ADB Loan to Upgrade Roads in Madhya Pradesh, India

MANILA — The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $175 million loan to improve connectivity and climate resilience of roads in Madhya Pradesh, India.

“ADB has been supporting the development of road networks in Madhya Pradesh since 2002, which has so far upgraded more than 9,000 kilometers of state highways and major district roads,” said ADB Transport Specialist Yang Lu. “This project will connect rural areas to growth centers and industrial corridors and establish roads that are better, safer, and more climate-resilient to ensure Madhya Pradesh’s inclusive, equitable, and sustainable economic growth.”

The project will upgrade about 500 kilometers of state highways and major district roads to a standard two-lane feature. These roads will incorporate climate- and disaster-resilient design, innovative road safety elements, and facilities that will respond to the needs of the elderly, women, children, and people with disabilities.

ADB will build the capacity of the Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation Limited (MPRDC) on climate change adaptation and mitigation, disaster resilience, and road safety in road network planning and management. The project will help prepare strategies and plans to utilize green technology in road construction and establish charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.

The project will support MPRDC to formulate a gender equality and social inclusion strategy and establish an internship program to attract female students to work in the road sector. It will engage women self-help groups to promote road safety awareness. The project will also conduct livelihood and entrepreneurship training programs for women and girls and construct at least two roadside markets.

ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while sustaining its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, it is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.