Municipal Bonds: Paving the Path for Urban Development

Municipal bonds are emerging as a pivotal mechanism for financing urban infrastructure and development projects nationwide, according to SEBI Chairman Tuhin Kanta Pandey. Addressing the Association of Mutual Funds in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, Pandey revealed that 22 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) have cumulatively raised more than Rs 4,500 crore through municipal bonds by the end of FY26.

Pandey praised the capital market's role in providing diverse financing avenues such as equity, debt, REITs, InvITs, and municipal bonds. He highlighted successful cases in states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Madhya Pradesh, suggesting that Odisha could similarly use municipal bonds as a crucial component of its developmental financing strategy.

The SEBI Chairman also pointed out that municipal bonds, with broader investor participation, can significantly contribute to infrastructure funding in Odisha. Besides, mutual funds are instrumental in supporting infrastructure through investments in debt instruments, reinforcing the domestic securities market's steady growth.

(With inputs from agencies.)