GFDT puts out a call for funding proposals to World Bank teams at the beginning of each fiscal year. Proposals are reviewed by a selection committee comprised of World Bank transport sector specialists.
Grantees provide regular progress reports to GFDT staff and partners. A comprehensive Results Framework ensures grant-funded activities meet GFDT¡¯s objectives.
Strengthening Public Transport SOEs' Access to Financing
Grant: $200,000
State-owned enterprises (SOEs) play a crucial role in delivering public transport services in many countries, yet financial constraints limit their ability to invest in low-carbon solutions. Many SOEs operate at a financial loss, relying on government subsidies to cover operational and capital costs, making it difficult to fund the transition to electric buses and rail. Without access to commercial or blended financing, SOEs risk falling behind in efforts to decarbonize urban transport, which is one of the fastest-growing sources of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide.
This GFDT grant will support the development of strategic knowledge and practical tools to enhance public transport SOEs' financial performance and access to commercial financing for low-carbon investments. Key activities include conducting a global assessment of SOEs¡¯ financial health, developing a creditworthiness assessment tool, and developing training for SOE and government officials. By strengthening SOEs¡¯ financial sustainability and creditworthiness, this initiative will help unlock new investment opportunities, accelerate fleet electrification, and support the broader transition to sustainable urban mobility.
Scaling Up Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Mobility in Peru¡¯s Medium-Size Cities
Grant: $400,000
Peru¡¯s medium-size cities, home to over 17 million people, face increasing congestion, inefficient public transport, rising emissions due to rapid urbanization and motorization, and increasing vulnerability to the impacts of climate change. To shift toward low-carbon, resilient, and inclusive urban mobility, this GFDT-funded activity will support the preparation of a future World Bank-financed Resilient Urban Mobility in Peru¡¯s Medium-size Cities investment program, focusing on integrated public transport and non-motorized transport corridors in key cities: Arequipa, Trujillo, Chiclayo, Cusco, Piura, and Huamanga.
The activity will (i) identify priority transit corridors, cycleways, and pedestrian zones, (ii) identify intersections where traffic signaling, enforcement, or engineering interventions are needed to improve road safety, and (iii) advance the technical preparation of investment projects, including incorporating nature-based solutions to enhance their climate resilience. By strengthening urban transport planning and integrating public transport with walking and cycling networks, this initiative will help Peru¡¯s cities reduce emissions, enhance accessibility, and promote inclusive and climate-resilient mobility. It will also inform a potential World Bank Multiphase Programmatic Approach (MPA), ensuring long-term impact and scalability across the country.
Decarbonizing Tunisia¡¯s Port and Logistics Sector
Grant: $150,000
Tunisia¡¯s ports are critical to its economy, handling over 90% of the country¡¯s international trade. However, inefficiencies in port operations and inland logistics contribute to high carbon emissions, with freight transport overwhelmingly reliant on road-based logistics. Weak rail connectivity, congestion, and a lack of renewable energy integration further hinder the sector¡¯s resilience and sustainability. As Tunisia works toward its Paris Agreement commitment to reduce carbon intensity by 41% by 2030, its ports and logistics networks must modernize to support a low-emissions future.
This GFDT grant will support a comprehensive diagnostic of Tunisia¡¯s port sector to identify strategies for reducing carbon emissions and improving logistics efficiency. Key activities include analyzing freight flows, assessing port and terminal capacity, mapping institutional bottlenecks, and exploring opportunities for green hydrogen production and renewable energy integration at key ports. The findings will inform a phased investment roadmap, guiding Tunisia¡¯s transition toward a more sustainable and resilient logistics network while enhancing the competitiveness of its ports in global trade.
Advancing Electric Mobility in Colombia¡¯s Medium-Size Cities
Grant: $150,000
Colombia has made significant progress in promoting sustainable urban transport, but many intermediate cities still lack the capacity and resources to develop investment-ready projects for electric mobility and urban mobility improvements. While national policies and financing mechanisms exist, municipalities often struggle to structure economically and financially viable proposals that align with sustainability goals, government cofounding requirements and investor confidence. Addressing this gap is critical to expanding the adoption of electric buses, enhancing urban mobility infrastructure, and accelerating Colombia¡¯s transition to safe, resilient, accessible, low-carbon transport.
This GFDT grant will support the identification of a pipeline of bankable urban transport projects in Colombia¡¯s intermediate cities. Key activities include conducting pre-feasibility studies for electric bus deployment and charging infrastructure in selected cities, strengthening local governments¡¯ capacity to plan and implement sustainable mobility initiatives, and facilitating technical assistance workshops. By equipping municipalities with the tools and knowledge to attract investment, this initiative will unlock financing for transport decarbonization, improve mobility services, and contribute to Colombia¡¯s goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 51% by 2030.
Greening Caribbean Ports Enhance Sustainability and Performance
Grant: $150,000
Caribbean ports play a vital role in regional trade and economic development but face significant environmental and operational challenges. Heavy reliance on fossil fuels, inefficient infrastructure, and low levels of digitalization contribute to high greenhouse gas emissions, excessive operational costs, and limited competitiveness in global shipping networks. With tightening international environmental regulations and growing demand for sustainable logistics, Caribbean ports must modernize to remain viable and resilient in the face of climate change.
This GFDT grant will support efforts to enhance the environmental sustainability and performance of Caribbean ports. Key activities include assessing port performance and environmental sustainability, and the development of a Caribbean ports roadmap. By transitioning to greener and more efficient operations, Caribbean ports can reduce their environmental impact, improve competitiveness, and contribute to the region¡¯s broader climate and economic goals.
