India and ADB Sign $250 Million Agreement for Delhi-Meerut RRTS Corridor

On December 15, 2023, the Government of India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) joined hands, signing a significant agreement for a 37 billion Japanese Yen ($250 million) loan. This funding will continue to support the construction of the 82-kilometer Delhi-Meerut Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor. The loan, amounting to 37 billion Japanese Yen, is part of a broader $1,049 million Multi-tranche Financing Facility (MFF) approved by ADB in 2020 for the RRTS project.

ADB’s Support for RRTS

The first tranche of the ADB loan, totaling $500 million, was further co-financed by $500 million from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). This financial support underscores ADB’s commitment to enhancing urban mobility and creating multi-modal hubs for efficient transport interchange.

Project’s Impact and Benefits

  • The RRTS, a priority rail corridor under the NCR Regional Plan 2021, aims to connect Delhi with cities in adjoining states.
  • The project would significantly improve urban mobility, with economic impacts benefiting women and differently-abled individuals.
  • The RRTS is designed to provide fast, safe, and high-capacity commuter transit services, cutting travel time from 3-4 hours to about 1 hour.
  • It is a low-carbon and efficient railway system, contributing to substantial reductions in CO2 emissions.
  • The project aligns with climate change mitigation efforts, showcasing the commitment to sustainable and environmentally friendly transportation.
  • The 82-km corridor will traverse populated sections of the national capital region, fostering economic and employment opportunities.
  • The RRTS project is poised to be a game-changer, offering a transformative solution for commuters and contributing to regional development.

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