Indian government and Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a loan agreement of $61 million in order to improve liveability, promote new developments and harness technology.

Key Facts

• The loan agreement will help in accommodating the expanding population in Agartala city.
• It will also build capacity of state agencies for improved service delivery.

Agartala City Urban Development Project

Loan agreement between India and ADB was signed for Agartala City After Urban Development Project. This project is aligned with the vision of Centre’s Smart City Mission for upgrade urban infrastructure services. It will improve liveability in Agartala by providing better road connectivity, flood resilient measures as well as by making tourist places more attractive. ADB seeks to catalyse synergies with components of smart city which are being implemented in Agartala by means of this project. Components of the scheme include:
1. Shifting of electrical lines,
2. Improving road geometry,
3. Incorporating elderly, children, women, & differently abled responsive features
4. Urban design interventions.

Provision of Asset management

The scheme comprises of the provisions of an asset management and sustainability strategy, livelihood improvement of street vendors & artisans, and capacity-building of tourism operators. These provisions will act as a model for other assets and tourist attractions in Agartala.

Upgradation of water drainage system

Under the project, 48 kilometres of new or existing storm water drainage will be built and upgraded. 23 kms of climate-resilient urban roads will also be constructed. Other projects include renovation of open spaces, water recreation and lakeside walkways in Maharaja Bir Bikram College Lake etc.