Transforming Freight Finance in South Africa
Grant: $150,000
Despite strong commitment from policy-makers in South Africa to support a low-carbon transport and logistics system, the country has experienced a significant shift of freight transportation from environmentally friendly rail to road-based trucking. This has resulted in rising emissions, increased congestion, and escalating logistics costs. With World Bank support, in December 2023 the government published a freight logistics reform roadmap aimed at translating policy commitments to decarbonize the sector into tangible outcomes. A key challenge remains securing financing to support this freight decarbonization strategy. Despite growing investor interest in sustainable infrastructure, South Africa¡¯s freight sector has struggled to attract financing due to gaps in policy, financial reporting, and investment readiness.
This GFDT grant will support South Africa in identifying pathways to green financing for freight rail and ports. Key activities include assessing financial reporting gaps and green credentials, modeling risk factors and financing mechanisms, and developing a strategy for engaging green investors. These efforts will directly contribute to the government¡¯s ongoing reform agenda and support the transition to a more efficient, low-carbon freight transport system. The outcomes will feed directly into the Sustainable and Low-Carbon Infrastructure Services Development Policy Loan (P507031) ¨C the first-ever development policy operation focused on decarbonizing infrastructure. By improving investment readiness and supporting reforms aimed at decarbonizing transport, this initiative will help unlock financing for critical infrastructure upgrades, enhance rail competitiveness, and advance South Africa¡¯s transport decarbonization goals.
Unlocking Land Value to Sustain Chile¡¯s Railways
Grant: $100,000
Chile¡¯s rail network plays a critical role in sustainable passenger mobility and freight transport, yet it remains heavily dependent on traditional revenues. Empresa de los Ferrocarriles del Estado (EFE), the state-owned railway company, is seeking to diversify its revenue sources and improve financial sustainability through Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) and Cargo-Oriented Development (COD). EFE owns a significant portfolio of real estate assets, particularly in Santiago¡¯s metropolitan area, presenting a major opportunity for land value capture to support railway expansion and decarbonization efforts.
This GFDT-funded activity will help EFE develop a roadmap to optimize its real estate assets, attract private investment, and integrate land use with rail operations. The activity will (i) analyze best practices in railway land value capture, (ii) identify priority sites for development, (iii) propose financial, legal, and business models, and (iv) create an implementation roadmap with pilot projects. By leveraging non-fare revenues, this initiative will enhance EFE¡¯s financial resilience, increase rail ridership, and promote sustainable urban growth¡ªultimately reducing reliance on private vehicles and supporting Chile¡¯s transport decarbonization goals.
Modernizing Ukrainian Railways ¨C Preparing for RRAIL Investment Project
Grant: $600,000
Ukraine¡¯s railway system has been an integral component in the country¡¯s transport system. Since the outbreak of the 2022 war it¡¯s been a critical lifeline, ensuring mobility for millions while sustaining economic activity. However, outdated infrastructure, financial instability, and operational inefficiencies threaten the long-term viability of Ukrainian Railways (UZ). To address these challenges, the World Bank is preparing the RRAIL (Rail Reform Achievement and Innovation Lead) investment project, expected to range between $500 million and $1 billion, with a focus on financial restructuring, governance reforms, and operational efficiency.
This GFDT-funded activity will support RRAIL¡¯s preparation by assessing UZ¡¯s financial situation and identifying debt restructuring options to enhance financial stability. It will analyze the railway operator¡¯s infrastructure asset management systems and develop a modernization roadmap to optimize maintenance and investment. In addition, it will review UZ¡¯s IT systems and define an IT transformation strategy to improve operational efficiency and safety. By strengthening UZ¡¯s financial and operational foundations, this activity will help facilitate railway sector reform, attract private investment, and drive transport decarbonization in Ukraine. It will also provide valuable lessons for railway SOE modernization in other post-Soviet economies. The modernization of Ukraine¡¯s railway system will help ensure its financial and operational sustainability and that the rail system can accommodate the country¡¯s growing needs in line with its low-carbon development pathway and the forthcoming accession of Ukraine to the European Union.
Advancing the Istanbul North Rail Crossing (INRAIL) Project
Grant: $200,000
T¨¹rkiye¡¯s efforts to decarbonize transport depend on shifting freight and passenger travel from roads to rail, yet a critical bottleneck remains at the Bosphorus Strait in Istanbul. Currently, freight trains must rely on limited nighttime access to the Marmaray tunnel or inefficient truck-based transshipment, increasing congestion and emissions. The Government of T¨¹rkiye aims to address this constraint through the Istanbul North Rail Crossing (INRAIL) project, a new 122-km electrified railway connecting both sides of Istanbul via the Yavuz Sultan Selim Bridge. This investment will enhance the Middle Corridor, a vital trade route linking Asia to Europe, while supporting T¨¹rkiye¡¯s goal of increasing rail¡¯s modal share from 4% to 10%.
This GFDT grant will support key preparatory studies required to mobilize international financing for the INRAIL project. Activities will include assessing the project delivery model, identifying key actions to enhance project benefits, and evaluating technical aspects as part of project appraisal, among others. By ensuring robust project preparation, this initiative will help secure investment in a transformative rail corridor that reduces freight emissions, enhances supply chain resilience, and improves connectivity for millions of passengers and businesses in T¨¹rkiye and beyond.
