The World Bank has given its approval for a new initiative designed to enhance connectivity for over 1.8 million residents in rural areas, particularly during severe weather conditions in the state of Assam.
The recently sanctioned Assam Resilient Rural Bridges Program, amounting to USD 452 million, aims to fortify the resilience and management of roads and bridges. This initiative is poised to provide year-round accessibility to wholesale markets, schools, hospitals, and workplaces for the inhabitants of 1,739 villages, particularly impacting smallholder farmer communities and tribal settlements lacking reliable connections to all-season bridges and roads.
According to a statement from the World Bank, the program anticipates generating savings exceeding USD 82 million within the next six years compared to previous estimates. Additionally, the program aims to connect nearly 633,000 women-led textile and handicraft producers residing within 2 km of roads or collection points.
