Infra firms pitch for regulator to monitor PPP projects across sectors.

Leading infrastructure players have pitched for a neutral regulator to look into all issues in public-private-partnership (PPP) projects across sectors. They highlighted the point to the Vijay Kelkar Committee that is looking into 'revisiting and revitalising the PPP model of infrastructure development'.

Top Indian players are reluctant to participate in these projects and there are barely any foreign investors, said an industry player, who made a presentation before the committee. “What is required is a PPP model involving all stakeholders in the decision-making process. The element of risk in the business should not just rest with the private sector,” said another source. L&T, Reliance Infrastructure, GMR and GVK are the leading players in the segment.

“There are regulators specific to the infrastructure sector, but their work is restricted to looking into just one or two components, like tariffs in the case of power. What is required is a regulator that would look into the nuances of a contract as well and ensure quick decision-making,” he added.

HBL