Modernizing Uzbekistan¡¯s Railway Tariff System
Grant: $300,000
Uzbekistan¡¯s railway system is a vital part of the country¡¯s transport network and a key transit corridor connecting Europe, China, and South Asia. However, despite its strategic significance, the sector faces increasing competition from road transport due to inefficiencies in its outdated Soviet-era tariff system. To address these challenges, the Government of Uzbekistan, with support from World Bank, is advancing a comprehensive railway sector reform agenda aimed at improving efficiency, competitiveness, and financial sustainability. Modernising the tariff structure is crucial for Uzbekistan Railways (UTY) to cover costs, attract investment, and encourage a shift from road to rail, helping to reduce congestion and emissions.
This GFDT grant will support the development of a fair and transparent railway tariff framework to improve UTY¡¯s financial performance and attract private sector investment. Key activities include analyzing the existing tariff system, defining new tariff-setting methodologies, and integrating global best practices. Additionally, the grant will assist in designing a Program-for-Results (P4R) framework to support corporate governance, accounting, and operational reforms. By strengthening UTY¡¯s commercial viability and aligning tariffs with economic realities, this initiative will help drive transport decarbonization, enhance Uzbekistan¡¯s role as a regional transit hub, and promote long-term railway sector sustainability.
Assessing the Viability of the "Middle Corridor" Uzbekistan-Kyrgyzstan-China Railway
Grant: $100,000
China-Europe trade and Central Asia¡¯s landlocked economies require reliable trade routes. Yet, substantial freight flows still rely on Russian infrastructure, creating vulnerabilities in regional logistics. The Middle Corridor, a growing multimodal trade route linking China and Europe, offers an alternative that increases trade resilience, with the proposed Uzbekistan-Kyrgyzstan-China (UKC) railway positioned as a key piece for its southern branch. This high-capacity rail connection could shift freight transport from roads to rail, which would greenhouse gas emissions. However, the project faces significant technical, financial, and institutional challenges, including high costs and uncertainties in future demand. With Kyrgyzstan bearing most construction costs but benefits spreading across the region, coordinated policy efforts are essential for the railway¡¯s success.
This GFDT grant will support an independent assessment of the UKC railway traffic forecasts, evaluate its financial feasibility, and suggest policy actions to enhance the project¡¯s commercial viability. The analysis will also explore opportunities for multimodal logistics hubs and anchor cargo investments to increase freight volumes. Additionally, the grant will fund the development of a communications strategy to attract private sector investment, align messaging with government priorities, and enhance female participation in transport and logistics. By supporting evidence-based policy dialogue, this initiative will strengthen investment prospects for the UKC railway and contribute to the broader development of a resilient, low-carbon Middle Corridor.
Piloting Decarbonized Inter-Island Ferry Services in the Philippines
Grant: $150,000
As an archipelagic nation with over 7,100 islands, the Philippines relies heavily on its maritime transport network, which facilitated 73.6 million passenger trips in 2023. However, the aging ferry fleet¡ªprimarily running on fossil fuels¡ªcontributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, safety risks, and inefficiencies. Domestic passenger shipping accounts for approximately 1 million tons of CO? emissions annually and modernization of about 300 inter-island ferry vessels that are responsible for 86% of the of CO? emissions is key to achieving emissions reductions in the transport sector. Despite government commitments under the Paris Agreement and its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), ferry operators face challenges in securing financing and adopting cleaner technologies. Without targeted interventions, the maritime sector will struggle to transition to a more sustainable and resilient system.
This GFDT grant will support the development of a business plan and financial model for a Decarbonized Inter-Island Ferry Pilot Project, informing fleet modernization efforts nationwide. The project will assess feasibility, define a financing strategy, and explore viable clean fuel and vessel technologies for selected pilot routes. Additionally, it will develop a flexible financial model to evaluate investment risks, operational costs, and potential public-private partnerships. By providing a roadmap for sustainable ferry transport, this initiative will reduce maritime emissions, improve passenger safety, and support the Philippines¡¯ broader efforts to achieve a net-zero economy.
Enhancing Railway SOEs¡¯ Access to Private Capital in Central Asia
Grant: $150,000
Railways are essential for sustainable transport in Central Asia, producing six times fewer CO? emissions than roads. However, railway state-owned enterprises (SOEs) in Uzbekistan (UTY) and Kazakhstan (KTZ) still need to mobilize substantial investments to enable rail to capture a greater share of the transport market. While both governments recognize the need for reforms to modernize and commercialize railway operations and increase private sector participation, there are operational and regulatory barriers that must be overcome for the companies to be more financially independent. Removing these barriers will be key for UTY and KTZ to secure greater volumes of financing to support infrastructure investments and meet their countries¡¯ decarbonization goals.
This GFDT grant will support efforts to strengthen UTY and KTZ¡¯s financial and operational frameworks and further increase their financial capacity. The initiative will assess UTY¡¯s debt position and explore financing strategies to reduce its debt burden, while also developing recommendations on tariff and ESG reforms for both rail operators. These reforms can be helpful in helping prepare KTZ for its long-term objective of executing an IPO and improving UTY¡¯s financial sustainability and access to finance. By enhancing railway SOEs¡¯ ability to mobilize commercial financing at the scale required, this initiative will facilitate greater investment in low-carbon rail infrastructure, strengthen regional connectivity, and promote the shift from road to rail freight across Central Asia.
