India, ADB Sign $125 Million Loan for Assam

On 22nd September 2025, the Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $125 million loan agreement to improve urban liveability and strengthen climate resilience in six district headquarters and Guwahati, Assam, benefiting over 3.6 lakh residents.

Key Points

Urban Liveability Project: The project aims to provide continuous metered water supply and upgrade stormwater management systems in key urban areas of Assam.
Water Supply Infrastructure: Six new water treatment plants with a combined capacity of 72 million litres per day will be constructed, along with 800 kilometres of distribution pipelines across Barpeta, Bongaigaon, Dhubri, Goalpara, Golaghat, and Nalbari district headquarters.
Non-Revenue Water Control: A real-time monitoring system will be deployed to maintain non-revenue water levels below 20 per cent, improving efficiency and reducing losses.
Stormwater Management in Guwahati: The project will enhance flood management in the Bahini Basin through diversion channels, upgraded drainage systems, and a nature-based retention pond to reduce flood discharge and improve groundwater recharge.
Institutional Strengthening: Urban governance will be strengthened through institutional reforms and capacity building, ensuring sustainable project outcomes.
Assam State Institute for Urban Development: A dedicated institute will be established in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati to support knowledge development, training, and urban planning initiatives.