World Bank suspends financial support to Mumbai resettlement plan

New Delhi, Mar 2 (UNI) The World Bank has temporarily suspended financial support to the roads and resettlement components of the Mumbai Urban Transport Project, an ambitious road and rail renewal plan involving resettlement of more than 17,000 households and about 2,500 shops and small industrial units.

The suspension has been made until concerns around the equitable treatment of people affected by the works are resolved, Michael Carter, World Bank Country Director for India said here.

''Suspension is a serious move reflecting how serious we are about a successful outcome for these issues,'' he said.

''The Government of Maharshtra has a pragmatic action plan, both to address the existing problems and to ensure that the resettlement yet to be done, proceeded in accordance with our agreement,'' he added.

Mr Carter said, ''The key now is implementation. We will be working closely with the government to support its efforts to ensure satisfactory outcomes for the affected people.'' ''Once progress has been made we will review the suspension,'' Mr Carter added.

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