Accelerating Electrification of 2/3-Wheelers in Sri Lanka
Grant: $150,000
Sri Lanka¡¯s transport sector is a major contributor to greenhouse gas emissions, accounting for 41% of total emissions and consuming 60% of the country¡¯s fuel imports. With 2/3-wheelers making up approximately 70% of the total vehicle fleet, electrifying this segment presents a significant opportunity to reduce fossil fuel dependency, lower emissions, and improve air quality. However, the transition faces multiple barriers, including limited access to financing, lack of supportive policies, high upfront costs, and gaps in charging infrastructure. As Sri Lanka moves toward its net-zero commitments, developing a viable strategy for financing and managing electric 2/3 wheelers is crucial to accelerating transport decarbonization.
This GFDT grant will support an in-depth assessment of financing models and fleet management strategies to accelerate 2/3-wheeler electrification in Sri Lanka. The initiative will analyze policy gaps, assess market readiness, and identify viable financial structures to attract private sector investment. It will also explore global best practices and propose a roadmap for scaling up electrification, including potential applications of World Bank Group instruments. Through stakeholder consultations, knowledge-sharing activities, and capacity-building efforts, this initiative will help lay the foundation for sustainable fleet modernization, supporting Sri Lanka¡¯s transport decarbonization goals while enhancing economic and environmental resilience.
Greening India¡¯s Inland Water Transport Sector
Grant: $150,000
India has set ambitious climate goals, including reducing carbon intensity by 45% by 2030 and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070. The country¡¯s Inland Water Transport (IWT) sector is a crucial but underutilized component of the transport system, with significantly lower energy consumption per ton-kilometer than road or rail transport. However, most of India¡¯s IWT vessels still run on fossil fuels, contributing to emissions and pollution. With the government aiming to increase IWT¡¯s modal share from 2% to 5% by 2030, transitioning to low-carbon, energy-efficient vessels is essential to ensure sustainable growth.
This GFDT grant will support India¡¯s IWT decarbonization efforts by assisting government agencies and World Bank-funded projects in adopting green vessel technologies and financing mechanisms. The initiative will strengthen regulatory frameworks, develop innovative financing models for green vessels, and facilitate investments in shore-side charging and digital infrastructure. By supporting pilot projects, scaling up alternative fuel adoption, and enabling private sector participation, this activity will help modernize India¡¯s IWT fleet and lay the foundation for large-scale fleet transition. The project¡¯s findings will inform existing and future World Bank lending operations, contributing to India¡¯s long-term transport decarbonization strategy.
Designing Transport Solutions Through the Perspective of ¡°Vulnerable¡± Users
Grant: $200,000
Transport contributes significantly to global GHG emissions, with urban passenger transport alone accounting for 44% of these emissions. Women tend to travel more sustainably than men¡ªwalking more, taking shorter trips, and relying more on public transport¡ªyet transport systems are often designed without considering their mobility needs. This lack of gender-responsive planning can push women towards higher-carbon transport options when they can afford them, while missing opportunities to shift men towards sustainable modes.
This GFDT-funded activity will generate data on gender differences between women and men in travel behavior and mobility patterns in selected cities in Latin America and East and Southern Africa (including Salvador, Antananarivo, and Pretoria). The insights will be used to recommend avoid, shift, and improve strategies to reduce transport emissions while making systems more accessible and equitable. Key components include stocktaking of transport modes and policies, gender-disaggregated data collection, development of planning tools, and capacity building for stakeholders. By integrating the priorities of different transport users into gender-responsive planning into and transport decarbonization strategies, this activity will inform ongoing and future World Bank operations, helping cities design transport solutions that maintain or increase women¡¯s use of sustainable modes while shifting men¡¯s behavior towards greener alternatives. The findings will also support replication and scaling in other cities facing similar challenges.
Accelerating Transport Decarbonization in Nigerian Cities
Grant: $200,000
Nigeria¡¯s rapidly growing cities face worsening congestion, air pollution, and rising transport emissions due to increasing private vehicle use and the dominance of inefficient, informal public transport. The recent removal of fossil fuel subsidies has further disrupted transport affordability, highlighting the urgent need for modernized, sustainable mobility solutions. With urban populations expected to increase by 50% by 2035, Nigerian cities must transition to greener, more efficient transport systems to ensure economic competitiveness, accessibility, and climate resilience. The Nigerian government has expressed strong interest in leveraging fuel subsidy savings to enhance public transport and support e-mobility adoption.
This GFDT grant will support the development of a national urban mobility program (NUMP) aimed at providing Nigerian cities with financial and technical support to advance sustainable transport initiatives. Supporting the NUMP initiative, three key core activities are being developed: (i) preparation of a diagnostic report assessing regulatory and institutional frameworks, evaluating transport demand and supply, and identifying key challenges and opportunities for sustainable mobility; (ii) preparation of targeted assessments exploring financing mechanisms to modernize and professionalize Nigeria¡¯s public transport operations (including e-mobility solutions whenever feasible in the Nigerian context), improved spatial planning and urban mobility governance and management, and professionalization of paratransit sector; and (iii) elaboration of a readiness assessment of Nigeria¡¯s Federal institutional and regulatory framework required to support Bank lending instruments. By informing a new Bank-funded investment program, this initiative will help Nigerian cities transition to cleaner public transport, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and establish models for urban mobility reform across Africa.
Modernizing Public Transport Data in Brazil
Grant: $200,000
Brazil¡¯s rapidly growing cities face mounting challenges in public transport efficiency, air pollution, and rising greenhouse gas emissions. Despite significant federal investments in transit infrastructure and bus fleet renewal, policymaking and resource allocation remain hampered by fragmented and inaccessible data. With private operators controlling most ticketing systems and GPS tracking data, public authorities struggle to monitor service quality, assess passenger demand, and plan for fleet electrification. There is also a challenge in monitoring GHG emission reductions, which is essential for participation in the carbon market. Without a centralized, data-driven approach, achieving Brazil¡¯s transport decarbonization goals will be difficult.
