SUSTAINABLE INFRASTRUCTURE: GREEN TECH AND GREEN TRADE

Sustainable infrastructure development has become a key priority in addressing environment challenges and achieving long-term economic growth. The banking sector plays a vital role in this process by promoting green trade banking practices that support environmentally responsible project and sustainable financial activities. This study examines the green trade banking practices of the State Bank of India (SBI) and HDFC Bank and their contribution to sustainable infrastructure development with special reference to Ujjain district. The research adopts a descriptive and comparative approach using both primary and secondary data. Primary data were collected through questionnaires and interviews with bank officials and customers in Ujjain district, while secondary data were obtained from bank reports, RBI publications, and relevant research literature. The study analyzes the level of awareness, types of green trade banking products, and the role of these practices in supporting sustainable infrastructure at the district level. The findings reveal that both SBI and HDFC Bank have integrated green banking practices into their operations. SBI contributes significantly through its wide outreach and financing of large-scale and government-supported projects, whereas HDFC Bank demonstrates strong ESG integration, digital banking initiatives, and innovation sustainable finance products.However, the study also identifies challenges such as limited customer awareness, lack of district-specific green finance products, and uneven implementation at the branch level. The study concludes that green trade banking practices have a positive impact on sustainable infrastructure development in Ujjain district. Enhanced awareness, customized local strategies, and stronger policy support can further strength the role of bank in achieving sustainable and inclusive growth.