The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has signed six Official Development Assistance (ODA) loan agreements with the Government of India, amounting to JPY 191,736 million (approximately INR 11,181 crores) in total. These agreements reaffirm Japan’s commitment to supporting India’s sustainable development across various sectors, including urban infrastructure, environmental conservation, and livelihood improvement.
The six projects supported under the ODA loan agreements include:
- Delhi Mass Rapid Transport System Project (Phase 4 Additional Corridors) (I) – INR 4,649 crores (JPY 79,726 million)
Led by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), the project aims to enhance urban mobility in the National Capital Region (NCR) of Delhi by expanding the Delhi Metro network through the construction of additional corridors. With Delhi facing severe traffic congestion, high air pollution levels, and increasing travel demand, this initiative will help improve public transportation accessibility, reduce automobile dependency, and contribute to a sustainable urban environment.
- Tamil Nadu Investment Promotion Program (Phase 3) – INR 2,106 crores (JPY 36,114 million)
Led by the Industries, Investment Promotion & Commerce Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, the program aims to support the state government’s policies to enhance the investment climate by strengthening policy framework, improving infrastructure, providing industry-ready skill development in the state, thereby contributing to attracting more investments into the state including from Japan. The program will also focus on emerging and green sectors for sustainable and future-oriented development of the state in line with India’s rapid development.
- Assam State Aquaculture Promotion and Livelihood Improvement Project – INR 209 crores (JPY 3,580 million)
Led by the Directorate of Fisheries, Department of Fisheries, Government of Assam, the project aims to enhance aquaculture production, develop sustainable fishery supply chains, and improve the livelihoods of fisheries stakeholders in Assam. The initiative aligns with India’s Act East Policy that focuses on socio-economic development in the northeastern region. Given Assam’s abundant water resources and increasing consumption patterns, the project will help bridge the supply-demand gap, improve productivity, and strengthen the state’s fisheries infrastructure.
- Project for Construction of Chennai Seawater Desalination Plant (II) – INR 3,065 crores (JPY 52,556 million)
Led by the Chennai Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (CMWSSB), the project aims to ensure a safe and stable water supply in Chennai by constructing and enhancing seawater desalination and water transmission facilities, thereby contributing to an improved living environment and a stronger investment climate. The project will involve the construction of a new 400 MLD (million litres per day) desalination plant, along with the installation of water transmission and distribution infrastructure, including pumping stations, reservoirs, and pipelines. The project also includes consulting services for design, construction supervision, operational management support, and public awareness activities.
- Punjab Biodiversity and Natural Resources Conservation Project – INR 669 crores (JPY 11,480 million)
Led by the Department of Forests and Wildlife Preservation, Government of Punjab, this project aims to enhance ecosystem services and mitigate impacts on climate through increased tree cover outside forests , biodiversity conservation, integrated management of wetlands, livelihood improvement and institutional strengthening, thereby contributing to sustainable socio-economic development in Punjab. - Project for Capacity Enhancement for Effective Forest Management – INR 483 crores (JPY 8,280 million)
Led by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MOEFCC), the project aims to strengthen the capacity of forest administrators in implementing policies by enhancing research, business development, and training systems focused on climate change countermeasures through forest and biodiversity conservation. As a key initiative in India’s forest and biodiversity sector, the project aligns with national priorities for sustainable environmental management.
Speaking on this occasion, Mr. TAKEUCHI Takuro, Chief Representative of JICA India Office, commented
“JICA is committed to engaging with India’s development efforts as a close partner through high-impact projects that foster economic growth, job creation, environmental sustainability, and improved livelihoods. The signed projects reflect the strong and enduring partnership between Japan and India. By investing in critical sectors for Indian development such as infrastructure, investment promotion, biodiversity and natural resources management, and fisheries, we aim to contribute to the country’s sustainable and inclusive progress towards Viksit Bharat.”
With today’s signing, a total of seven projects have been signed during FY2024/25 between Government of India and JICA, amounting to JPY 275,997 million (INR 15,655 crores). Earlier in the fiscal year on 5th July 2024, Mumbai Metro Line 3 Project (JPY 84,261 million/INR 4,474 crores) was signed.
Through these projects, JICA continues to contribute to India’s long-term socio-economic development by facilitating inclusive growth and environmental sustainability. Japan and India share a robust strategic partnership, and these initiatives further strengthen their collaboration for a resilient and prosperous future.
The figures are calculated with current exchange ratio: INR 1/- = JPY 1.71491 /-
About JICA
Established, by a specific law, as an incorporated administrative institution under the Government of Japan, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) aims to contribute to the promotion of international cooperation, as a sole Japanese governmental agency in charge of ODA implementation. JICA is the world’s largest bilateral donor agency. JICA works as a bridge between Japan and emerging countries, and provides assistance in forms of loan, grant and technical cooperation so that the emerging countries can strengthen their capabilities.
