The government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have signed agreements for three loans worth over USD 800 million to fund key development projects in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat, marking a continued push to strengthen infrastructure and skill development across the country.
The loan agreements cover the Maharashtra Power Distribution Enhancement Programme for Agricultural Solarization (USD 500 million), the Indore Metro Rail Project (27,147,200,000 yen, equivalent to USD 190.6 million), and the Gujarat Skills Development Programme (USD 109.97 million), according to a finance ministry statement on Saturday.
In addition, a Technical Assistance (TA) grant of USD 1 million was also signed to provide implementation support for the upcoming Sustainable Wetland and Integrated Fisheries Transformation (SWIFT) Project in Assam, aimed at enhancing the state’s wetland ecosystems and boosting fisheries-based livelihoods.
These agreements come at a time when India is focusing on sustainable growth, renewable energy adoption, and preparing its workforce for emerging high-growth sectors. The ADB has been a key development partner for India over the past decades, financing projects that range from urban transport and renewable energy to skill development and water resource management.
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The Maharashtra project will modernise rural power infrastructure, promote distributed renewable energy generation, and improve agricultural productivity by providing farmers with reliable daytime solar electricity for irrigation. By 2028, the programme aims to supply daytime electricity to at least 900,000 agricultural consumers. The project includes upgradation of substations, installation of transformers, construction of high- and low-tension lines, and deployment of 500 MWh of battery storage to ensure seamless integration of renewable power.
The Indore Metro Rail Project, part of India’s urban transport expansion, aims to improve mobility, reduce traffic congestion, and promote public transport adoption in one of Madhya Pradesh’s fastest-growing cities.
The Gujarat Skills Development Programme seeks to equip the state’s workforce with industry-aligned, advanced skills to boost employability in high-growth sectors such as logistics, automotive, manufacturing, information technology, renewable energy, healthcare and agri-tech. The initiative, led by the state’s Labour, Skill Development and Employment Department, will focus on training youth and enabling them to access quality jobs in emerging industries.
These projects align with the government’s broader strategy to modernise infrastructure, enhance renewable energy adoption, improve urban mobility, and create a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of India’s growing economy. With ADB’s support, the initiatives are expected to accelerate development while promoting sustainability, inclusivity and economic growth across multiple states.
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