The Road Transport and Highways Ministry of India is looking for US$2.96bn in credit from the World Bank for the development of highways in the country, reported India's Economic Times in September. Join discussion...

The PPP project, which has the support of multilateral lenders like the Inter-American Development Bank, the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank, involves the construction of roads and hydroelectric dams, the joint management of natural resources, harmonisation of trade policies, electrical interconnection, and the installation of maquila or export-oriented assembly plants, among other aspects. Join discussion...

Brazil's federal government has signed a US$615mn concession contract with the Rodobahia consortium to improve and expand almost 700km of federal highways in Bahia state, according to a release by the World Bank's International Finance Corporation (IFC). The consortium - comprised of Spain's Isolux Corsan and Brazilian firms Engevix and Encalso - was awarded the 25-year concession on January 21. However, the complexity of analyzing the qualification documents and business plan delayed the signing of the contract. Join discussion...

If India is to move in its high growth trajectory over the next 8 years, the Indian construction industry is likely to witness a huge shortage of skills. The supply of skilled human resources required by the construction industry will fall short by 55 to 64 percent. To meet this demand, the number of civil engineering graduates and diploma holders would have to go up by at least a factor of 3, says a new World Bank study. Join discussion...

With more and more highway stretches being developed under the build, operate and transfer (BOT) mode, World Bank is now re-modelling its aid in this sector. Bank officials in the Capital said it would now shift its strategy from funding from project to project basis to programmes. They added that ongoing national highway projects funded by the Bank would be the last lot. ‘‘Now we are going to provide technical assistance to the ministry and highway authority and fund road safety and skill development programmes,’’ said a senior official. Join discussion...

The World Bank today approved four loans worth $4.3 billion (about Rs 20,631 crore) to help India finance its infrastructure programmes and further strengthen the capital base of state-run banks. The approved loan includes a a budgetary support of $2 billion for capital infusion in select public sector banks to help them maintain credit growth. Also Read Related Stories News Now - World Bank approves $4.3 bn loan for India - Emerging, if they can - AP govt to spend Rs 30 crore on Hyd roads - Mahindra Satyam in talks with World Bank to revoke ban - Rlys PPP projects go off track - WB says India weathered global crisis 'extraordinarily well' Also Read Related Stories News Now - Sensex slip into red in opening trades - Suzlon slips 3% on treasury stake sale - G20 summit eve: India for continuance of stimulus package - Tata Power slips in morning trades - Kashmir should be an independent state: Gaddafi More “This is a crucial time to support India. While the worst of the crisis seems to be behind us, doubts linger about the strength of the comeback, partly because the strength of the global recovery is uncertain,” said Roberto Zagha, World Bank country director for India. Join discussion...

The Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) has suggested the setting up an investment fund for infrastructure development, in the form of a public-private partnership (PPP) with the aim of removing obstacles to the development of the country's infrastructure, which hinder the country's efforts to attract FDI, Vietnam news agency (VNA) reported. Join discussion...

IFC is advising the General Authority of Civil AviationGeneral Authority of Civil AviationGeneral Authority of Civil Aviation GACA structuring a public-private partnership model to expand the airport. The private sector partner will be chosen through a competitive bidding process. This important infrastructure project will help the airport improve operations. Join discussion...

World Bank's private sector lending arm IFC has said the two funds supported by it are ready to pick up equity worth USD 1.7 billion (Rs 8,500 crore) in infrastructure projects, a move that will help the economy arrest the impact of global financial meltdown. "We have mobilised USD 1.7 billion. The funds are expected to generate total investment of USD 5-8 billion over next three to five years," International Finance Corporation (IFC) Director for Infrastructure (Asia and Africa) Anita George said. Join discussion...

Local government’s partnership and project delivery specialist, 4Ps, this week lobbied the World Bank as it tries to reinvigorate interest in private-finance deals during the credit crunch Join discussion...