ADB Approves $400 Million Results-Based Program to Upgrade Maharashtra Roads

Overview

• The program will upgrade about 350 km of state highways and 2,577 km of rural roads spanning 34 districts.
• Priority regions include Marathwada and Vidarbha, with projects designed to connect rural communities to markets, logistics corridors, healthcare facilities and schools.
• ADB estimates more than 1.7 million people living near the improved routes will benefit, including residents of at least 80 villages and around 410 rural communities.
• Financing uses a results-based lending structure that consolidates implementing agencies’ efforts and ties disbursements to measurable progress.
• Design measures add climate- and disaster-resilient works, strengthened maintenance and safety using iRAP and a safe-systems approach, technology upgrades and gender initiatives such as nontraditional skills training and stipend internships for women.