Gurugram's metro expansion moved closer to a key approval as Gurugram Metropolitan Rail Limited advanced a loan proposal with the World Bank for phase two. The financing was described as being for an amount of Rs 28 billion (Rs 28 bn) and was expected to cover around 60 per cent of phase two of the project, which aims to widen rapid transit capacity across the city and relieve congestion in major corridors.

A World Bank delegation carried out visits to Panchkula after earlier consultations in Gurugram to evaluate planning, sustainability measures and execution readiness for the scheme. Project teams completed environmental and social impact assessments and aligned project design with transit oriented development principles while strengthening last?mile connectivity. Officials indicated that documentation on these elements had been submitted in support of international financing and that preparatory work on procurement and contract frameworks was under way.

The loan proposal remained under advanced review and approval was anticipated by the end of July pending a scheduled meeting of India's Department of Economic Affairs. A GMRL official said the World Bank applied its own parameters, that discussions had been positive and that the department meeting in July was expected to consider the loan. Project authorities continued to address conditions required by international lenders and to refine technical and financial documents to meet lender criteria.

If approved, the funding would accelerate construction schedules and support measures intended to improve operational sustainability and passenger access. Authorities planned further coordination on procurement, compliance and integration with existing urban transport networks to maintain implementation readiness. Continued alignment with sustainability and social safeguards remained central to securing the loan and to delivering the expanded metro capacity once formal sanctioning occurred.