This GFDT grant will support the development of a National Public Transport Platform to enhance data-driven policymaking and improve public transport quality across Brazil¡¯s 21 largest metropolitan areas. The platform will integrate real-time data from ticketing systems, GPS tracking, and mobile phone analytics, enabling better monitoring of passenger travel patterns and service performance. Key activities include designing data-sharing standards, piloting the platform in select cities, and creating a user-friendly dashboard for policymakers. By improving data access and coordination, this initiative will help optimize transit investments, accelerate bus electrification, and support Brazil¡¯s long-term urban mobility decarbonization strategy.
Upgrading the Highway Development and Management (HDM) Model to Improve Global Road Management
Grant: $125,000
Effective road infrastructure planning is essential for economic growth, safety, and climate resilience, yet many transport agencies rely on outdated tools for decision-making. The Highway Development and Management (HDM-4) model has long been a critical system for evaluating road management and investment alternatives, offering economic appraisal of road projects and network economic strategic analysis. However, with rapid advancements in vehicle technologies, pavement materials, and construction techniques¡ªalong with growing concerns over climate change and road safety¡ªan upgraded model is needed to better support modern transport planning.
This GFDT grant will support the continued development of HDM-5, an upgraded version of the HDM-4 model which has been under development since 2023, led by the World Bank in collaboration with international partners. The enhanced model, will introduce new capabilities, including improved climate resilience assessments, more accurate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions estimation, and enhanced road safety impact evaluations. Additionally, the software platform will be modernized to ensure greater usability and accessibility for transport agencies worldwide. By equipping governments with better data and analysis tools, this initiative will drive more sustainable and cost-effective road investments, contributing to safer, greener, and more resilient transport networks globally.
Piloting Innovative Solutions for Low-Carbon Urban Mobility in Angola
Grant: $150,000
Angola¡¯s rapidly growing cities face mounting challenges in urban mobility, with informal minibus taxis dominating public transport services. These paratransit operations are often inefficient, high-emission, and unregulated, leading to road safety risks, poor service reliability, and mobility barriers for women and girls. With the government prioritizing urban transport reforms in cities like Luanda, Huambo, and Benguela, there is an urgent need for structured interventions to modernize public transport, promote electrification, and enhance accessibility. Public transport reform is also a key action under Angola¡¯s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to reduce emissions and improve sustainability.
This GFDT grant will support technical assistance for piloting reforms in Angola¡¯s paratransit sector. The initiative will collect data on minibus taxi operations, assess business models, and analyze gender-related mobility challenges. Using these insights, a pilot for improved paratransit operations will be designed, exploring ways to enhance service efficiency, introduce electric vehicle adoption, and improve transport accessibility for women. The findings will directly inform Angola¡¯s upcoming urban mobility lending operation and provide scalable solutions for other Sub-Saharan African cities. By fostering cleaner, more inclusive transport options, this initiative will help reduce emissions, improve urban mobility, and enhance transport resilience in Angola.
Enhancing BRT Access through Walking and Cycling in Indonesia
Grant: $100,000
Indonesia¡¯s urban transport emissions are rising rapidly, with poor first- and last-mile connectivity undermining efforts to shift travelers toward low-carbon public transport. In two major metropolitan areas¡ªGreater Medan (Mebidang) and Greater Bandung (BBMA)¡ªongoing World Bank-supported investments in Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) systems under the MASTRAN program risk falling short of their full potential due to unsafe or inadequate infrastructure for walking and cycling. Without reliable non-motorized transport (NMT) options, commuters continue to rely on motorcycles and private vehicles, compounding congestion and emissions.
This GFDT grant will support the development of NMT integration strategies that enhance access to BRT systems in Mebidang and BBMA. The project will identify gaps in pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, propose design improvements for high-priority corridors, and develop corridor-specific masterplans to guide future investments. By creating a replicable model for multimodal connectivity and aligning with Indonesia¡¯s climate targets, this activity will help unlock the full impact of MASTRAN, reduce transport emissions, and promote more inclusive, low-carbon urban mobility.
Designing a Bankable Bikeways Program in Chile
Grant: $100,000
Despite growing demand for active mobility, Santiago¡¯s fragmented cycling infrastructure limits safe and efficient bike travel, increasing dependence on motorized transport and contributing to emissions, congestion, and road safety concerns. Chile has committed to ambitious climate targets¡ªincluding a 30% reduction in transport emissions by 2030¡ªand is prioritizing sustainable mobility through national and regional strategies. With plans to build over 800 km of interconnected bikeways in the Santiago Metropolitan Region, the government is seeking to integrate cycling with public transport and develop a model that can be scaled nationally and replicated across Latin America.
This GFDT grant will support the design of a robust institutional and financial structure for Chile¡¯s flagship bikeway program. The activity will provide strategic guidance to align public and private financing, define risk-sharing mechanisms, and map viable funding sources¡ªincluding World Bank Group instruments and public-private partnerships. By building a foundation for the largest connected cycling network in Latin America, the activity aims to accelerate emissions reductions, improve safety and accessibility, and create a replicable model for sustainable urban mobility investments across the region.
Advancing Active Mobility for Women in Karachi and Lahore
Grant: $100,000
In Pakistan¡¯s two largest cities, Karachi and Lahore, poor air quality, rising motorization, and limited transport options disproportionately affect women and girls, whose mobility remains significantly constrained. Despite contributing a third of the country¡¯s GDP, both cities suffer from unsafe, inaccessible pedestrian and cycling infrastructure¡ªespecially for women, who are four times less mobile than men. Deep-rooted social norms, fragmented planning, and a lack of inclusive design in transport systems limit access to education, jobs, and public life for women and girls, while contributing to rising emissions and worsening climate resilience.
