City
Epaper

Infra gap may close in 5-6 years: KPMG-CII report

By IANS | Updated: September 4, 2019 20:25 IST

Faster highway development in the country could bridge the infrastructure gap over the next 5-6 years and the government's task would then be largely limited to quality service for road users, safety solutions, and enhanced use of technology among others, as per a KPMG-CII report.

Open in App

The joint report has projected a total investment of Rs 19 lakh crore over the next five years, or about Rs 3.8 lakh crore annually.

The projections is based on average road construction cost of about Rs 30 crore per kilometre including land acquisition cost and factoring in inflation for road construction at a conservative 3 per cent.

The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has decided to complete 60,000 kms of National Highways (NHs) in the next five years at an average construction rate of 40 kms per day.

"The current focus on construction of roads and highways is expected to continue over the next five to six years. Post that the focus is expected to shift to efficient operations and maintenance of roads and enhanced service provisions to road users. In addition to this, multi-modal integration is expected to gain further significance, both in passenger and freight," said Davinder Sandhu, Partner and Head - Transport and Logistics, KPMG in India transport.

On funding issues, the report said that the approach levers that have been identified earlier need to be built upon. It noted that funding source for the government is limited and it has to tap into internal extra budgetary resources as much as possible, subject to keeping tab on the extent of future liabilities.

"The likely options to raise capital are bonds, masala bonds and debts from Multilateral Funding Institutions (MFIs)," it said.

The report, titled Roads and Highways sector - Current trends and future road map, applauded the policy measures taken by the government and suggested their continuation.

"Other measures that can be explored are reduction of tax on infrastructure bonds and extension of tax holiday to infrastructure developers. Some innovative PPP modes similar to Least Present Value of Revenue can also be explored," it said.

( With inputs from IANS )

Tags: Ministry Of Road TransportNational HighwaysKpmgPPP
Open in App

Related Stories

NationalGovernment Collects Rs 1.44 Lakh Crore Toll Tax on National Highways Under Public-Private Partnership Model

NationalRoad Accidents in India: 40% of Deaths Linked to Unfit Vehicles with Fraudulent Fitness Certificates

InternationalPrivate operator takes over operations of 6 berths at Kidderpore Dock

BusinessDraft notification issued for mandating air conditioner on truck cabins in India

TechnologyMicrosoft, KPMG expands partnership to reshape professional services via AI

कारोबार Realted Stories

BusinessIndia to soon launch safety assessment rating for trucks and heavy vehicles: Nitin Gadkari

BusinessJag Mohan Garg: Land Pooling Policy and Delhi’s Urban Renaissance

BusinessIndia’s M&A and PE deals surge 204 pc to $5.3 billion in Q1: Report

BusinessSportsBaazi Introduces 'Pro Trader and Coach' Role, Signalling a New Era of Strategic Excellence in Sports Trading

BusinessRefex Industries Reports 88% YoY Growth in Net Profit for FY25