The Maharashtra government has signed an agreement with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) for INR 1,527 crore in funding for Phase II of the Nagpur Metro project. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed earlier this week at the Vidhan Bhavan's cabinet hall by MahaMetro Managing Director Shravan Hardikar and ADB Director Mio Oka, in the presence of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. Fadnavis expressed confidence in the project, highlighting its potential to accelerate Nagpur's growth and improve connectivity within the city and surrounding areas. He noted that the expansion aligns with the state’s vision of promoting sustainable urban transport solutions to meet rising demand. Phase II of the Nagpur Metro, which will receive joint funding from ADB and the European Investment Bank for a total of INR 3,586 crore, will be completed in two phases. ADB will contribute INR 1,527 crore, paid in Japanese Yen to take advantage of lower interest rates, with funds routed through the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). This phase will add 43.8 km to the metro network, covering four new routes: 18.5 km from Khapri to MIDC ESR, 13 km from Automotive Square to Kanhan River, 5.6 km from Prajapati Nagar to Transport Nagar, and 6.7 km from Lokmanya Nagar to Hingna. Phase I of the Nagpur Metro, launched in 2019, covers 38 kilometres, benefiting thousands of daily commuters. This phase received INR 8,680 crore in investment, with support from international financial institutions, including ADB and Germany’s KfW. The Phase II expansion will enhance connectivity to Nagpur’s expanding suburbs, benefiting over one million people by reducing commute times, alleviating congestion, and cutting pollution. Nagpur’s strategic location as a logistics and industrial hub underscores the importance of this development, expected to boost investment and job creation. The partnership with ADB highlights Maharashtra’s commitment to leveraging international collaborations for sustainable infrastructure development, setting a model for other Indian cities.