**Summary:**
Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal met with Asian Development Bank (ADB) President Masato Kanda to discuss ADB's support for India's urbanization and development goals. The meeting focused on ADB's past investments and potential future collaborations in areas such as mass transit systems, inclusive housing, urban sanitation and infrastructure, and urban governance. Minister Lal highlighted the progress of flagship missions like Swachh Bharat Mission and PMAY-Urban and encouraged ADB to align its investments with India's urban development agenda. Mr. Kanda commended India's progress in the Rapid Rail Transit System and emphasized the importance of integrated planning and private sector involvement. They discussed the Urban Challenge Fund and the potential for demonstration projects to serve as models for future urban development. The Minister appreciated ADB's collaboration in developing knowledge frameworks aligned with the priorities outlined in the Union Budget 2025-26. The meeting concluded with both sides expressing appreciation for the partnership.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Power: A government ministry, likely of the Indian government, responsible for power-related matters.
Shri Manohar Lal: Union Minister of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs.
Mr. Masato Kanda: President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
Asian Development Bank: A multilateral development bank focused on promoting social and economic development in Asia.
ADB: Abbreviation for Asian Development Bank.
Union Budget 202526: The annual budget of the Union (likely the Indian central government) for the fiscal year 2025-2026.
PIB Delhi: Press Information Bureau, Delhi - Likely the source of the press release.
Honble Minister of Housing Urban Affairs and Power: Refers to Shri Manohar Lal, holding multiple ministerial portfolios.
Shram Shakti Bhawan: A building, likely a government office building, where the meeting took place.
Viksit Bharat 2047: A vision or initiative for a developed India by the year 2047.
Mass Transit Systems: A mode of public transport to move large numbers of people
Inclusive Housing: Housing that is affordable and accessible to all members of society.
Urban Sanitation and Infrastructure: Facilities and services related to sanitation and infrastructure in urban areas.
Urban Governance and Reforms: The governance and reforms related to urban areas.
MultiModal Transit Systems: Transit systems that integrate different modes of transport.
Swachh Bharat Mission: A flagship mission focused on improving sanitation and cleanliness in India.
AMRUT: Acronym for Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation, an urban renewal initiative.
PMAYUrban: Acronym for Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban, a housing scheme for urban areas.
Rapid Rail Transit System: A rail based transit system in India
RRTS: Abbreviation for Rapid Rail Transit System.
Urban Challenge Fund: A fund designed to address urban challenges.
Municipal Corporations: Local government bodies responsible for urban administration.
Growth Hubs: Cities envisioned as centers of economic activity and development.
100 Indian cities: Specific cities in India which will be subject to development
Mr. Srinivas Katikithala: Secretary, Housing and Urban Affairs
Ministry of Power
Union Minister Shri Manohar Lal meets Mr. Masato
Kanda, President Asian Development Bank (ADB)
Union Minister appreciates ADB’s collaboration in
developing knowledge frameworks aligned with the
priorities outlined in the Union Budget 2025–26
The Union Minister expresses interest in ADB
initiating demonstration projects that could serve as
lighthouse models for future urban development
Posted On: 30 MAY 2025 5:50PM by PIB Delhi
The Hon’ble Minister of Housing & Urban Affairs and Power, Shri Manohar Lal and the Asian Development
Bank President, Mr. Masato Kanda met today at Shram Shakti Bhawan to discuss ADB’s unflagging support
and investment in the Indian Urbanisation.
The meeting emphasized on ADB’s past support extended to various developing sectors and highlighted
potential areas of investment to achieve the glorious vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047”.
Mr. Lal and Mr. Kanda discussed a range of issues, addressing India’s development in Mass Transit
Systems, Inclusive Housing, Urban Sanitation and Infrastructure, Urban Governance and Reforms among
other topics. The Hon’ble Minister shed light on the expanse of development boom experienced by the
mobility sector, as successful models of Multi-Modal Transit Systems are being deployed and scaled up
throughout the country. The Minister emphasized the significant progress made under key flagship missions
such as Swachh Bharat Mission, AMRUT, and PMAY-Urban, and underscored the opportunity for ADB to
align its investments with India's urban development agenda to advance the shared vision of creating
sustainable, inclusive, and connected cities.ADB’s President, Mr. Kanda congratulated India for the steadfast growth witnessed in the Rapid Rail
Transit System (RRTS), and called the progress impressive. He also commended on how the Rail Network
tactfully managed air pollution, transportation and social challenges, and how it is a matter of immense pride
to be associated with the project. Continuing on this pattern of growth, the President advised how such efforts
can be amplified by using integrated planning and holistic development ensuring the involvement of private
players equipped to deploy innovation on-ground for path breaking results.
Both officials discussed the importance for the Urban Challenge Fund to be forward-looking in its design,
with strong support from Municipal Corporations to improve the bankability of projects. The Minister
appreciated ADB’s collaboration in developing knowledge frameworks aligned with the priorities outlined in
the Union Budget 2025–26. The Fund envisions cities as Growth Hubs, serving as blueprints for transformingwater, sanitation, and waste services in 100 Indian cities. The Minister also expressed interest in ADB
initiating demonstration projects that could serve as lighthouse models for future urban development. The
meeting concluded with a vote of thanks from Mr. Srinivas Katikithala, Secretary, Housing and Urban Affairs
with an expression of appreciation for ADB’S partnership and commitment.
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SK
(Release ID: 2132803)