The World Bank has proposed a $385.7 million (over ₹3,500 crore) project to upgrade urban infrastructure across 32 urban local bodies in Rajasthan, covering Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota & Bharatpur clusters. The plan focuses on heritage conservation, tourism, transport, waste management, climate resilience & strengthening municipal finances. The World Bank Board’s approval is expected by July 2, 2027.
The World Bank has proposed a $385.7 million project to transform urban infrastructure and improve civic amenities across Rajasthan, with a focus on tourism, heritage conservation, urban transport, and strengthening the financial and administrative capacity of urban local bodies.
According to the World Bank’s latest project document, the proposed Sustainable Urban Transformation in Rajasthan Accelerated (SUTRA) project will cover 32 urban local bodies across four major urban clusters centered on Jaipur, Jodhpur, Kota, and Bharatpur, along with 28 satellite towns. The areas covered by the project are estimated to have a combined population of more than 7.8 million in 2026.
The project, estimated to cost more than Rs 3,500 crore, aims to promote planned urban development and improve the quality of life for residents by expanding infrastructure and making cities more accessible, sustainable, and liveable.
The project will prioritize the conservation and revitalization of historical and cultural heritage sites, improvements in urban transport and connectivity, solid waste management, and the development of civic amenities across the four urban clusters.
Heritage-led urban development is expected to play a significant role, given Rajasthan’s rich cultural legacy and tourism potential. The initiative also aims to improve mobility within cities and strengthen connections between major urban centers and their surrounding satellite towns.
The project will also address challenges posed by rising temperatures, water scarcity during summer, and waterlogging during the rainy season. These interventions are intended to make urban areas more resilient to climate-related challenges while improving basic services for residents.
Improving the financial health of urban local bodies will be another key component of the project. According to the World Bank document, measures will be introduced to strengthen revenue administration and improve debt management.
