By IANS
Patna : The Asian Development Bank (ADB) will invest Rs.5 billion ($126 million) for urban development in Bihar’s Gaya town near Bodh Gaya, where the Buddha is said to have attained salvation.
ADB has also shown keen interest to develop Bodh Gaya, a small town about 110 km from here, regarded as a hot tourist destination.
“ADB will invest for development of urban areas in Gaya in three phases. In the first phase, the ADB will invest Rs.5 billion,” official sources said.
A five-member ADB team from its headquarters in Manila in the Philippines visited Gaya and Bodh Gaya towns Tuesday for firsthand information on problems and challenges faced by the people.
“The ADB team held discussions with district administration officials during the visit,” sources said.
The ADB will fund upgrading the drainage system, improving drinking water supply and properly disposing solid waste in Gaya.
Early this year, a 10-member ADB team held detailed discussions with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and top officials of road, finance, urban development, agriculture, and energy departments.
Bihar is known for its poor roads, despite budget allocations that run into billions.
Bihar is one of India’s most economically backward states.