September 07, 2008

ADB and WB grant funds for projects in North East

Indian government has taken a special initiative to mobilize external aid, including from Asian Development Bank and World Bank, for up gradation of the North Eastern regions roads, bridges, urban infrastructure and boosting trade.

At present, there are three ADB assisted and two World Bank assisted projects in the North Eastern region. The projects include ADB assisted North Eastern State Roads Project, North Eastern Urban Development Project, NE States Trade Investment Creation Initiative Project, World Bank assisted North Eastern Region Livelihood Projects and Study on Water, Natural Resources & Environment.

The main objective of North Eastern State Roads Project is to upgrade 1300 kilometer of priority roads, 5500 meters of bridges and construction of 4700 meters of causeway Irish crossings in the eight North Eastern states so as to facilitate regional integration and trade flows. The total estimated cost of the project is USD 428 million of which ADB proposed to finance up to USD 300 million and government of India is required to finance the balance USD 128 million.

Through North Eastern Urban Development Project, centre seeks to improve urban infrastructure in nine cities in the region in 2 phases. The estimated cost of phase I of the project is USD 350 million.