CM, World Bank CEO discuss Maha projects

Mumbai: Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis met World Bank CEO, Kristalina Georgieva in Washington DC on Thursday to acquire funding for the Mumbai-Nagpur Samruddhi Mahamarg and the rural livelihood project to provide sustainable livelihood enhancements in 10,000 villages. The government told the World Bank that land is being acquired for the Samruddhi project by consent, though 20 per cent land will be acquired forcibly.

Mr Fadnavis had a discussion with World Bank CEO over financing Samruddhi corridor and the rural livelihood project. World bank is positive of funding the rural solar grid project and drought mitigation, and it also appreciated Maharashtra's model of consent driven land acquisition, told officials from CMO.

The Samruddhi project cost has increased from Rs 46,000 to Rs 49,247 crore, which has become a matter of concern for Mr Fadnavis. Due to which he is trying to get more funding from the financial institutions abroad and World bank.

Meanwhile, Mr Fadnavis also received the ‘Outstanding Leadership in Development Award’ from Georgetown University.