ADB approves $400-mn to fund quality infra projects

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved $400-million policy-based loan to India with the aim of enhancing infrastructure quality, ensuring the delivery of reliable public services, and establishing efficient governance systems. This loan is part of Sub-programme 2 within ADB's Sustainable Urban Development and Service Delivery Programme. India's focus on improving urban areas to make them more liveable with resilient and sustainable infrastructure aligns with ADB Strategy 2030. The program also includes comprehensive reforms to manage urban expansion and encourage systematic and planned urbanization. Specifically, Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) will promote the modernization of building regulations, land pooling, and urban mobility planning through transit-oriented development. Such integrated planning will encompass aspects like climate and disaster resilience and enhancements to the urban environment, among other objectives.