ADB Approves $200 Million Loan for Uttarakhand Livability Improvement Project

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $200 million loan to enhance the urban infrastructure and climate resilience of Uttarakhand under the Uttarakhand Livability Improvement Project. This initiative aligns with both the Government of India’s urban development agenda and the state’s efforts to provide sustainable and livable urban spaces. The project will upgrade essential urban services, including water supply, sanitation, drainage, flood management, and urban mobility, in five cities of Uttarakhand—Haldwani, Champawat, Kichha, Kotdwar, and Vikasnagar.

Key Components of the Project

Urban Infrastructure in Haldwani

The project will develop 16 km of climate-resilient roads, introduce an intelligent traffic management system, deploy compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, and pilot electric buses. Additionally, 36 km of stormwater and roadside drains will be constructed to improve flood management, with an early warning system in place for disaster resilience.

Water Supply and Sanitation in Four Cities

In Champawat, Kichha, Kotdwar, and Vikasnagar, the project will focus on increasing water service coverage to 100%. This will involve the construction of 1,024 km of climate-resilient pipelines, smart water meters, 26 tubewells, new reservoirs, and a water treatment plant with a capacity of 3.5 million liters per day. Vikasnagar will also benefit from improved sanitation through the setup of sewage treatment facilities, helping around 2,000 households.

Gender and Capacity Building Initiatives

The project will empower women through initiatives like livelihood skills training for bus driving, bus ticketing, and managing electric charging stations. Women will also be involved in monitoring water supply systems, and the project will build their capacity to operate and manage water supply and sanitation services.

Project Financing and Impact

The total project cost is $465.9 million, co-financed by the European Investment Bank ($191 million), ADB ($200 million), and the Uttarakhand Government ($74.9 million). By focusing on climate-resilient infrastructure, the project aims to improve the quality of life for Uttarakhand’s residents while enhancing the state’s capacity to manage urban services and adapt to climate-related challenges.

About Asian Development Bank (ADB)

Established: 1966

Headquarters: Mandaluyong, Manila, Philippines

Member Countries: 69

Focus Area: Primarily serves the Asia-Pacific region

Purpose: Promotes social and economic development through loans, technical assistance, grants, and equity investments

Main Goals: Poverty reduction, sustainable development, regional cooperation, and financial integration

Operational Areas: Infrastructure, education, environment, health, agriculture, finance, and urban development

Funding: Provides financial products including loans, grants, and technical services to member countries.

Summery of the News

Why in News	Key Points
Why in News	ADB approves $200 million loan for Uttarakhand Livability Improvement Project. Aimed at enhancing urban infrastructure and climate resilience in 5 cities of Uttarakhand.
Project Cost	Total cost: $465.9 million; ADB contribution: $200 million; European Investment Bank contribution: $191 million; State Government contribution: $74.9 million.
Cities Targeted	Haldwani, Champawat, Kichha, Kotdwar, Vikasnagar.
Key Infrastructure	Development of 16 km of climate-resilient roads, intelligent traffic management system, CNG buses, stormwater and roadside drains (36 km).
Water Supply	Construction of 1,024 km of climate-resilient pipelines, 26 tubewells, new reservoirs, and a 3.5 million-litre per day water treatment plant.
Sanitation	Sewage treatment facilities in Vikasnagar for 2,000 households.
Gender Initiatives	Women’s livelihood skills training in bus driving, ticketing, and electric charging station management. Empowering women in managing water supply and sanitation.
Disaster Resilience	Flood management systems, early warning system for disaster preparedness.
Financing Institutions	ADB and European Investment Bank co-financing the project.
Uttarakhand Government	The project is implemented by the Government of Uttarakhand, under the leadership of the CM (currently Pushkar Singh Dhami), and aims to enhance urban services and sustainability.
Urban Development Goals	Aligned with the Government of India’s urban development agenda, focusing on improving livability and climate resilience.