Date:07/07/2006 URL: http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/2006/07/07/stories/2006070703780900.htm

Back `Infrastructure will see investment of Rs 3,20,000 cr in the next 6 years'

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Assocham study sees significant role for private sector

MR GAJENDRA HALDEA (left), Advisor to Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission, with Mr Anil K. Agarwal, President, Assocham, and Mr D.S. Rawat, Secretary General, Assocham, releasing the report on `Infrastructure: The $150-billion growth story' in the Capital on Thursday. - Ramesh Sharma

New Delhi , July 6

For the development of infrastructure in the country, highways, ports and airports will see an investment of Rs 3,20,000 crore in the next six years, according to Mr Gajendra Haldea, Advisor to the Planning Commission Deputy Chairman.

While releasing a study on infrastructure prepared by Assocham, Mr Haldea said that highways sector alone would see an investment of Rs 2,20,000 crore in six years. "About 75 per cent of the investment will be channelised through the public-private partnership model. We see private sector as a significant partner in the development of the infrastructure of the country," he said.

The development of ports will see an investment of Rs 60,000 crore. The upgradation and modernisation of airports will see another Rs 40,000 crore investment in the period. "Here again much of the investment will come from the private sector. We have the example of Delhi and Mumbai airports and other major airports will follow," said Mr Haldea.

He said that resource generation would not be a constraint for the Government and added that enabling model would shortly be announced for the execution of 11th Plan programme for infrastructure building.

The study estimates an investment of Rs 6,50,000 crore or around $150 billion for infrastructure development programmes in the country.

It includes Bharat Nirman programme that will require investment of Rs 1,74,000 crore. Of this, Rs 48,000 crore will be utilised for rural roads. The National Urban Renewal Mission will require another Rs 1,00,000 crore for implementing urban reforms and upliftment of urban poor.

Total requirement of National Highway Development Programme is estimated at Rs 54,000 crore, which entails private sector participation of Rs 4,000 crore.

Modernisation of Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, Hyderabad and up-gradation of a few other non-metro airports would cost an estimated Rs 10,000 crore. The study puts investment requirements in the maritime sector at Rs 1,00,000 crore.