Government Push For Infrastructure Projects | 07 Aug 2024

Source: IE

Why in News?

Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, led by the Prime Minister has approved eight National High Speed Corridor projects under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Model.

• These projects are expected to create approximately 4.42 crore mandays of direct and indirect employment.

What are the Approved Eight National High Speed Corridor Projects?

What is the Government’s Road Map for Infrastructure Development?

• Focus on Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Government has emphasised on project development through PPP investment models.
  • This model allows private players to assume investment risks and manage the construction and maintenance of highways.
• Amendments to Concession Agreements: Government has amended the Model Concession Agreement to make it more attractive for private investors, introducing liberal compensation, extended concession periods, and termination payments.
  • The earlier concession agreement system featured fixed compensation, short concession periods, low termination payments, and strict regulatory oversight, making it less appealing to private investors.
• Introduction of Construction Support: A new 'construction support' mechanism will enable the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to pay up to 40% of the total project cost in ten instalments based on physical progress, enhancing financial viability for private developers.
  • Earlier, NHAI only provided equity support, which led to cash flow challenges as developers had to rely heavily on their own funds before project completion.
• Economic Impact of High Speed Corridor Projects: The projects aim to boost regional economies, particularly in states like West Bengal and the North East, by improving connectivity and reducing transportation costs.
• Progress in Highway Construction in India:
  • The length of National Highways has increased from 0.91 lakh km in 2013-14 to 1.46 lakh km in 2024.
  • The average annual construction of National Highways has increased by about 2.4 times from about 4,000 km in 2004-14 to about 9,600 km in 2014-24.
  • The total capital investment in National Highways including private investment has increased by 6 times from Rs. 50,000 Crore in 2013-14 to about Rs. 3.1 Lakh Crore in 2023-24.
  • The government has adopted a corridor-based highway infrastructure development approach with a focus on consistent standards, user convenience, and logistics efficiency.

What are the Challenges to Infrastructure Development in India?

• Physical Infrastructure: The construction of physical infrastructure in India faces significant challenges including land acquisition, which often involves complicated resettlement and compensation issues.
  • Additionally, funding such large-scale projects is difficult due to limited government resources and private investment hindered by economic and regulatory obstacles.
  • Furthermore, there is a lack of technology and expertise required for executing complex infrastructure developments.
• Political and Regulatory Risk: It encompasses various approvals required across the project cycle, community opposition, changes to regulations, and breach of contract terms.
  • In India, denial of government payments against contractual agreements is perceived as likely to influence future investment decisions.
• Geographical Challenges: India's diverse topography, including mountains, rivers, and coastal regions, presents unique engineering challenges. Additionally, extreme weather conditions, such as cyclones and floods, can disrupt projects and increase costs.
• Corruption and Inefficiency: Bureaucratic red tape, corruption, and lack of transparency often lead to project delays, cost escalation, and suboptimal quality of projects.
• Policy Inconsistencies: Conflicting policies and regulations often create an uncertain environment for investors and developers, discouraging private participation.
• Digital Divide: India faces challenges in developing its digital infrastructure due to a significant digital divide, particularly in rural areas with limited access to technology and the internet.
  • The rise in technology usage also raises concerns regarding cybersecurity and privacy, necessitating robust regulations and infrastructure.
  • Additionally, the absence of standardisation and coordination among various stakeholders in the digital infrastructure sector can impede user experience and stifle growth and innovation.

What Steps can be Taken for Infrastructure Development in India?

• Investment in Social Infrastructure:
  • Investing in social infrastructure such as education, public health, and sanitation can enhance workforce productivity, reduce mortality and malnutrition, improve social mobility, and elevate quality of life.
    • These investments support a stronger, more inclusive economy and holistic development.
• Increased Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs):
  • The government can partner with the private sector to finance, design, construct, and operate infrastructure projects.
• Improved Project Planning and Implementation:
  • The government can streamline project planning and implementation processes to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Implementation of Innovative Financing Solutions:
  • The government can explore innovative financing solutions, such as infrastructure bonds, to mobilise additional funds for infrastructure development.
• Encouraging Foreign Direct Investment (FDI):
  • The government can ease regulations and create a favorable environment for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in infrastructure development.
• Building Human Capital:
  • To advance infrastructure development, the government should focus on building human capital through investments in job training and apprenticeships, ensuring access to quality education, supporting infrastructure research and innovation, and fostering public-private partnerships. Key schemes to support these initiatives include Skill India, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), and the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY).
• Effective Regulation:
  • The government can establish and enforce effective regulations to ensure the quality and safety of infrastructure projects.
    • Regulations can establish standards for material quality and workmanship. They can also mandate safety requirements, including fire safety, evacuation plans, and accessibility standards, to ensure the safety of both the public and workers involved in the project.
    • Additionally, independent inspections and testing can help identify and address any issues before the infrastructure is put into use.