This GFDT grant will accelerate the design and implementation of safe, inclusive active mobility systems that empower women in Lahore and Karachi. The activity will involve participatory assessments to identify mobility gaps and needs, develop gender-responsive roadmaps with actionable policy recommendations, and launch awareness campaigns to shift public perception and promote walking and cycling. By improving first- and last-mile connectivity, and by integrating active mobility with ongoing World Bank operations, the grant will help reduce transport emissions, improve public health, and enable equitable access to opportunities for women and girls¡ªmaking urban mobility safer, cleaner, and more inclusive.
Advancing the Giro di Ciro Greenway in the Western Balkans
Grant: $100,000
The Western Balkans hold significant untapped potential for sustainable tourism and active mobility. The disused Belgrade-to-Adriatic narrow-gauge railway¡ªspanning 774 kilometers across Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and Montenegro¡ªoffers a rare opportunity to catalyze regional integration, boost local economies, and reduce transport emissions through the creation of a scenic greenway. Linking iconic cities like Sarajevo, Dubrovnik, and Mostar with national parks and UNESCO heritage sites, the proposed ¡°Giro di Ciro¡± route could transform a legacy corridor into a vibrant, cross-border trail for cyclists, hikers, and nature tourists. By promoting active travel and revitalizing rural communities, the initiative aligns with national climate strategies and development goals across the ¡°WeBe6¡± countries.
This GFDT grant will help define the institutional and financial roadmap to realize the Giro di Ciro greenway. The project will clarify governance arrangements and asset responsibilities, develop a sustainable financing strategy, and produce a detailed business and tourism case for a priority 250-kilometer stretch through Bosnia and Herzegovina. It will also facilitate stakeholder engagement and promote the initiative through a high-level regional event. By laying the groundwork for cross-border collaboration and long-term investment, the activity will position the Giro di Ciro as a model for greenway development in the region, serving as a catalyst for decarbonized transport, rural revitalization, and sustainable tourism across the Western Balkans.
Grant: $200,000
In Nepal¡¯s Kathmandu Valley, rapid urbanization has exacerbated traffic congestion, road crashes, and air pollution. Existing public transport services suffer from inefficiency and poor safety standards, prompting residents to increasingly favor private modes of transport, further increasing congestion. Overcoming these many challenges require innovative solutions.
This GFDT grant will empower the newly established Transport Authority in the Kathmandu Valley to strategically reshape the urban mobility landscape. The project comprises two key components: the development of a sustainable public transport strategic plan, a bus reorganization strategy, and a pre-feasibility study for an integrated mass transit program; and the creation of a roadmap for electrifying buses and two- and three-wheelers. By remapping routes, promoting a shift to non-motorized transport, and decarbonizing the public transport sector, the project aims to significantly enhance transport efficiency, safety, and environmental sustainability in the region.
Grant: $200,000
In Benin¡¯s ¡°Grand Nokou¨¦¡±¡ªan area that comprises the economic capital (Cotonou), the administrative capital (Porto-Novo), and two residential communes (Abomey-Calavi and S¨¨m¨¨-Podji)¡ªroughly 250,000 moto-taxis operate, representing 70% of motorized trips. This ratio is increasing. These two-wheeler taxis, which are known locally as ¡°zemidjans¡±, cause traffic congestion, road crashes, and air pollution. In addittion to these issues, it is estimated that zemidjans produce 2.1 million tons of CO2 (equivalent) annually, representing 15% of Benin¡¯s total greenhouse gas emissions (2023).
This GFDT grant will advance the preparation of a World Bank fleet-renewal operation designed to accelerate the transition to e-motorcycles in Benin¡¯s Grand Nokou¨¦ region, thereby supporting the modernization and decarbonization of informal transport in the region.
Grant: $200,000
Malawi has one of the smallest greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions footprints in the world. Still, emissions are rising, and the transport sector is the main contributor to the country¡¯s emissions. Malawi¡¯s updated Nationally Determined Contribution (2021) lays out an ambitious agenda to reduce emissions across multiple sectors. Meanwhile, Malawi is faced with a severe macroeconomic crisis which has led to the shortage of imported goods, including fuel shortage in the domestic market. Such shortage happened every other month, significantly impeding economic and social development.
This GFDT grant will support the development of an e-mobility assessment in Malawi, including a supply and demand assessment and a policy gap assessment. Based on these assessments, an e-mobility roadmap will be prepared and an e-mobility pilot project will be identified. The project aims to contribute not only to emissions reduction and low-carbon transport development, but also to the country's macro-stability, which has been an increasing concern in previous years.
Grant: $200,000
Baghdad's road network is characterized by near-constant congestion. The informal transport sector has eclipsed formal public transport services, which has led to a sharp increase in the number of small vehicles, while infrastructure capacity has stagnated.
This GFDT grant will support the Government of Iraq¡¯s transport decarbonization agenda through the development of a green and comprehensive approach to Baghdad¡¯s traffic problems. The project will assess the causes and full extent of Baghdad¡¯s congestion problem, quantify its costs to the Baghdadi and Iraqi economies, and evaluate the most effective measures to manage congestion in the long-term without inducing additional vehicle kilometers of travel.
