’s peripheral areas.

The project, targeted at benefiting urban poor, women, and migrant workers, will encompass the construction of essential infrastructure such as water distribution networks, climate-resilient stormwater drainage systems, sewerage networks, and sewage treatment plants. Additionally, it will enhance junctions along the existing Sardar Patel Ring Road to bolster connectivity between peri-urban areas and Ahmedabad city.

ADB’s involvement extends to strengthening the capacity of Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority and urban local bodies in technology-based urban planning, with an emphasis on climate change resilience and disaster management. The project also aims to promote environmental and social safeguards, gender equality, and social inclusion.

Furthermore, the initiative will focus on capacity building in financial planning, revenue enhancement, and infrastructure asset operations for government agencies. Community engagement activities will include promoting water conservation, health, and hygiene, with special emphasis on training women self-help groups in water supply operations.

Additionally, the project will facilitate the development of recycling treated sewage for industrial use through public-private partnerships, fostering sustainable resource management practices.