The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $320 million loan for the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rural Roads Development Project, aimed at rehabilitating 900 kilometers of rural roads in the flood-prone province of Pakistan. This initiative focuses on enhancing safe, all-weather connectivity for remote communities, linking them to essential services such as education, healthcare, and markets. The project aims to integrate climate-resilient design, road safety enhancements, and sustainable maintenance practices.
“Road transport is both a lifeline to the people and a key component of socioeconomic development in Pakistan. This vital infrastructure project will reduce travel time, lower transportation costs, and increase access to economic opportunities for millions of residents in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa,” said Yevgeniy Zhukov, ADB Director General for Central and West Asia.
Strengthening Climate Resilience
The province has experienced significant increases in annual rainfall and temperature, exacerbating the damage caused by flooding events since 2010. This has severely impacted road networks, escalating transportation costs and hindering connectivity. In response, the ADB project will offer technical and financial support to the government for preparing long-term interventions to improve the climate resilience and sustainability of the road infrastructure.
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ADB Senior Transport Specialist Seunghyun Kim emphasized the project’s focus on landslide vulnerability and flood susceptibility, stating, “ADB will help the government conduct a comprehensive study to identify priority roads.” Additionally, the bank will assist in drafting concessional contracts for the operation and maintenance of two key tourism roads, contributing to the network’s sustainability.
Promoting Inclusive Economic Growth
The initiative underscores the importance of road transport in driving inclusive economic growth in Pakistan’s underserved regions. “By providing better access to markets and services, we are empowering local communities and driving inclusive economic growth,” Zhukov added.
Pakistan, a founding member of ADB, has received over $52 billion in funding since 1966 for various projects aimed at promoting economic growth and improving infrastructure, energy, transport networks, and social services. The new road development project reflects ADB’s ongoing commitment to enhancing Pakistan’s infrastructure and supporting its long-term development goals.