The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $181 million loan for the Ahmedabad Peri-urban Liveability Improvement Project in Gujarat, India. The initiative focuses on enhancing urban liveability and mobility in Ahmedabad's peri-urban areas. Key components include the construction of a 166 km water distribution network, 126 km climate-resilient stormwater drainage, 300 km sewerage systems, and four sewage treatment plants. Additionally, the project supports 10 junction improvements along the Sardar Patel Ring Road for better connectivity. ADB aims to strengthen technology-based urban planning, emphasizing climate resilience, gender equality, and social inclusion. The initiative can serve as a model for controlling urban sprawl in a rapidly urbanizing India.
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has sanctioned a substantial $181 million loan to propel infrastructural development in the peri-urban regions of Ahmedabad, Gujarat. Termed the Ahmedabad Peri-urban Liveability Improvement Project, it is poised to significantly enhance urban liveability and mobility in the specified areas.
This financial infusion by ADB aims to fortify the quality of infrastructure and services catering to the enhancement of urban living conditions in Ahmedabad's peri-urban zones. The comprehensive plan encompasses the construction of a 166 km water distribution network, 126 km climate-resilient stormwater drainage system, 300 km sewerage network, and the establishment of four sewage treatment plants. It additionally allocates resources for 10 junction improvements along the existing Sardar Patel Ring Road, strategically designed to improve connectivity between the peri-urban areas and Ahmedabad city.
Beyond the physical aspects of development, ADB's involvement extends to capacity-building efforts for the Ahmedabad Urban Development Authority (AUDA) and urban local bodies. The focus here is on fostering technology-driven urban planning with an emphasis on climate change and disaster-resilient infrastructure. This approach is geared towards promoting environmental and social safeguards, with gender equality and social inclusion forming a crucial aspect of the broader developmental strategy.
ADB Principal Urban Development Specialist, Sanjay Joshi, highlighted the vision of the project. Envisaging the development of the areas surrounding Ahmedabad, the initiative aims to tackle urban sprawl effectively. This planning model could be replicated in other states. This forward-thinking approach is indicative of the broader impact and potential scalability of the project.
The project's objectives extend beyond infrastructure, emphasizing an upgrade to basic services and a fortification of urban management in the targeted peri-urban areas. This dual-pronged strategy seeks not only to raise the quality of life for residents but also to foster an environment conducive to sustained economic growth, thus positioning it as a catalyst for comprehensive regional development.
The ADB, owned by 68 members, including 49 nations from the region, is headquartered in Manila, Philippines. It remains committed to fostering robust and sustainable development practices that transcend mere physical infrastructure, emphasizing a holistic and inclusive approach.
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