The 100 Top Infrastructure Projects in the World

Infrastructure the world over is under increased pressure due to the forces of urbanization. According to KPMG Global Infrastructure Practice, more than half of the world’s population now lives in cities — on a combined land area of less than 2 percent of the surface of the globe.

A KPMG report released recently recognizes 100 infrastructure projects that are greeting this new reality with innovative infrastructure projects that emphasize sustainability and livability. In this second edition of “Infrastructure 100: World Cities Edition,” analysts estimate that a staggering amount of infrastructure investment — in of tens of trillions of dollars — will be needed in the next 40 years to ensure a sustainable future.

"Strategic city infrastructure projects are delivering economic renewal by connecting communities and increasing jobs while delivering tangible long-term impacts and growth,” said James Stewart, KPMG's Chairman of Global Infrastructure, in a recent announcement. “But the importance of investing in sound, smart infrastructure cannot be overstated."

An international panel of industry specialists hailed from Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, Europe, Asia Pacific and North America. One project was selected as most noteworthy in each of 10 categories: urban mobility, global connectivity, urban regeneration, education, healthcare, water, new and extended cities, recycling and waste management, urban energy infrastructure and communications infrastructure.

The East Side Access Project in New York City was the only U.S. based project to win a “most noteworthy” designation. Featured in the urban mobility category, the $8.2 billion endeavor will make various improvements to Manhattan-area mass transit, and is expected to calm traffic in and around Manhattan, and greatly improve commute times.

Here are the other featured international projects that won acclaim in the KPMG report:

1. Global Connectivity: Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, Delhi to Mumbai, India

2. Urban Regeneration: Oresund Regional Development, Denmark and Sweden

3. Education: Princess Nora Bint Abdul Rahman, University for Women, Riyadh, Saudi

4. Health Care: Royal London Hospital, London

5. Water: Tuas II Desalination Plant, Tuas, Singapore

6. New and Extended Cities: Tianjin Eco City, Tianjin, China

7. Recycling and Waste Management: Deep Tunnel Sewerage System, Kranji to Changi, Singapore

8. Urban Energy Infrastructure: Cidade Inteligente, Buzios, Brazil

9. Communications Infrastructure: BRICS Cable Project, South Africa and Mauritius

Other U.S. projects featured in the report include the New University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital, the Port of Miami Tunnel and a California Moss Desalination project.

A complete list of all 100 projects mentioned is linked here.