Mumbai transport

The World Bank recently lifted its suspension of finances for the Mumbai Urban Transport Project, an ambitious road and rail renewal plan to improve public transport in the city.

On March 1, 2006, the bank had suspended funds to two components of the project following concerns regarding equitable resettlement and rehabilitation of people affected by the project. The project involves the involuntary resettlement of more than 17,000 households, and 2,500 shops and small industrial units. About 14,000 households have already been moved to secure dwellings.

"The bank and the Maharashtra government have been working closely over the last few months to address the issues that led to the suspension," said the World Bank's country director Michael Carter.