Transport infrastructure is a critical driver of regional connectivity, trade facilitation, environmental sustainability and economic growth. BRICS focuses on the development of sustainable, resilient, and low-carbon transport systems, particularly in maritime transport, ports, logistics, railways, aviation, and urban mobility. The sector also emphasises digitalisation, green technologies, and climate-resilient infrastructure to improve efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The BRICS Transport Ministerial Track primarily deals with these domains of transport infrastructure.

BRICS has undertaken several initiatives in the transport infrastructure domain, including the BRICS Transport Working Group¹ , the BRICS Model E-Port Network² , and the BRICS Railways Research Network³. The BRICS Transport Working Group promotes policy coordination, knowledge sharing, technical cooperation, and joint engagement in international forums on sustainable transport and logistics systems. Further, the BRICS Model E-Port Network aims to improve supply chain connectivity, trade facilitation, and digital cooperation through information and communication technologies (ICT), e-port systems, and Single Window platforms (BRICS China, 2017b). It also facilitates cooperation in advanced IT systems, port management, logistics efficiency, and capacity building among BRICS countries (BRICS China, 2017b). 

BRICS cooperation in transport infrastructure further emphasises maritime decarbonisation, sustainable fuels, green shipping corridors, and climate-resilient port infrastructure. Cooperation areas include the adoption of low-carbon and alternative fuels such as hydrogen, methanol, biodiesel, and biofuels, alongside investments in sustainable logistics chains and energy-efficient port operations (BRICS China, 2017b). Member countries also support joint research, pilot projects, technical cooperation, and exchange of best practices to accelerate the transition toward cleaner maritime transport and resilient logistics systems (BRICS Brazil, 2025a).

Transport infrastructure is one of the key areas of operation under NDB’s General Strategy for 2022–2026 (NDB, 2022). The Bank supports sustainable, climate-smart, resilient and inclusive transport systems that improve connectivity, mobility, productivity and access to services. By end-2025, transport infrastructure was NDB’s largest sectoral exposure, accounting for 37.9% of the active portfolio, with total financing of approximately USD 13.5 billion (NDB, 2026).

NDB’s transport infrastructure covers a wide range of operations, including urban metro and rapid-transit systems, passenger and freight railways, rural and urban road upgrades, airport expansion and modernisation, ports and logistics infrastructure, among others. These investments support lower congestion, safer and more reliable transport, stronger links between cities and regions, and better access to markets and public services. NDB also supports innovative solutions that promote accessible and climate-friendly transport. As at the end of 2025, NDB’s active portfolio is expected to support construction or upgradation of 32,400 kms of roads and bridges, an increase of 104 million/year of air passenger handling capacity, 960,000 tonnes/year of air cargo handling capacity, and addition of 293 kms of urban rail transit network (NDB, 2026). Looking ahead, NDB will strengthen its support for the expansion and modernisation of transport and logistics networks in both urban and rural areas, prioritising transportation modes with lower emissions, greater efficiencies, and adequate safety measures.

[1] BRICS Brazil (2025b).
[2] BRICS China (2017a)
[3] BRICS India (2016)