World Bank Proposes ₹3,500-Crore Project To Transform Urban Infrastructure In Rajasthan

The World Bank has introduced a $385.7 million initiative aimed at enhancing urban infrastructure and civic services in Rajasthan. The Sustainable Urban Transformation in Rajasthan Accelerated (SUTRA) project is set to impact 32 urban local bodies and 28 satellite towns, spanning four primary clusters around Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, and Bharatpur, and encompassing a population of over 7.8 million by 2026.

This substantial investment, totaling Rs 3,500 crore, seeks to foster planned urban development, elevate the standard of living, and make cities more sustainable and habitable through infrastructure expansion, improved transportation, solid waste management, and the enhancement of civic amenities. Rajasthan's rich cultural and tourism heritage is expected to significantly influence the project, focusing on the conservation and revitalization of historical landmarks.

The initiative also targets enhancing city mobility and connectivity between urban centers and their peripheral towns, while addressing climate-related issues such as heat, water scarcity, and waterlogging. Additionally, the project aims to bolster the financial stability of local bodies by streamlining revenue management, optimizing debt practices, and expanding municipal borrowing capabilities.

The Rajasthan Urban Infrastructure Development Project (RUIDP) is designated to oversee the implementation, with the project's technical design set for review on December 10, and a projected approval by the World Bank's Board by July 2, 2027.