World Bank to lend India infrastructure, aid funds

Posted 12 13 2008 5:28AM

MUMBAI (Reuters) – The World Bank said on Friday it will lend India $14 billion by 2012 to help the country overhaul its creaking infrastructure and increase living standards in its poor states.

The government has estimated it needs $500 billion over the five years to 2012 to upgrade infrastructure such as roads, ports, power and railways.

"Under the strategy, the bank will use lending, dialogue, analytical work, engagement with the private sector, and capacity building to help India achieve its goals," the World Bank said on its website.

The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development would lend $9.6 billion and the International Development Association would make available $4.4 billion of funding.

Only 30 percent of India's state highways have two lanes or more, and the majority are in poor condition, the bank said. Electricity generation capacity has grown at less than 5 percent in the past five years, much slower than overall economic growth of about 8 percent over the same period.

The funds would also be used to help reduce poverty in seven low-income states; Bihar, Chhatisgarh, Jharkand, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, the World Bank said.