Grant: $200,000
Rail has shown to be a far less carbon-intensive method of hauling freight than road-based trucking. Even so, Pakistan Railways¡ªthe state-owned enterprise that operates Pakistan¡¯s rail network¡ªis relatively inefficient and uncompetitive, handling less than 6% of total freight movement. This has resulted in high emissions from the trucking sector that could be avoided.
This GFDT grant will enhance the capacity of Pakistan Railways to increase private sector participation in its freight operations. By restructuring its freight services, Pakistan Railways will become more competitive compared to trucking services, encouraging a greater portion of freight to be transported by rail and leading to reduced transportation emissions.
Grant: $200,000
Viet Nam and China face critical environmental challenges in their transport sectors. In Vietnam, escalating greenhouse gas emissions are driven by a heavy reliance on road transport, highlighting the need for a transition to electric mobility in line with the country¡¯s climate goals. China, as the world's largest CO2 emitter, grapples with high motorization and urban congestion, necessitating innovative solutions like Emissions Trading Schemes (ETSs) to manage and reduce transport emissions.
This GFDT grant will catalyze transformative changes in both countries. In Viet Nam, the project will lay the groundwork for the electrification of bus fleets and the development of electric vehicle infrastructure, marking a significant shift towards sustainable urban mobility. In China, the project aims to design and implement a tailored ETS for the transport sector in Hubei Province. The ETS will focus on establishing a robust framework for emissions reduction, compliance, and reporting, thereby promoting the adoption of greener transport modes.
Grant: $200,000
Transport accounts for a significant and growing portion of global CO2 emissions. However, there is a lack of robust data and modeling tools to determine the most efficient decarbonization pathways for specific economic, social, and political contexts. This has resulted in inconsistent modeling methodologies, a lack of understanding of policy effectiveness, and ad-hoc policy recommendations.
To address the problem, this GFDT grant will fund the development of modeling tools for passenger and freight transport. These tools will estimate CO2 emissions, evaluate the impacts of decarbonization policies, and prioritize transport investments. Expected outputs include data repositories, tools for estimating economic benefits, and frameworks for evaluating reforms. These data and tools will serve as a policy scenario sandbox and decision-making support tool, enabling World Bank transport teams to rapidly design, test, and analyze the impacts of different policy bundles.
Grant: $700,000
The Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region has favorable conditions for e-mobility deployment due to its comparatively clean energy mix, high urbanization rates, and strong governmental interest. Electrifying public transport, and especially buses¡ªwhich are heavily used in the region¡¯s bustling cities¡ªis a key priority as it reduces air pollution, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and offers long-term economic benefits. Despite over a decade of e-mobility pilots and numerous studies outlining its benefits, policy ambitions have not yet been translated to deployment at scale. Primary challenges include high investment costs and limited availability of affordable financing. There are also analytical gaps in understanding a) the factors driving high investment costs, b) the feasibility of various financial models based on the LAC context, and c) policymakers' capacity to plan and implement e-mobility initiatives.
This GFDT grant aims to fill these analytical gaps and support the identification and implementation of e-mobility initiatives that respond to government interest. The analysis will focus on four areas: (i) assessment and recommendations on e-mobility plans, strategies, or project concept development; (ii) examining barriers in financing e-bus deployment in the region and proposing practical financing models tailored to country and city contexts; (iii) developing practical technical and operational knowledge to support government programs, focusing on e-buses and e-boats, and (iv) supporting capacity building and knowledge exchange events.
Grant: $200,000
The EU is committed to decarbonizing its transport sector, and rail transport is crucial for achieving this goal as it generates far fewer CO2 emissions on a per-mile basis than roads and aviation. However, the rail sector in countries seeking to join the EU or seeking to develop corridors that connect to the region is underperforming, with low market share and fragmented infrastructure. The road sector's dominant market share for freight transport in these countries imposes significant environmental, safety, and infrastructure costs on the society. Further, fragmented infrastructure that follows national boundaries raises the cost of cross-national hauls. Tailored solutions, institutional support, and private sector participation are needed to revitalize the rail sector so that it can become the backbone of an integrated and competitive logistics system in the region.
This GFDT grant will evaluate current rail operations, identify actions to increase commercialization, develop new business models, and explore opportunities to boost private sector participation. By attracting passengers and cargo and tailoring services to their needs, the project aims to encourage a modal shift towards rail and thereby advance transport decarbonization. The outcomes of this project have the potential to inform rail sector reforms globally and benefit countries with EU accession ambitions and neighboring areas.
Grant: $600,000
Rail-based transport generally emits fewer greenhouse gases per ton-mile compared to road transport, primarily due to the efficiency of moving large volumes of goods or passengers in a single journey. Additionally, by alleviating congestion on roads, rail transport reduces the overall environmental footprint of logistics operations and can reduce travel times for commuters.
This GFDT grant will support the expansion of railways across Latin America, with a focus on sustainability and resilience. In Guatemala, the grant will support prefeasibility studies for the first metro system in the country in Guatemala City. When built, the metro system will reduce transport emissions and enhance access to jobs and essential services. In Jamaica, the grant will assess infrastructure and develop investment plans to revive and modernize Jamaica's railway system, which was once the backbone of its economy. In Mexico, PROTRAM¡ªa federal program promoting sustainable transport in Mexico¡¯s urban areas¡ªwill benefit from strengthened capacity for mass transit investments. In Argentina, the grant will fund studies to explore an open access model for freight railways, which could accelerate the shift of cargo transport from road to rail. Each initiative under the grant is a step towards a greener, more resilient future, driving down emissions and paving the way for sustainable growth.
