ADB approves $181m loan for Ahmedabad’s peri-urban infra

AHMEDABAD, Gujarat: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has informed that the financial institution has approved a $181 million loan for developing infrastructure and improving services to upgrade the quality of life in peri-urban areas in Ahmedabad city.

Ahmedabad Peri-urban Livability Improvement Project will include constructing 166 kilometre long water distribution network, 126 km of climate-resilient stormwater drainage network, 300 km of sewerage systems and four sewage treatment plants.

The project will also undertake exercises to improve ten junctions alongside Sardar Patel Ring Road, thereby facilitating better connectivity with existing peri-urban areas in Ahmedabad.

ADB has not only provided funding but is also committed to enhancing the technology skills of the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority and urban local bodies. This will be instrumental in facilitating technology-based urban planning, which includes developing climate change and disaster-resilient infrastructure that conforms to the standards of environmental and social safeguards, gender equality, and social inclusion.

Sanjay Joshi, Principal Urban Development Specialist, ADB, said, “This project envisions the future of the areas surrounding Ahmedabad city to help control urban sprawl, a planning approach that can be replicated in other states.” He added that the project will improve the basic infrastructure and services along with urban area management to improve the quality of life and ensure stable economic growth.