The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India have signed an agreement for a $295 million loan to improve approximately 265 kilometers of state highways in Bihar. The project aims to upgrade these highways with climate and disaster-resilient designs, as well as incorporate road safety measures.
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The signing ceremony for the “Enhancing Connectivity and Sustainability in Bihar Roads Project” was attended by Mr. Vumlunmang Vualnam, Additional Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, who signed on behalf of the Government of India, and Mr. Takeo Konishi, Country Director for ADB in India, who signed on behalf of ADB. The project aims to enhance connectivity and sustainability in the road infrastructure of Bihar, making it more resilient to climate and disaster risks, while also improving road safety for the benefit of the people in the region.
- The project supports the Government of Bihar’s efforts to upgrade all state highways to standard two-lane widths and enhance road safety.
- By improving the roads, the project aims to enhance connectivity in some of Bihar’s poorest rural districts, making it easier for people to access healthcare, education facilities, and markets, ultimately improving their quality of life.
- In addition to upgrading the roads, the ADB project focuses on strengthening the state road agency’s management and implementation capacity. This includes developing a road asset management system that considers climate change and disaster risk information and establishing research laboratories for investigating materials, including sustainable options, to counter the effects of climate change.
- The project will also conduct studies on congestion management and climate adaptation, and create guidelines for gender-inclusive road safety measures.
- To promote women’s participation, the project will offer employment opportunities for female workers in construction works. Women from the communities in the project areas will receive training in livelihood skills, as well as awareness of road safety, health, hygiene, abuse, and harassment.
ADB has been supporting Bihar since 2008, providing five loans totaling $1.63 billion for the upgradation of about 1,696 kilometers of state highways and the construction of a new bridge over the Ganga River. The new project will further contribute to the state’s infrastructure development and enhance the lives of people in Bihar.
About The Asian Development Bank (ADB)
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is a regional development bank established on 19 December 1966, which is headquartered in the Ortigas Center located in the city of Mandaluyong, Metro Manila, Philippines. The bank also maintains 31 field offices around the world to promote social and economic development in Asia.
- ADB is owned by 68 members—49 from the region.
- Its mission is to help its developing member countries (DMCs) reduce poverty and improve the quality of life of their people.
- ADB does this by providing loans, grants, and technical assistance to DMCs to support their development programs.
- ADB’s lending is focused on infrastructure, energy, transport, water, education, health, and social protection.
- The bank also provides technical assistance to DMCs to help them improve their policies and institutions.
- ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific. The bank’s vision is to help DMCs achieve their development goals and improve the lives of their people.
ADB has made significant contributions to the economic and social development of Asia and the Pacific. The bank’s loans and grants have helped to build roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, and other infrastructure. ADB’s technical assistance has helped DMCs improve their policies and institutions. The bank’s work has helped to reduce poverty, improve health, and promote gender equality.
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FAQs
What is the mission of ADB?
What are the lending priorities of ADB?
Infrastructure: roads, bridges, airports, power plants, and other infrastructure projects.
Energy: renewable energy, energy efficiency, and other energy projects.
Transport: railways, buses, and other transport projects.
Water: irrigation, water supply, and sanitation projects.
Education: schools, universities, and other education projects.
Health: hospitals, clinics, and other health projects.
Social protection: social safety nets, pensions, and other social protection programs.
