Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Nov 29: The Indian government has inked agreements with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for three loans totaling over $800 million, alongside a $1 million Technical Assistance grant for Assam. The funding will support projects in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and the upcoming Sustainable Wetland and Integrated Fisheries Transformation (SWIFT) Project in Assam.
Project Details:
1. Maharashtra Power Distribution Enhancement Programme for Agricultural Solarisation – $500 million
o Modernises rural power infrastructure and promotes distributed renewable energy generation.
o Provides daytime solar electricity to at least 900,000 agricultural consumers by 2028.
o Upgrades include substations, transformers, high- and low-tension lines, and 500 MWh battery storage.
o Aims to improve agricultural productivity through reliable irrigation electricity.
2. Indore Metro Rail Project, Madhya Pradesh – $190.6 million (Japanese Yen-denominated loan)
o Constructs an 8.62-km underground Metro line with seven stations, improving connectivity between congested areas and the airport.
o Integrates multimodal transport with existing bus and feeder services.
o The Madhya Pradesh Metro Rail Corporation Limited will implement the project, with operations expected by January 2030.
3. Gujarat Skills Development Programme – $109.97 million
o Strengthens workforce capabilities in high-growth sectors: logistics, automotive, manufacturing, IT, renewable energy, healthcare, and agri-tech.
o Upgrades 11 mega ITIs, establishes centres of excellence, and partners with private training providers via a hub-and-spoke model led by Kaushalya: The Skill University (KSU).
4. Technical Assistance (TA) Grant for Assam – $1 million
o Supports the upcoming SWIFT Project for sustainable wetland and integrated fisheries development.
The loans and grant are part of India’s ongoing efforts to modernise infrastructure, enhance skill development, and boost renewable energy integration, leveraging ADB’s technical and financial support.