AIIB approves $ 145 million irrigation, $ 65 million solar investments in India

28 Dec 2019 CW Staff

West Bengal has 37,660 sq km of flood-prone areas out of a total area of 88,752 sq km. An analysis of the floods over the last 41 years shows that the eastern state has faced severe floods in all but five years. Another concern is the potential threat of climate change, which may have complex implications on water availability and amplify challenges for 70 per cent of the local population dependent on agriculture.

The project, co-financed with the World Bank, is expected to strengthen the management of the Damodar Valley Command Area irrigation scheme to improve service delivery and efficiency. The funds will also be used to modernise irrigation infrastructure at main, branch, distributary and minor canal levels and invest in structural measures to reduce flooding in the project area.

“This investment will help thousands of farmers get adequate water through scientific water conservation and distribution methods,” said AIIB Vice President and Chief Investment Officer DJ Pandian. “To support proper irrigation of the affected area, this project will also help build local technical capacity to improve water service delivery and efficient use.”

Meanwhile, as part of ongoing efforts to mobilise private capital for infrastructure, President Jin also approved a USD 65-million 250-MW solar power project in Jodhpur, the second largest city in the north-western Rajasthan state. Hero Future Energies, an independent power producer, is developing the project via its special purpose vehicle Clean Solar Power (Jodhpur). The project will add 250 MW of solar capacity and result in clean energy generation of 616 MWh in 2022.

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank’s (AIIB) Board of Directors has approved a USD 145-million loan to India to improve irrigation service delivery and strengthen flood risk management in West Bengal. Earlier this month, AIIB President Jin Liqun also approved a USD 65-million 250-megawatt (MW) solar power project in Jodhpur.West Bengal has 37,660 sq km of flood-prone areas out of a total area of 88,752 sq km. An analysis of the floods over the last 41 years shows that the eastern state has faced severe floods in all but five years. Another concern is the potential threat of climate change, which may have complex implications on water availability and amplify challenges for 70 per cent of the local population dependent on agriculture. The project, co-financed with the World Bank, is expected to strengthen the management of the Damodar Valley Command Area irrigation scheme to improve service delivery and efficiency. The funds will also be used to modernise irrigation infrastructure at main, branch, distributary and minor canal levels and invest in structural measures to reduce flooding in the project area. “This investment will help thousands of farmers get adequate water through scientific water conservation and distribution methods,” said AIIB Vice President and Chief Investment Officer DJ Pandian. “To support proper irrigation of the affected area, this project will also help build local technical capacity to improve water service delivery and efficient use.”Meanwhile, as part of ongoing efforts to mobilise private capital for infrastructure, President Jin also approved a USD 65-million 250-MW solar power project in Jodhpur, the second largest city in the north-western Rajasthan state. Hero Future Energies, an independent power producer, is developing the project via its special purpose vehicle Clean Solar Power (Jodhpur). The project will add 250 MW of solar capacity and result in clean energy generation of 616 MWh in 2022.

Infrastructure Transport

18 Dec 2025

RVNL secures Rs 1.65 billion railway bridge project from North Eastern Railway

Rail Vikas Nigam (RVNL) has received a Letter of Award (LoA) from North Eastern Railway for a Rs 1.65 billion railway infrastructure project, strengthening its order book and showcasing its expertise in complex railway construction.The project involves constructing the substructure of a major railway bridge over the Gandak River, located between Paniyahwa and Valmikinagar stations. This is part of the doubling of the Gorakhpur Cantt–Valmikinagar railway section, aimed at improving line capacity and operational efficiency.The bridge will feature 14 spans of 61 metres each, built on double D-t..

Infrastructure Transport

18 Dec 2025

Raebareli’s Modern Coach Factory rolls out 15,000th railway coach

The Modern Coach Factory (MCF) at Raebareli in Uttar Pradesh has achieved a major manufacturing milestone with the rollout of its 15,000th railway coach on December 15, the Ministry of Railways said.In a press note, the ministry said that MCF has already produced 1,310 coaches in the current financial year 2025–26, reflecting sustained high output at one of Indian Railways’ most advanced passenger coach manufacturing units.Established in 2007 at Lalganj in Raebareli district, MCF was built at a cost of Rs 31.92 billion with an initial annual production capacity of 1,000 coaches. The factor..

Infrastructure Transport

18 Dec 2025

RailTel wins Rs 260.88 million IT infrastructure order from VOC Port

Navratna public sector undertaking RailTel Corporation of India has secured an IT infrastructure order worth Rs 260.88 million from V.O. Chidambaranar Port Authority (VOC Port), strengthening its presence in port-led digital transformation projects.According to an exchange filing dated December 16, 2025, RailTel has received a Letter of Acceptance (LoA) from VOC Port Authority for the implementation of advanced IT infrastructure at the port. The project is domestic in nature and is scheduled to be completed by August 15, 2026.The company said the order has been awarded in the normal course of ..