The Role of the New Development Bank in Accelerating Global South Growth – Part II

To highlight the tangible outcomes of the development-oriented approach of the New Development Bank (NDB), examining its financed projects is essential. One of the largest and most prominent projects is the Delhi–Ghaziabad–Meerut Regional Rapid Transit Corridor in India, for which NDB allocated USD 500 million.

Prior to the project, travel time between Delhi and Meerut was approximately four hours. The new high-speed railway, with a total length of 82 kilometers—62 kilometers of which are underground—has reduced travel time to around one hour.

In China, NDB has also financed major infrastructure projects. A notable example is the liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in the Nangang port area of Tianjin, approved in 2021, which plays a significant role in supplying China with natural gas via maritime routes, including imports from Russia.

From an environmental perspective, this project is particularly important as it facilitates China’s transition from coal to natural gas and contributes to improved air quality in major cities such as Beijing.

Another key project is Qingdao Metro Line 6, implemented with approximately USD 457.7 million in NDB financing. The first phase became operational in April 2024. The line extends over 30 kilometers, includes 21 underground stations, and is recognized as China’s largest metro line using prefabricated structures as well as Qingdao’s first fully automated, driverless metro line.

Due to the use of green technologies, the project received an award from the International Tunnelling and Underground Space Association.

During 2023 and 2024, the New Development Bank approved 10 new projects worth USD 2.06 billion, primarily in Brazil and India, with a strong focus on transport development and improvements in water and wastewater infrastructure.

In addition, in 2024 NDB announced USD 1.2 billion in financing for infrastructure projects in Russia, including the development of water and wastewater systems, support for the judicial system, and strengthening tourism infrastructure in small historic cities.

Overall, these projects demonstrate that the New Development Bank remains one of BRICS’ key instruments for advancing sustainable development, upgrading infrastructure, and improving living standards across member states and other emerging economies.