Mumbai, Oct. 27 -- The World Bank has proposed the Sustainable Urban Transformation in Rajasthan Accelerated (SUTRA) project to upgrade urban infrastructure, civic services and sustainable development across 32 urban local bodies. The initiative will cover four clusters centred on Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota and Bharatpur, along with 28 associated satellite towns. Their combined population is projected to exceed 7.8 mn by 2026.

The proposed project will focus on urban transport and connectivity, solid waste management, civic amenities and heritage conservation. It also seeks to address recurring challenges such as water scarcity during extreme heat and waterlogging during the monsoon through improved infrastructure and more resilient urban services. Heritage revitalisation is expected to support the region's architectural legacy and tourism potential.

SUTRA will also seek to strengthen the financial and administrative capacity of urban local bodies. Proposed measures include better revenue administration and debt management, stronger municipal borrowing capacity and greater mobilisation of private and commercial capital for urban infrastructure. The measures are intended to improve municipal financial sustainability and support long-term investment in essential services.

The Rajasthan Urban Infrastructure Development Project will act as the implementing agency. The proposed financing package comprises a $270 mn loan from the World Bank's International Bank for Reconstruction and Development and $115.7 mn from the Rajasthan government. The total project cost is estimated at $385.7 mn, equivalent to more than Rs. 35 bn based on the stated rupee estimate.

Project documentation indicates that the technical design review is anticipated by December 10, while World Bank Board approval is anticipated by July 2, 2027. The project's eventual impact will depend on approval, implementation quality, effective use of financing and the ability of municipal institutions to sustain improved services. By combining infrastructure upgrades, heritage conservation and governance reforms, SUTRA is intended to provide a coordinated framework for development across the selected clusters.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.