Thrust on PPPs to augment urban infrastructure

Public Private Partnerships (PPPs) are the key to overcome the resource gaps in urban infrastructure, Union Minister for Urban Development S Jaipal Reddy said. 

Speaking at national workshop on 'Capacity Building for Promoting Public Private Partnerships in Urban Infrastructure' in the city on Wednesday, he said that PPPs have become potential strategies to promote urban infrastructure investments, which lead to efficiency in service delivery and inclusive growth. 

Highlighting the immense pressure which the Indian urban infrastructure is facing, he said there are many gaps with respect to water supply, sanitation, waste management, public transport, housing and facilities for urban poor. 

He said that while the 11th plan estimates Rs 1,29,000 crores will be required to take care of water supply, solid waste management and sanitation, a resource gap of nearly 89,237 crores will still be needed to meet urban infrastructure needs. 

Giving the present taxation structure, the urban local bodies will not be able to raise the money required for various projects.

Hence, PPPs are the only option to raise resources and provide efficient management, the Minister said.