Delhi govt to push infrastructure projects through PPP model

New Delhi, Jul 10 (PTI) In a move aimed at accelerating the development of large-scale infrastructure projects, the Delhi government is planning to adopt the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model more aggressively, said official sources on Thursday.
     The decision was taken in a recent high-level meeting chaired by Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Parvesh Verma during which officials were instructed to prepare proposals that align with the PPP framework.
     The shift in policy comes amid concerns over delays and cost overrun in previous public infrastructure projects due to funding limitations.
     "Several projects in the past have faced funding issues, which led to significant delays and escalated costs. By adopting the PPP model, we aim to overcome these hurdles and ensure timely completion," said a government source.
     Under the PPP model, private sector entities are expected to invest in public infrastructure in exchange for future returns often through commercial use or toll revenues.
     "The government is also exploring the possibility of incorporating commercial components within certain public infrastructure projects to make them more attractive to investors," sources said.
     In the past few months, several government projects in the water sector like installation of small sewage treatment plants (STPs) on drains, where private companies can adopt the plant in return for advertising, have been launched.
     In the transport sector, the DTC is working on installing water coolers at bus shelters on the PPP model, where the companies would set up and operate the water coolers and in return, they can advertise on the side of these coolers.
     The PWD had earlier announced a policy of 'adopt-a-flyover', where private firms could take responsibility for a flyover's maintenance and they could advertise on the flyover in return.
     The PWD, which is responsible for constructing and maintaining roads, bridges and public buildings in Delhi, will take the lead in implementing this model.
     Currently, officials are working on identifying viable projects for PPP-based execution.
     The PWD in Delhi manages 1,400 kilometers of roads that are 60 feet wide or more.

(This story has not been edited by THE WEEK and is auto-generated from PTI)