World Bank to offer $9.2 million grant for city bus projects

To improve city transport system and reduce greenhouse gas emission

The government on Tuesday formalised an agreement with World Bank arm International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) for Global Environmental Facility (GEF) grant of $9.2 million for an efficient and sustainable bus service project in four cities, including Bhopal and Chandigarh.

"The total programme cost is $113 million, with $9.2 million as grant from GEF and $103.07 million from the government of India and states and city governments for funding of buses and ancillary infrastructure," the finance ministry said in a statement.

The objective is to improve efficiency and attractiveness of city bus transport and reduce greenhouse gas emission in demonstration cities.

It comprises a national capacity building component to be implemented by the Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD) and city demonstration projects in Bhopal, Chandigarh, Jaipur and Mira Bhayandar.

The agreement was signed by Rai Kumar, joint secretary in the Department of Economic Affairs, and Onno Ruhl, country director, World Bank India, on behalf of IBRD, which is the implementing agency of GEF.