ADB lends $350M to upgrade Indian roads

MANILA, Philippines: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $350 million loan to upgrade district roads in India’s Madhya Pradesh state in a project which will tackle an important link in road improvements.

“Madhya Pradesh, India’s second largest state, has widely scattered industrial and growth centers and agricultural production areas, so an efficient and safe road network is essential for the economy and well-being of citizens,” said Ravi Peri, Principal Transport Specialist, Transport and Communications Division, South Asia Department. “The loan, which is ADB’s first in the district roads sector in India, will address a neglected part of ongoing road network upgrades, with these secondary roads providing a key link between rural roads and state highways.”