India Inks $210 Million Agreement With World Bank To Improve Rural Connectivity In Madhya Pradesh

The Ministry of Finance today (24 April) said that India has signed a loan agreement with the World Bank worth $210 million to improve rural connectivity in Madhya Pradesh, reports PTI. The loan will fund the construction and development of 10,510 km of rural roads in the central Indian state under the Chief Minister's Gram Sadak Yojana (CMGSY) programme.

Around 10,000 km of existing roads will be upgraded from the current gravel surface to bituminous roads, while 510 km of new bituminous roads will be built.

A statement from the finance ministry stated that the project aimed to improve the durability and safety of roads in the state and enhance the state's capacity to manage its rural road network.

An official from the state government said that the improved roads will also improve the rural lifestyle and economy of the state. Activities that will be undertaken include resilience measures such as embankment pitching, surface sealing of roads, and balancing culverts to prevent damages caused by extreme floods.