ISLAMABAD: The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $320 million loan to support the rehabilitation of rural roads in Pakistan’s Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, aiming to improve safe, all-weather connectivity in remote areas, according to an ADB statement.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Rural Roads Development Project will upgrade approximately 900 kilometers of rural roads, many of which are vulnerable to floods and currently in poor condition. These roads are crucial for linking remote communities to essential services such as education, healthcare, and markets.
The project will incorporate climate-resilient designs, enhance road safety, and promote sustainable maintenance practices. ADB Director General for Central and West Asia, Yevgeniy Zhukov, emphasized the importance of the initiative, stating, “Road transport is a lifeline for people and a key factor in socioeconomic development in Pakistan. This vital infrastructure project will reduce travel time, lower transportation costs, and expand economic opportunities for millions in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.”
Zhukov also highlighted the project’s role in driving inclusive growth by improving access to markets and services for local communities.
The province has experienced significant increases in annual rainfall and temperature patterns, with resilient infrastructure lacking to mitigate the impact of frequent disasters. Since 2010, recurring floods have severely damaged the road network, increasing transportation costs and reducing connectivity.
In response, the project will provide technical and financial assistance to help the government develop long-term interventions aimed at enhancing the climate resilience and sustainability of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa’s road infrastructure. ADB Senior Transport Specialist Seunghyun Kim added, “ADB will assist the government in conducting a comprehensive study on flood susceptibility, focusing on landslide vulnerability, to identify priority roads. We will also support the government in preparing concessional contracts for the operation and maintenance of two tourism roads, contributing to the sustainability of the network.”
Pakistan, a founding member of ADB, has received over $52 billion in loans, grants, and other financing since 1966, supporting the country’s infrastructure, energy, transport, and social services sectors.
ADB remains committed to fostering a prosperous, inclusive, resilient, and sustainable Asia and the Pacific while continuing its mission to eradicate extreme poverty. Established in 1966, ADB is owned by 68 members, 49 of whom are from the region.
