Uttarakhand secures Rs 1,910 crore from European Investment Bank for urban infrastructure projects

Uttarakhand has successfully secured ₹1,910 crore in funding from the European Investment Bank (EIB) to boost urban infrastructure development across the state, officials confirmed on Thursday.

The funding marks a major milestone for the state under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.

In a statement, CM Dhami highlighted the government's ongoing focus on infrastructure improvement. "We are continuously working for the development of infrastructure facilities in the state. The proposed scheme will promote cleanliness along with the supply of pure drinking water in the urban areas benefiting from it," he said.

The agreement follows a series of negotiations between the Government of India, the Uttarakhand government, and the EIB. Project discussions were held for initiatives proposed under the Uttarakhand Urban Sector Development Agency (UUSDA), with a focus on Pithoragarh, Sitarganj, Rudrapur, and Kashipur.

The proposed funding will cover drinking water and sewerage projects in Pithoragarh, and drinking water systems in Sitarganj, Rudrapur, and Kashipur. Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for these works have already been prepared and reviewed by the Department of Economic Affairs (DEA), Ministry of Finance, which subsequently shared them with the EIB.

The DEA and EIB officially approved the projects during a virtual meeting on Thursday, where representatives including Mrs. Aparna Bhatia (DEA), Mr. Maximilian (EIB), and Chandresh Kumar, Secretary of the Uttarakhand Government, participated in discussions.

During the meeting, both the EIB and the DEA commended UUSDA for its comprehensive project preparation and presentation. It was decided that the project agreements will be signed in June 2025, after which the tender process will commence.

Program Director Chandresh Kumar emphasized the importance of such developments, particularly in border regions. "Availability of drinking water and sanitation services is very important in a border town like Pithoragarh. These basic facilities improve the standard of living, which accelerates the overall development of the state," he said.

The agreement is seen as a significant step forward in enhancing urban living standards and strengthening critical infrastructure in key towns across Uttarakhand.