Safeguard Policy Statement & Strategy 2020 Midterm Review
India:
Improving Road Links
Second Jharkhand State Road Project
Development State roads reconstructed or
impact:
rehabilitated
Sector:
Transport Road transport (non-
urban) - Transport policies and
institutional development
Governance
Drivers of
Change:
Capacity development
Project Term:
2015 2020
ADB Financing:
$200 million
PROJECT SUMMARY:
Roads are the dominant form of transport in the Jharkhand state, but
about 40% of the main network is in poor condition, hampering mobility
and opportunities between remote areas and industrial and economic
centers. Jharkhand has an estimated 40% of India's mineral resources,
but it is also one of the poorest states, with over a third of its 33 million
people living below the state poverty line.
Jharkhand has set out a $2.5 billion investment plan to improve over
6,000 km of roads in 2012-2017, and ADB supported the state's goals
with an initial loan for road improvements in 2009. The new assistance
will continue the ongoing physical upgrades, as well as building up the
capacity of the State Highways Authority of Jharkhand to design, plan,
and maintain roads, and adopt a road safety master plan. The state's
road accident rate is sharply higher than the national average.
A number of safety and environmentally friendly features are included
in the project design, including over 60 bus stop shelters; 50 km of
raised sidewalks in urban areas; 4 km of dedicated bicycle lanes; and
solar-powered street lights. The project will also generate employment
opportunities for residents in five districts, including for women, who
will get a guaranteed share of a least 20% of jobs for afforestation work
alongside the upgraded roads.
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