The Asian Development Bank has approved a loan of $115.8 million to support a major urban development initiative in Narayanganj, marking a significant step toward strengthening Bangladesh’s secondary cities. The project, titled the Narayanganj Green and Resilient Urban Development Project, is designed to improve essential urban services, enhance climate resilience, and elevate the overall quality of life for residents within the Narayanganj City Corporation area.
At the core of this initiative is the urgent need to modernize the city’s water supply system. Currently, Narayanganj faces challenges related to water availability, distribution inefficiencies, and system losses. Through this project, water supply capacity is expected to increase substantially from 113 million litres per day to 162 million litres per day. This expansion will be achieved by installing new tube wells, rehabilitating existing water treatment facilities, and upgrading aging infrastructure. The initiative also aims to shift a greater portion of the water supply toward surface water sources, increasing the share to 51 percent, which is considered more sustainable in the long term.
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A critical component of the project is the reduction of non revenue water, which refers to water lost through leaks, illegal connections, or inefficiencies in the system. The target is to bring this figure below 20 percent by replacing and expanding approximately 230 kilometres of pipeline network. In addition, metered household connections will be introduced to improve accountability and ensure more efficient usage. These measures are expected to not only conserve resources but also improve service delivery and financial sustainability for the city authority.
Beyond physical infrastructure, the project places strong emphasis on digital transformation. Advanced technologies such as supervisory control and data acquisition systems will be implemented to monitor and manage water distribution in real time. This will be complemented by strengthened online billing systems, making the overall service more transparent and user friendly. The integration of such digital tools reflects a broader shift toward smart urban management, aligning Narayanganj with global trends in city governance.
Flooding and drainage remain persistent challenges for many urban areas in Bangladesh, and Narayanganj is no exception. To address this, the project includes the development of 22 kilometres of drainage infrastructure using nature based solutions. These approaches are designed to enhance resilience against extreme weather events while maintaining environmental balance. By improving drainage capacity and reducing waterlogging, the initiative aims to protect both residential and commercial areas from frequent disruptions caused by heavy rainfall.
Another important aspect of the project is the focus on urban livability. As cities expand, the need for accessible green spaces becomes increasingly critical for both environmental and social well being. The project will construct inclusive green parks and rehabilitate an existing playground, providing residents with spaces for recreation, relaxation, and community engagement. These green areas are also expected to play a role in reducing urban heat and improving air quality, contributing to a healthier urban environment.
The impact of this initiative is expected to be far reaching, benefiting at least 400,000 residents directly. More importantly, it supports the broader national objective of reducing pressure on Dhaka by strengthening surrounding urban centers. Narayanganj, due to its strategic location and economic importance, has the potential to serve as a key growth hub. By improving infrastructure and governance, the project aims to position the city as a more attractive destination for both residents and businesses.
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According to the ADB Country Director for Bangladesh, Narayanganj is central to the country’s ongoing urban transformation. As urbanisation accelerates and environmental risks intensify, investments in resilient infrastructure are becoming not just a development priority but an economic necessity. This perspective highlights the growing recognition that sustainable urban development is essential for long term national growth.
The responsibility for the operation and maintenance of the newly developed facilities will rest with Narayanganj City Corporation. This ensures local ownership and accountability, which are crucial for the long term success of such initiatives. Strengthening institutional capacity at the city level is therefore an integral part of the project’s design.
Overall, the Narayanganj Green and Resilient Urban Development Project represents a comprehensive approach to urban improvement. By combining infrastructure development, digital innovation, environmental sustainability, and community focused planning, it sets a benchmark for future urban projects in Bangladesh. As the country continues its journey toward rapid urbanisation, initiatives like this will play a vital role in shaping cities that are not only more efficient but also more inclusive and resilient.