Mumbai, May 17 (PTI) Maharashtra Government has sought funds from the World Bank to fund its infrastructure, water supply, education and AIDS control projects.

A presentation to this effect was made to the visiting World Bank Managing Director Okonjo Iwealas yesterday in the presence of Chief Minister Prithviraj Chavan.

Chavan expressed confidence that the World Bank will play an effective role in progress and development of Mumbai.

He said growing urbanisation and burgeoning population in Mumbai and surrounding areas has put several restrictions on growth.

"With 48 per cent urbanisation, housing has become a cause of concern and a challenge. The state government has taken up projects like slum rehabilitation, rental housing, cluster development of old and dilapidated buildings," Chavan said.

The Chief Minister said the first phase of Mumbai Urban Infrastructure Project and Mumbai Urban Transport Project is nearing completion.