Grant: $500,000
In the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region, 35% of greenhouse gas emissions related to fuel combustion come from the transport sector¡ªfar exceeding the global average of ~22%. With the recent submission of updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to the Paris Agreement, countries in LAC have strengthened their commitments towards sustainable development and a just climate transition. In many LAC countries, boosting public transportation is at the center of proposed actions to combat climate change, yet many cities are under-resourced and struggle to put in place the substantial policy and infrastructure changes needed to reverse trends in declining public transport ridership and attract commuters to more sustainable transport modes.
This GFDT grant will fund a package of analytics to inform a common vision for low-carbon urban transport among different levels of government in target countries in LAC. The activity has three components: (i) improving institutional structures and governance models for national and state-level urban transport programs; (ii) developing funding and financing models for public transport, walking, and cycling investments; and (iii) utilizing big data and open-source analytical tools to maximize the efficiency of urban transport systems.
Grant: $250,000
Nearly 91% of commuters in Lima, Peru, do not have access to safe, clean, and efficient transit services since the city¡¯s transport infrastructure was built primarily to serve the needs of private cars. For instance, there are a lack of bus priority lanes, safe and connected bicycle lanes, intermodal transfer facilities, and adequate street design and signaling systems
ľ¹ÏÓ°Ôº is preparing a 15-year Multiphase Programmatic Approach (MPA) to help modernize transport in Lima. A major goal of the project is to decarbonize urban transport by (1) reducing demand for carbon-intensive transport through demand management strategies similar to "Barrios Vitales" in Bogota or "Supermanzanas" in Barcelona; (2) promoting low-emission transport modes such as mass transit, bicycles, and micro-mobility, and (3) improving the performance of the transport network by adopting more efficient technologies, such as improving traffic management systems to give priority for lower-carbon modes.
This GFDT grant supported the design and implementation of this transformative program through innovative data analytics and robust appraisal methodologies.
Read more about this GFDT-funded program in this .
This GFDT-funded activity directly led to a World Bank-financed operation to transform urban mobility in Lima over 10 years, which was approved by the World Bank Board on October 15, 2024. Read more.
Grant: $400,000
India has made the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) a priority and is targeting 30% share of EVs in new vehicle sales by 2030. The Government of India has introduced favorable policies and incentives to drive EV adoption, however barriers remain such as regulations, lack of access to affordable commercial financing (especially for two- and three-wheelers), procurement and contract management issues for e-buses, and a lack of charging infrastructure. Additionally, the large-scale deployment of e-buses will require project financing at an unprecedented scale.
This GFDT grant will accelerate EV adoption in India through unlocking commercial financing at scale and supporting the promotion of alternative business models and new technological solutions such as battery swapping. The project has three main activities: (1) accelerating e-bus deployment across India through innovative financing instruments, (2) supporting Indian states and cities in efficient planning and operation of e-buses, and (3) supporting states to accelerate the adoption of electric two- and three-wheelers.
Grant: $750,000
GFDT is spearheading the development of an investment facility to unlock climate and development finance for low-carbon transport projects in Sub-Saharan Africa. The Regional Facility will help countries in the region harmonize policies and investment programs to promote electric cars, buses, and two and three-wheelers.
This GFDT grant will make a significant contribution to transport decarbonization across the region by bringing more climate and development financing into countries and cities in Sub-Saharan Africa. The financing facility will also help improve transport accessibility for some of the region¡¯s most vulnerable communities, especially by supporting reforms to modernize public transport.
Grant: $350,000
Transport accounts for almost half of Ghana¡¯s energy-related GHG emissions. Bus electrification could help reduce the climate impact of the transport sector, but requires significant investment, coordinated planning, and technical know-how.
This GFDT grant will support a national program that will inform e-bus project preparation in select Ghanaian cities. Components include: (1) a gap analysis on e-bus adoption; (2) developing a strategic and systematic approach to bus electrification across the country; (3) supporting the e-bus development and transition plan in selected cities, in line with the national plan; and (4) capacity building workshops for transport leaders.
Grant: $350,000
Pacific Island nations rely heavily on imported fossil fuels, with land transport being the largest contributor to greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in the region. Vehicle imports are growing rapidly, yet most Pacific Island countries have no or only a few vehicle import standards and quantity controls.
This GFDT grant will: (1) analyze options for a more sustainable urban mobility system in Pacific cities; (2) provide a comprehensive assessment of opportunities for sustainable motorization management; and (3) increase the governments¡¯ capacity for developing decarbonization and resilience strategies in the urban transport sector.
Grant: $400,000
Millions in Africa¡¯s Sahel region are facing food insecurity in 2023 in what is likely to be a protracted crisis. This challenge is exacerbated by poor logistics, climate vulnerability, and barriers to decarbonization and climate resilience. However, there are also many opportunities to build more efficient transport systems in the region while reducing emissions and enhancing resilience.
This GFDT grant will deliver: (1) an assessment of rural logistics and accessibility; (2) a review of barriers and opportunities for freight and logistics decarbonization; and (3) capacity building workshops for government officials and other decisionmakers.
Grant: $300,000
A mix of formal and informal public transport systems serve the Greater Cairo Region, home to over 20 million people. Overseen by a complex arrangement of regulatory bodies, public transit services are often unreliable and lack coordination. In fact, the average public transport user can only reach 20 percent of all jobs in the metro area within 60 minutes, which is one of the lowest accessibility rates among equivalent megacities. Personal safety is another major concern, particularly for female commuters.
This GFDT grant will advance the preparation of a World Bank lending operation to catalyze the low-carbon transition and digital transformation of public transport in Egypt.