The Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the Government of India have recently made headlines by sanctioning a $177 million loan to refurbish state highways and prominent district roads in Maharashtra. This project aims to introduce enhancements in multiple areas including road safety, maintenance, staff training, and overall connectivity.
Project Coverage
This initiative will oversee the upgrade of two major district roads and 11 state highways, covering a total length of 450 km. The primary objective is to establish better connectivity across the state, thus aiding quicker and more efficient travels.
Road Safety Enhancement Measures
A significant aspect of this project is the development of a road safety audit framework. This framework is designed to ensure the safety of vulnerable sections of the society such as the elderly, women, and children. To achieve this, the project will incorporate top international safety practices.
Modernising the Road Maintenance System
The project aims to modernise the road maintenance system by imposing 5-year performance-based maintenance obligations on contractors. This approach is intended to maintain asset quality and service levels over long periods through consistent check-ups and necessary upgrades.
Empowering PWD Staff with Training
Training for the Maharashtra Public Works Department project staff is another vital component of this project. The training will help increase their competence in climate change adaptation, disaster resilience in road design, road maintenance planning, and road safety.
Improving Connectivity across Maharashtra
The project’s primary objective is to enhance connectivity to national highways, interstate roads, seaports, airports, rail hubs, district headquarters, industrial areas, enterprise clusters, and agricultural areas. This step is aimed at improving access to markets, employment opportunities, and services.
Benefits of Enhanced Infrastructure
Improved mobility through this initiative will open up development and livelihood opportunities outside of the state’s major urban centers to second-tier cities and towns. This could significantly reduce income disparities and help in balanced growth across the state.
About the Asian Development Bank
Founded on 19th December 1966, the Asian Development Bank is a regional development bank with 68 members, including 49 from Asia itself. Its mission is to foster social and economic development in Asia and the Pacific. The ADB, headquartered in Manila, Philippines, is steadfastly committed to fostering a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific while intensifying efforts to eradicate extreme poverty.