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The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $200 million loan to enhance urban mobility and expand metro rail corridors in Nagpur, India. The Nagpur Metro Urban Mobility Project aims to improve transport connectivity within Nagpur's rapidly growing urban areas, providing efficient, safe, and environmentally-friendly public transport to ease commuter travel and boost productivity.
“ADB’s support will extend Nagpur’s metro rail network to meet rising travel demand and enhance the economy,” said ADB Principal Transport Specialist Sharad Saxena. “This project will make the city more livable improving the urban environment and mobility of residents and enhancing their access to basic services”.
The project includes the extension of four metro rail corridors in Nagpur: from Automotive Square to Kanhan, Prajapati Nagar to Transport Nagar, Khapri to Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation ESR, and Lokmanya Nagar to Hingna. The extension will cover 43.8 kilometers of elevated metro rail corridors with 32 stations, equipped with modern safety and security technology, designed to cater to women, students, and people with disabilities.
ADB's funding will support the Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha Metro) in improving the connectivity of metro rail stations to the city's transport services, such as buses, e-rickshaws, e-scooters, and bicycles. It will also promote non-motorized transportation, providing last-mile connectivity to the outskirts of Nagpur.
In addition to infrastructure development, the project will help Maha Metro develop a five-year institutional action plan, including a gender equality and social inclusion-responsive workplace strategy. The plan will enhance Maha Metro's digital project management platform and provide training for staff on metro planning and management. The initiative will also focus on increasing employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for women and disadvantaged groups through skills training, internships, and apprenticeships.
The ADB is committed to achieving a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific, while continuing its efforts to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, ADB is owned by 68 members, 49 of which are from the region. This project is a part of ADB's broader commitment to enhancing infrastructure and urban development in member countries, contributing to their economic growth and improving the quality of life for their residents.
