Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal met Asian Development Bank President Mr Masato Kanda in Delhi to discuss urban development collaboration. The Minister appreciated ADB’s role in knowledge frameworks supporting Union Budget 2025–26 priorities and sought support in pilot projects to serve as future models for city development.

The meeting covered inclusive housing, mass transit, sanitation, urban governance, and reform. Shri Lal highlighted India's multi-modal mobility boom, and successes under missions such as Swachh Bharat, AMRUT, and PMAY-Urban. He stressed that ADB’s alignment with India’s goals could help build sustainable and inclusive urban centres.

Mr Kanda praised the progress in the Rapid Rail Transit System, noting its impact on transport, pollution control, and social integration. He encouraged private sector involvement for innovative, integrated urban development.

The two leaders discussed enhancing the Urban Challenge Fund, with city-level support to improve project viability. It aims to transform services in one hundred cities by treating them as growth hubs. Shri Lal expressed interest in demonstration projects as lighthouse models.

The meeting concluded with Mr Srinivas Katikithala, Secretary of Housing and Urban Affairs, thanking ADB for its commitment to India’s urban future.

Source
Press Information Bureau (PIB), Ministry of Power