Historically, infrastructure projects in India have been funded on a mix of debt and equity. The current trends suggest so. Over the past 15 days, as many as three initial public offerings-IRB, HUDCO and PSP Projects - have hit Dalal Street, raising more than Rs 6,000 crore, a testimony to the fact that the bond market is gaining pace after the 2008 turmoil.

Urbanisation is an inexorable process as far as India is concerned. The future of India's growth lies in its cities, and a large chunk of our GDP will come from urban centres.

Smart Cities support the comprehensive development of physical, institutional, social and economic urban infrastructure, improve the quality of life, protect the environment and create jobs for millions, says Deepak Premnarayen, President, Indian Merchants' Chamber (IMC), and Chairman, FirstRand Bank India.

India is one of the fastest growing and most populated economies in the world. By 2030, the urban areas would contribute 75 per cent of India's GDP and house 590 million people, about 40 per cent of the population.

As many as 141 agreements entailing an investment of Rs.82,900 crore ($13 billion) were signed at the Maritime India Summit, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The investment commitments were across shipping, ports and allied sectors.

A buzzing campus, enthusiastic students, a well-organised event, distinguished and exemplary speakers all made for a day´s worth of good entertainment but also important information and keen insights on infrastructure in India

Taking a cue from China´s success in SEZs, the government brought in the policy framework for Indian Special Economic Zones. The SEZs were established with the intention of bringing export-oriented growth to the country

Generally, projects that are bankable do not face problems in obtaining financing. Of course, there are issues relating to the sector exposure, promoter commitments, etc. But these are exogenous to issues of bankability and will need to be dealt with separately at a macro level.

All financial market regulators have agreed to lay down the rules to enable India´s first international finance centre to take off in Gujarat by April.