In a collaborative effort to enhance connectivity and fortify the resilience of roads in the state of Madhya Pradesh, the Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed a $175 million loan agreement. The initiative, named the ‘Enhancing Connectivity and Resilience of the Madhya Pradesh Road Network Project,’ aims to foster balanced economic development across 14 districts in the state.
The loan agreement was signed by Juhi Mukherjee, Joint Secretary, Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, representing the Government of India, and Takeo Konishi, Country Director of ADB’s India Resident Mission, on behalf of ADB.
Mukherjee expressed confidence that this project will significantly improve connectivity in the state road network, contributing to more balanced economic growth in Madhya Pradesh.
ADB, having supported road development in Madhya Pradesh since 2002, has previously upgraded over 9,000 kilometers of state highways and major district roads. The current project builds on these efforts, focusing on upgrading approximately 500 kilometers of state highways and major district roads to a standard two-lane feature. These upgraded roads will incorporate climate- and disaster-resilient design, innovative road safety elements, and amenities catering to the needs of various demographics, including the elderly, women, children, and people with disabilities.
Konishi emphasized the project’s broader objectives, stating, ‘This project continues these efforts and will connect rural areas to growth centers and industrial corridors, establishing roads that are better, safer, and more climate-resilient.’
ADB will also play a pivotal role in building the capacity of the Madhya Pradesh Road Development Corporation Limited (MPRDC). The capacity-building efforts will focus on climate change adaptation and mitigation, disaster resilience, and road safety in road network planning and management. The project includes strategies and plans for utilizing green technology in road construction and establishing charging infrastructure for electric vehicles.
Furthermore, the project will support the formulation of a gender equality and social inclusion strategy by MPRDC, along with an internship program aimed at attracting female students to work in the road sector. Women self-help groups will be engaged to promote road safety awareness, and livelihood and entrepreneurship training programs for women and girls will be conducted. Additionally, at least two roadside markets will be constructed, contributing to local economic development.
The collaborative endeavor reflects a commitment to sustainable and inclusive infrastructure development, aligning with India’s vision for robust and resilient road networks across the nation.
