New Delhi: A two-day capacity building workshop on “Bankable Urban Infrastructure and Private Capital Mobilisation” was organised in Chandigarh by the Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited in collaboration with the World Bank Group and the Public-Private Infrastructure Advisory Facility. The programme aimed at strengthening urban governance systems and enabling Indian cities to attract greater private investment for infrastructure development. Workshop Inaugurated by Senior Officials The workshop was inaugurated by senior officials including M. Nagaraj, DCP, HUDCO, and Ms. Rosanna Nitti, Senior Urban Specialist at the World Bank Group. The event witnessed participation from municipal commissioners and senior representatives of urban local bodies across: Punjab Haryana Himachal Pradesh Jammu & Kashmir Chandigarh Read also: HUDCO Signs Tripartite Agreement to Appoint Beetal Financial as New Registrar and Share Transfer Agent Focus on Bankable Urban Infrastructure and Investment Models The discussions during the workshop focused on improving financial viability and scalability of urban infrastructure projects. Key themes included: Urban Challenge Fund (UCF) UiWIN initiative Municipal finance reforms Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) Water utility sector reforms Land value capture mechanisms Innovative private investment frameworks Experts emphasized the need for structured and investment-ready urban projects to attract long-term private capital. Strengthening Urban Capacity Through UiWIN Initiative HUDCO’s UiWIN initiative was highlighted as an important platform for capacity building, knowledge exchange, and institutional strengthening in the urban sector. The programme stressed that cities must be equipped with: Better project preparation capabilities Strong financial structuring systems Improved governance mechanisms Enhanced investment readiness Officials noted that such reforms are essential for managing rapid urbanisation in India. Global Collaboration to Support Urban Development The partnership between HUDCO, the World Bank Group, and PPIAF reflects a broader effort to bring global expertise into India’s urban development ecosystem. The collaboration aims to: Improve project planning and structuring Enhance access to private capital Strengthen municipal finance systems Support sustainable urban infrastructure growth Strengthening India’s Urban Investment Framework The Chandigarh workshop marked an important step toward building financially sustainable and investment-ready urban infrastructure in India. By combining institutional expertise with global best practices, the initiative aims to accelerate urban transformation across cities. About HUDCO Housing and Urban Development Corporation Limited is a Government of India-owned financial institution engaged in funding and promoting housing and urban infrastructure projects. It plays a key role in supporting sustainable urban development, municipal finance, and infrastructure planning across India. Read also: IAS Officer Trainees Visit HUDCO to Gain Exposure to India’s Urban Development and Affordable Housing Sector
