Urban Infrastructure
90% urban people in Himachal don't have adequate water supply: CAG
The requirement of water in the state was projected to increase to 726.46 million litres per day (MLD) -- 575.97 MLD in rural areas and 150.49 MLD in urban areas -- in 2021
 "90% urban people in Himachal don't have adequate water supply: CAG")
Urban infrastructure principles on the cards in July G20 meeting
The dates for the Gandhinagar meeting have not been finalised
 "Urban infrastructure principles on the cards in July G20 meeting")
Budget pushes for developing transport, urban infrastructure, housing
Railways ministry gets highest-ever capital expenditure allocation, of Rs 2.4 trillion in FY24
 "Budget pushes for developing transport, urban infrastructure, housing")
Worker deaths for Fifa world cup between 400 and 500: Qatar official
During an interview with a British journalist, a top official of Qatar involved in the courtry's World Cup organization has put the number of worker deaths for the tournament between 400 and 500
 "Worker deaths for Fifa world cup between 400 and 500: Qatar official")
Indian cities will need $840 bn investment over 15 years: World Bank
Municipal bonds account for a marginal share in debt financing, says the report
 "Indian cities will need $840 bn investment over 15 years: World Bank")
India to set climate resilient urban growth as G-20 infra agenda
Officials say that the issue climate resilient urban infrastructure is key for developing and developed economies
 "India to set climate resilient urban growth as G-20 infra agenda")
GMR Warora Energy signs pact with lenders to recast Rs 3,000 cr loans
Loans would be repaid progressively over 15 years, giving the company additional time of about seven years to extinguish the liability
 "GMR Warora Energy signs pact with lenders to recast Rs 3,000 cr loans")
GMR Infra to raise Rs 6,000 crore for cities around three airports
Group power company to raise Rs 3,000 cr separately
 "GMR Infra to raise Rs 6,000 crore for cities around three airports")
Moving on the infrastructure agenda
Globally, municipal bonds are an established and major source of funding for urban infra. However, the municipal bond market is quite underdeveloped in India, notes Vinayak Chatterjee
WABAG secures Rs 1,187 cr contract from Bihar Urban Infra Development Corp
Firm achieves financial closure of its second HAM project and partners with PTC India Financial Services
 "WABAG secures Rs 1,187 cr contract from Bihar Urban Infra Development Corp")
Lack of uniform ICT solutions a risk for smart cities, says Trai
The regulator is of the view that lack of uniform solution can lead to proprietary issues and prevent integration for a seamless digital revolution in the urban infrastructure.
 "Lack of uniform ICT solutions a risk for smart cities, says Trai")
Letters: Mending roads
Urban infrastructure across India has emerged as a major concern. The main reason behind this the state governments' bidding process for road construction. According to rules, the lowest bidder gets the contract but the winner also does shabby work. The "classic" example is that of roads in Pune and Mumbai. Recently, we have noted in the print media that Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation has "blacklisted" five contractors for laying poor quality roads. It is high time the government adopted the public-private partnership mode for urban infrastructure, a practice followed the world over. It will be also desirable if municipal corporations raise adequate funds by issuing bonds, which will help develop quality roads.Satish Murdeshwar PuneLetters can be mailed, faxed or e-mailed to:The Editor, Business StandardNehru House, 4 Bahadur Shah Zafar MargNew Delhi 110 002Fax: (011) 23720201E-mail: letters@bsmail.inAll letters must have a postal address and telephone number
