$5.3-bn World Bank aid to urban infra

The World Bank will soon give assistance of $5.3 billion for all round development of urban infrastructure in the country.

This was stated by Union urban development minster Sugata Roy in Rajya Sabha today in response to a written question.

"A proposal has been initiated for $5.3-billion assistance from World Bank for development of urban infrastructure, water supply, sanitation and urban transport in cities," Roy said.

However, he said the exact content and spread of assistance and its confirmation under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission are yet to be considered.

Replying to another question, Roy said the government has allocated Rs 5187.23 crore (Rs 51.87 billion) in 2009-10 as against Rs 4455.37 crore (Rs 44.55 billion) the previous year under JNNURM.