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Stress on PPP model in urban development

KOCHI: Building of urban infrastructure requires large funds, but there are limitations on budgetary allocation of funds for projects. This situation underscores the need for public-private participation (PPP) in various projects for urban development, said M. Ramachandran, Secretary, Urban Development, Government of India.

He was addressing a session on public-private part icipation in urban infrastructure, organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry, in association with the Ministry of Urban Development here on Saturday.

He said infrastructure projects should aim at integration of satellite towns with larger cities, taking future needs into consideration. A variety of projects could be taken up under PPP in urban areas.

People’s participat ion should be ensured in these projects. Several PPP projects have been successfully implemented in a host of cities.

Mr. Ramachandran said he had held talks with the State government on Kochi’s metro rail project and the latter was engaged in finalising the mode of executing the project. A final proposal was expected in a fortnight.

Kochi Mayor Mercy Williams said the municipal corporation was required to follow certain formalities and procedures and sometimes these came in the way of executing PPPs. The lack of a masterplan had affected Kochi’s growth. She said partnership arrangements needed clarity and precision. She also urged people to realise their social responsibility.

V. Jayaprakash, Deputy Mayor of Thiruvananthapuram Corporation, described the projects undertaken in the city under partnership agreements. M. Bhaskaran, Mayor of Kozhikode, said the government should undertake a propaganda to spread awareness on the positive aspects of PPPs, as people were often concerned over issues such as toll.

Suresh Joseph, general manager, Dubai Ports World, said hartals and strikes had affected the progress of the work as well as the image of the company. Migration of business to neighbouring States and foreign countries could be attributed to the unfavourable environment that was prevalent in the State. However, he said the State had skilled manpower and an attitudinal change could bring about a bright future.

Umang Patodia, chairman, CII Kerala State Council; B. Rajesh, principal consultant, PricewaterhouseCoopers Pvt. Ltd; Hemant Joshi, managing director, CRISIL Infrastructure Advisory; Pamela Anna Mathew, chairperson, Urban Kerala Mission; V. Ravichandar, CEO, Feedback Business Consulting Services Pvt. Ltd.; Sundeep Kumar, financial controller, New Tirupur Area Development Corporation Ltd.; V.V. Krishnarajan, deputy project director, Kerala Sustainable Urban Development Project; and M.S.A. Kumar, vice-chairman, CII Kerala State Council; spoke.

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