Rajasthan may get Rs 1500 cr ADB loan

Jaipur, Mar 11 (UNI) Rajasthan can expect a loan of Rs 1500 crore from the Asian Development Bank (ADB), for heritage conservation and restoration of its historical monuments.

On a day long visit here today, ADB chairman Haruhiko Kuroda, during an informal chat with the media, said he was satisfied with the developmental work done in Jaipur n the first phase.

Having reviewed the sewage treatment plant in Delawas, Sanganer, and the new wing of Mahila Chikitsalaya here, Mr Kuroda said ADB will intensify its efforts and pave the way for real progress in Rajasthan, focusing on the development of urban infrastructure.

He said ADB's major thrust areas include improving economy of the region, reducing poverty, health care and aid in highway construction.

ADB's loan of Rs 1615 crore for the first phase was for infrastructure development for water supply and sewage treatment and Mass Rapid Transport System (MRTS). Out of the total amount, Rs 800 crore was for Jaipur alone .

Mr Kuroda also said not only Rajasthan, but states like Jammu and Kashmir and North-East will benefit from the ADB loans, especially in the social and power sector.

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