NEW DELHI - India's federal government and Asian Development Bank (ADB) Tuesday signed a loan agreement of $31 million to develop tourism and boost jobs in southern state of Tamil Nadu, officials said.

The agreement was signed in New Delhi by Sameer Kumar Khare, a senior official of department of economic affairs representing government of India, and Kenichi Yokoyama, country director for ADB in India.

Khare said the project was expected to improve the tourism infrastructure in Tamil Nadu and also help the state in preserving the natural and cultural heritage.

Yokoyama said the increased tourism traffic generated by the project will generate extra jobs in Tamil Nadu, especially through skills training and community-based activities targeting the poor and women.

"The project will support the conservation and restoration of eight heritage monuments, one museum, three temples, and a pond," an official statement said.

"It will build various facilities at the sites, including information centers, rest centers, and toilet blocks, with facilities served by solar-powered lighting and energy efficient lighting."