WASHINGTON, Feb. 10, 2026-The World Bank's Board of Executive Directors today approved financing to help 2.3 million people in the Indian state of Himachal Pradesh rebuild more resilient infrastructure and enable community-owned firms to invest in more reliable jobs.
Himachal Pradesh has been affected by extreme weather events, particularly in the past three years, resulting in estimated $1 billion in losses. Heavy rainfall during the 2023 and 2025 monsoon seasons led to loss of lives, widespread damage to housing and infrastructure, and limited access to schools, markets and jobs. Disruptions to water supply and sanitation services have also affected agriculture and horticulture production.
The Resilient Action for Development and Disaster Recovery Himachal Pradesh Project ($245 million) will support the state's post-disaster recovery efforts and help reduce future disaster impacts through better planning and design of resilient infrastructure. More than one million women will benefit from improved access to essential services and better livelihood opportunities in farming, local handicrafts and rural tourism sectors. Investments in community-owned businesses will support 12,000 people with new or better jobs and create new market links for artisans, producers and farmers.
"Smart development that builds resilience and creates jobs can help countries drive long-term growth even in the face of extreme weather events," said Paul Procee, Acting Country Director, World Bank India. "By investing in sustainable infrastructure that connects people to opportunities, this project will help Himachal Pradesh build back better. It will also mobilize $100 million in private capital towards disaster-risk financing and insurance solutions."
In partnership with Agence Française de Développement (French Development Agency), the project will help strengthen early warning systems. The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) will help the project access global knowledge for rebuilding sustainable infrastructure-including the rehabilitation of over 250 bridges, roads and footbridges-which will benefit more than one million people.
"This project is about recovery today and safety tomorrow by stabilizing slopes, restoring transport, energy, water and sanitation systems, to a higher level of resilience," said Anup Karanth and Melanie S. Kappes, task team leaders of the Project. "Through hazard and risk analysis, establishment of resilience cells, the project will connect communities, protect livelihoods, and reduce future disaster impacts."
The $245 million project has a final maturity of 16 years including a grace period of 3.5 years.
