| Work Detail |
The Government of India has secured a $200 million loan from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to upgrade critical urban infrastructure in Uttarakhand, enhancing water supply, sanitation, urban mobility, and climate resilience. The Uttarakhand Livability Improvement Project formalized through a loan agreement signed by Ms. Juhi Mukherjee, Joint Secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, and Ms. Mio Oka, ADB’s Country Director for India, aligns with India’s urban development goals and Uttarakhand’s initiatives to improve city livability.
The project focuses on climate resilience and sustainability, addressing environmental risks such as floods and landslides. It aims to improve water and sanitation systems, public services, and mobility in key cities, particularly Haldwani, the state’s economic hub. In Haldwani, the initiative includes 16 km of climate-resilient roads, an intelligent traffic management system, and the introduction of compressed natural gas (CNG) and electric buses to support cleaner urban transport. To enhance disaster preparedness, 36 km of stormwater and roadside drains will be constructed, and an early warning system will be deployed. A green-certified administrative complex and bus terminal will also be developed to improve public service access.
Water supply infrastructure in Champawat, Kichha, Kotdwar, and Vikasnagar will be upgraded to ensure 100% service coverage through 1,024 km of climate-resilient pipelines with smart water meters, 26 tubewells, reservoirs, and a 3.5-million-litre-per-day water treatment plant. Vikasnagar will gain improved sanitation through new sewage treatment facilities for around 2,000 households.
The project emphasizes women’s empowerment, offering livelihood skills training for bus driving, ticketing, and managing electric charging stations. Women, particularly from vulnerable households, will also be trained in water and sanitation management, recognizing their crucial role in monitoring water supply systems. The European Investment Bank will cofinance the project with $191 million on a parallel basis, complementing efforts to create a sustainable, climate-resilient future for Uttarakhand’s urban centers. |
