Difficult to build roads via govt funds only, industry should examine PPP: Nitin Gadkari

Pointing out at the government's endeavour to have U.S.-like road infrastructure in the country by 2024, transport minister Nitin Gadkari today urged the industry to examine public private partnership (PPP) model used earlier as it may be difficult to build roads solely through public funding.

Addressing Assocham's 102nd foundation day programme on Tuesday, Gadkari said, "We have decided that India's road infrastructure will be equivalent to America by 2024. This is our effort and I am hopeful that we will be successful in this."

Funding highway infrastructure only through public resources may be difficult, Gadkari added, urging the industry to come forward for PPP model of highway development. Quoting the advantages of the PPP model, Gadkari mentioned that 55 flyovers, and Mumbai-Pune expressway were implemented on PPP basis in 1995, during his tenure as a minister in the Maharashtra government.

"There was no money then with the state government. It is a success story as the PPP model allowed investment and now the private sector has even recovered the investments while the public has got the necessary infrastructure," Gadkari added.