The third panel discussion of the High-Speed Rail Financing Workshop, “Innovative Models of Financing,” explored emerging approaches to fund large-scale rail infrastructure while balancing public investment with private participation.

Mrs Namita Mehrotra, Director (Finance), National Capital Region Transport Corporation Limited, highlighted how lifecycle planning, multilateral financing and transit-oriented development can strengthen project viability. Sachin Bhanushali, Advisor – Transport & Logistics, The World Bank Group, emphasized that High-Speed Rail creates long-term economic value and requires diversified revenue streams beyond fares. Bhanu Mehrotra, Principal Investment Officer, IFC - International Finance Corporation, spoke about leveraging public funding through asset monetisation and well-structured PPP frameworks to attract private capital.

Moderated by Dhruv Gadh, Partner – Advisory (Transport & Logistics), PwC India, the session examined practical financing innovations that can support India's high-speed rail ambitions and strengthen the railway ecosystem for the future.