Kolkata's Mega Drain: ADB's $200M Investment

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $200 million loan to strengthen Kolkata’s sewerage and drainage infrastructure, making it more resilient to climate change and natural disasters. This initiative aims to enhance urban livability and mitigate flood risks.

Part of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation Sustainability, Hygiene, and Resilience (Sector) Project, the investment seeks to improve public health and living conditions, particularly for vulnerable groups like women and children, ADB stated.

Kolkata, one of India’s most densely populated cities, faces persistent urban flooding and sanitation challenges due to inadequate drainage and sewerage systems. These issues are exacerbated by increasingly frequent heavy rainfall linked to climate change.

To address this, the project will develop 84 kilometers of trunk and secondary sewerage and drainage pipelines, 176 kilometers of lateral pipelines connecting households, and 50,000 new sewer connections. It will also include a new sewage treatment plant and five pumping stations.

Once completed, the project is expected to benefit over 277,000 residents, significantly improving sanitation and flood resilience in the city.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.