The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $125 million loan to enhance urban livability and bolster climate resilience in six district headquarters and Guwahati, in the State of Assam.
The Assam Urban Sector Development Project will benefit 360,000 residents by delivering continuous metered water supply and upgrading stormwater management systems. It also seeks to strengthen urban governance through institutional reforms and capacity building.
“The project aligns with ADB’s commitment to support India’s urban agenda to transform cities into engines of economic growth,” said ADB Country Director for India Mio Oka. “This transformative project will not only improve basic urban services but also empower communities, especially women and disadvantaged groups, through inclusive climate-resilient infrastructure and digital governance in Assam. By investing in climate-resilient systems and urban reforms, Assam is setting a benchmark for sustainable urban development in India.”
Key infrastructure investments include the construction of six water treatment plants with a combined capacity of 72 million liters per day and 800 kilometers of distribution pipelines in the district headquarters of Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Dhubri, Goalpara, Golaghat, and Nalbari. The project will also deploy a real-time monitoring system, aiming to manage nonrevenue water below 20%.
In Guwahati, the project will enhance stormwater management in the Bahini Basin with the flood diversion channels, upgraded drainage systems, and a nature-based retention pond to reduce flood discharge and improve groundwater recharge.
The project also includes the establishment of the Assam State Institute for Urban Development in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati. Additionally, it will roll out a GIS-based property tax database, digital water billing systems, and a volumetric water tariff structure across project towns to improve financial sustainability and service delivery.
A strong emphasis on supporting women and girls and social inclusion is embedded throughout the project. Activities include training women self-help groups in water operations, internships for college-age women, and conducting school outreach programs to promote awareness of water, sanitation, and hygiene.
ADB is a leading multilateral development bank supporting inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth across Asia and the Pacific. Working with its members and partners to solve complex challenges together, ADB harnesses innovative financial tools and strategic partnerships to transform lives, build quality infrastructure, and safeguard our planet. Founded in 1966, ADB is owned by 69 members—50 from the region.
