The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 139.55 million loan for the Puducherry Integrated Urban Livability Improvement Project, aimed at upgrading urban infrastructure, strengthening water supply and sanitation networks, and improving municipal governance in the Union Territory. The project will focus on developing climate-resilient civic infrastructure, modernising public spaces and strengthening the financial and institutional capacity of municipal authorities. This marks ADB’s first engagement in Puducherry.
Under the project, 100 km of the existing water supply network will be upgraded, while 80 km of new pipelines will be laid. The plan also includes construction of overhead service reservoirs, establishment of district metered areas and installation of brackish water reverse osmosis (BWRO) desalination plants.
The sewerage infrastructure will receive a major upgrade through the construction of 270 km of underground sewer networks and rehabilitation of 80 km of existing sewer lines. A new sewage treatment plant with a capacity of 50 million litres per day (MLD) will also be established to strengthen wastewater management.
The project further includes development of 4.5 km of pedestrian walkways designed to be accessible to persons with disabilities. Drainage systems will be improved through concrete lining and stabilisation works to enhance pedestrian safety, reduce flooding risks and strengthen resilience against extreme weather events.
Beyond physical infrastructure, ADB’s funding will support improvements in municipal revenue collection, financial management systems and the introduction of a digital municipal service management platform. Integrated planning for water security and inclusive sanitation will also form part of the initiative.
ADB Country Director for India Mio Oka said the project would support Puducherry’s transformation into a more liveable, tourism-friendly and resilient growth hub.