Seven projects to be executed in PPP mode

The Partner Kerala Mission (PKM), the nodal agency created under the Local Self-Government Department for time-bound implementation of projects, has invited ‘request for qualification’ from private entities to execute projects in Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode. Seven projects across Kerala have been listed under the current phase.

The announced projects include multilevel car parking and commercial complex at Kacheripady, Kochi, estimated to cost Rs.44 crore; public park and multifunctional complex at Edapally, Kochi, costing Rs.50 crore; mobility hub at Meenchantha, Kozhikode, expected to cost Rs.122 crore; mobility hub at Kunnamkulam, costing Rs.52 crore; municipal market and multifunctional complex at Adoor, estimated to cost Rs.118 crore; municipal office and commercial complex in Pathanamthitta, expected to cost Rs.50 crore; and exhibition facility and convention centre at Thamarakulam, Kollam, estimated at Rs.96 crore.

Private investment

The initiative has been launched in pursuance of the government decision to involve private investment in public infrastructure projects. The government had convened an investment meet for urban local bodies in Kochi when a slew of projects came up for consideration.

A committee set up by the government for suggesting a plan of action for taking up the projects had submitted its report later.

The committee had suggested that only self-sustaining, revenue-sharing projects be considered for execution. Availability of free-hold land by the local authority is a precondition for taking up the projects.

A memorandum of understanding, signed between the Partner Kerala Mission and the local body, is another requirement for execution of the project.

As per broad guidelines for implementation of the scheme, the projects are to be executed on a Design Build Finance Operate and Transfer (DBFOT) basis for a specified period on a revenue-sharing model.

The successful bidder will be incorporated as a Special Purpose Vehicle. The land ownership will remain with the authority.

Additional space available at the site could be developed by the successful bidder for commercial activities, subject to the conditions laid down by the authority.