ADB Gives India $1 Billion for City Sustainability Growth

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $1 billion loan to help India build better and stronger cities. The money will support new city projects and help improve daily life for millions of people.

The loan will help India carry out its Urban Challenge Fund. This plan will help cities grow in a safe and smart way. It will improve roads, public spaces and city services. It will also help make cities cleaner and better for families.

The program will support Sustainability by helping cities use better planning and modern digital systems. These changes can make local governments work faster and more openly. The plan will also help cities raise money through new ways such as municipal bonds.

ADB said the program will also help protect women and girls by making public places safer. It will support better transport and stronger local groups that manage city services.

India's cities are very important to the country's future. They create nearly 70% of new jobs and produce about 63% of the country's economy. That number is expected to grow to 75% by 2030.

ADB has worked with India on city projects since 2024. It has also given $3 million in technical help to support the Urban Challenge Fund.

Officials say the new loan will help cities grow, bring in more investment and improve life for people across India. The goal is to build strong and sustainable cities for the years ahead.