Jaipur:
In a significant boost to infrastructure development in Rajasthan, the World Bank has approved a $225 million (around ₹1,800 crore) project aimed at improving road connectivity, safety, and overall transport efficiency across the state.
The initiative is expected to strengthen key highway corridors, enhance mobility, and support economic activities by improving access between industrial, agricultural, mining, and tourism hubs.
Key Highlights of the Project
- The $225 million funding has been approved by the World Bank for Rajasthan’s highway modernization programme.
- The project will focus on improving road connectivity, efficiency, and safety across major corridors.
- Nearly 800 km of selected highway stretches are expected to be upgraded and maintained under the initiative.
- The plan aims to make roads safer, climate-resilient, and more reliable for commuters.
- The project is expected to benefit over 3 million people across the state.
Focus on Economic Growth and Job Creation
According to the project framework, improved road infrastructure is expected to play a crucial role in boosting economic growth and job creation across Rajasthan. Better connectivity will help reduce travel time between key production and market centres, strengthening supply chains and improving logistics efficiency.
The project is also expected to enhance access to major tourism destinations, further supporting Rajasthan’s growing tourism sector.
Road Safety and Modernisation Push
A major component of the initiative includes strengthening road safety management systems to reduce accidents and improve traffic regulation on high-density routes. The project also aims to modernize the state’s highway management system, shifting toward a more performance-based and service-oriented infrastructure model.
Officials noted that Rajasthan’s rapid economic growth has not been fully matched by its road infrastructure, making such investments critical for long-term development.
Long-Term Financing Structure
The World Bank financing comes through the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and includes a long repayment tenure of around 35 years with a grace period, reflecting its long-term infrastructure development approach.
Background
Rajasthan, one of India’s largest states, serves as a key connectivity gateway linking a significant share of the country’s markets. The state government has been focusing on expanding and modernizing road infrastructure to support industrial growth, tourism, and regional development.
