Though it will tackle the tangled web of permissions required for a project, a bottom-up approach would be more effective.
As the Centre pushes reforms in the power sector, especially for the beleaguered electricity distribution segment, several states, especially those ruled by Opposition parties, are clamouring against it. Maharashtra, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Kerela have voiced their reservations against the proposed amendments to the Electricity Act, 2003. The irony is the states opposing the amendments on the ground of threat of privatisation already have private partnerships in power supply. The proposed Bill was slated to be placed on the floor of Parliament in the Monsoon session. But it still awaits Cabinet approval amid several states complaining that they have been not consulted on the issue.
The results are likely to please the Indian government, which has been trying to impress on domestic and foreign investors about its efforts to improve the ease of doing business.
With buyers playing safe, projects such as Delhi-Gurgaon Expressway find it difficult to get new concessionaires
Can the newly-minted Jal Shakti ministry bring water to some 19 crore Indian households that have never had taps or heard the sound of flowing water, wonders Vinayak Chatterjee.
To attract capital into infrastructure projects, the ratings system needs a fresh look.
Stepped up public expenditure must be accompanied by focused policies, advises Vinayak Chatterjee.
Railways, rural infrastructure, urban rejuvenation, solar and transmission and distribution of electricity are the new priorities, says Vinayak Chatterjee.
To cover most of the gap, the road ministry plans to raise $7 billion.
There are both positive and negative impacts of the tax, but the net result for India's infrastructure sector is advantageous, says Vinayak Chatterjee.
Yes. Whilst public expenditure is kicking in, the key reason is the decline in private investment
It is a national economic problem and one that requires a political solution hand in hand with a clear government commitment to stand behind core national assets, says Vinayak Chatterjee.
Indian roads are far more unsafe than its railways. A sense of urgency is required to tackle India's embarrassing record on road safety.
Infra sector is neglected by the Modi govt.
Whilst substantive public allocations have been made in the infrastructure sector, this strategy is plateauing due to the fiscal deficit constraint, capacity limitation of statal implementing agencies, the declining ability of PSUs, and the precarious situation of the Railways' operating ratio. It is, thus, high time to get the policy compass to point at rejuvenating private sector investments in infrastructure, says Vinayak Chatterjee.
Power plant load factors are at historic lows of around 60 per cent.
Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu aligns priorities, funding and organisation to shape a transformation agenda.
The overriding objective of the National Investment and Infrastructure Fund (NIIF) must be adequate economic return, not financial return.
Smart cities must be very well equipped with technology and security systems alike.
The real estate Bill will stamp out illegal practices prevalent in the industry.
Hard and unpopular decisions are needed - not just another round of financial repackaging to sort out the discom mess.
Little attention is being paid to keep roads, bridges and flyovers in good shape
Sensex, Nifty under pressure on weak global cues.
Private sector firms need to be re-engaged for better infra planning.
The nation wants an ex-ante body for endorsing "public purpose" during land acquistion process.
Modi govt must bring about reforms to kick-start big-ticket infra projects.
This uncaring attitude is primarily based on the fact that road concessionaires still do not see themselves as "service deliverers", says Vinayak Chatterjee.
If nothing is done, the country is set to become 83 per cent energy-import-dependent by 2040.
From Kudankulam to the Land Bill, the author takes the Twitter route to capture the infra action of 2013.
© 2026 Rediff.com - Investor Information - Advertise with us - Disclaimer - Privacy Policy - Sitemap - Feedback - About us - Terms of use - Grievances