$200 Million Deal Signed to Enhance Uttarakhand’s Green Mobility and Urban Infrastructure

The Indian government has signed a $200 million loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to enhance urban infrastructure and improve essential services in Uttarakhand. The initiative aims to modernize water supply systems, sanitation, urban mobility, and other key public amenities, thereby fostering sustainable development in the state.

Agreement Details

• The Indian government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $200 million loan agreement for the Uttarakhand Livability Improvement Project.
• The deal was signed by Juhi Mukherjee (Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, India) and Mio Oka (Country Director, ADB India Mission).

Project Objective

Modernize urban infrastructure and enhance essential services in Uttarakhand, focusing on,

• Water supply
• Sanitation
• Urban mobility
• Other public amenities

Key Focus Areas

Transportation and Urban Mobility

• Climate-resilient roads (16 km)
• Intelligent traffic management system
• Eco-friendly buses powered by CNG and electricity

Climate Resilience

• Infrastructure designed to withstand floods and landslides
• Safety and health improvements for the population

Water Supply Improvements

• Installation of 1,024 km of climate-resilient pipelines
• Smart water meters
• 3.5 million-liter-per-day water treatment plant
• Coverage across Champawat, Kichha, Kotdwar, and Vikasnagar

Sanitation Improvements

• New sewage treatment facility in Vikasnagar, serving 2,000 households

Flood Management

• 36 km of stormwater drains in Haldwani
• City-wide early warning system for floods
• Green-certified administrative complex and bus terminal for enhanced public service efficiency

Gender Inclusion Efforts

• Training for women from vulnerable households in roles like bus driving, ticketing, and sanitation management

Co-Financing

• The European Investment Bank (EIB) will co-finance the project with an additional $191 million, enhancing the reach and impact of the project.

Project Impact

• Improve urban resilience, climate adaptation, and gender inclusion

• Strengthen the capacity for climate-resilient planning, revenue generation, and overall development in Uttarakhand.