EIB Global, the development arm of the European Investment Bank (EIB), has approved a $191 million loan to upgrade and expand water and sanitation infrastructure in India’s northern state of Uttarakhand.
This marks EIB Global’s first water-sector project in India, aimed at supporting the state’s growing agriculture, manufacturing, and tourism industries.
The financing will fund improvements in critical infrastructure, including leakage reduction systems, automated metering, real-time data monitoring, and expanded service connections for underserved communities. The project is expected to benefit around 900,000 people over the next five years.
“Improved clean water supply and sanitation systems in Uttarakhand will positively impact public health. Modern wastewater treatment and more efficient water delivery will particularly benefit low-income households,” said EIB Vice-President Nicola Beer, announcing the agreement.
The project also supports the European Union’s Global Gateway Investment Agenda, which promotes sustainable infrastructure development worldwide.
EIB Global emphasized that improved water and sewerage access will help reduce the burden on women and girls, who often shoulder care responsibilities for family members affected by poor sanitation and intermittent water supply.