New Delhi - India plans to set up a federal Transport Planning Authority to coordinate infrastructure projects and curb wasteful spending, according to people familiar with the matter.The new body, which will work closely with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s office, will oversee development across aviation, highways, shipping, rail and urban planning, aligning various ministries to improve project viability and avoid delays, said the people who asked not to be identified.

The Cabinet clearance for the proposal may take three to six months, they said.

The world’s most-populous nation is spending tens of . . .