World Bank keen to support smart city projects: Fadnavis

MUMBAI: The World Bank has shown keen interest in supporting smart city and urban development projects in Maharashtra, Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said today.

Fadnavis said he had requested The World Bank to support the government's flagship 'JalYuktShivar Abhiyan' (scheme) which will ensure sustainable agricultural development and provide assured irrigation.

A High level delegation led by The World Bank Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer Mulyani Indrawati met the Chief Minister and other officials at the state secretariat here.

Fadnavis thanked the delegation for choosing Maharashtra as part of their India visit.

"I am happy that The World Bank has shown keen interest in supporting smart city and urban development projects," he said.

The discussions were also related to various projects being undertaken by Mumbai Metropolitan Regional Development Authority (MMRDA) including the Mumbai Metro, an official at Chief Minister's office said.

"Indrawati told the Chief Minister that The World Bank would positively consider supporting the Metro project and also expressed interest in investing in long term development projects in the state.

"She also praised the state's 'ease of doing business' policy and expressed keenness in partnering with the government to upgrade Mumbai's public transport system," he said.